Isky E4 cam

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oldngrumpy

Junior Member
Hello all,

thinking of putting a mild cam in my Y block to give it a little lift and wanted to know if anyone runs an Isky E4? I would still like a smooth idle if possible, any thoughts. Thanks in advance.

Regards
Rob
 
An email and Ford friend recently sent me a phone converstaion he taped with Ed Iskenderian about the dealer available M260 kits (dual quads etc) that were available in 1956. He stated that the kits originally came with Isky E-2 cams, but also said that some were using E-4 cams. He also stated the E-4 was a milder grind than the E-2, so it sounds like an Isky E-4 would be a good choice for you.
 
I have an Isky E-4. It is a good cam for street. Wont kill mpg but gives more performance. Good idle with manifold vacuum at 13-14.
 
E-4 Specs -Intake opens 19/closes 61
Exhaust opens 65/closes 15
LIFT .400

Labled as a full race-WHY I dont know.????

The E2 was a more radical camshaft.I think the E4 would be a great choice.

You know the E in the E camshaft labling stood for Edelbrock.

Isky was testing all his cams on Edelbrocks dyno-thus the "E"

True story.Got proof.Got Milk Too :)

Oldmics
 
This will probably be controversial, but I didnt use the spring seat pressure Isky recommends. They call for 105 or 115 lbs (dont remember). I set the seat pressures at 90. Figured the higher pressures werent needed given the max rpm and lift, and less pressure theoretically would produce less cam lobe and lifter wear. New springs and lifters were installed.
 
Hello. I hope I'm not violating "rules". as I have posted "Barn" recently about my
64 292.. I had been trying to sell it, but really no takers, so now I'm going to build
it.. The talk about the Isky cam E-4 is interesting, because no mention is made
of the lift, duration etc:... or If any other make might be good... I can see that

parts for the Y block are not cheap...

So looking at a mild street engine, what are we looking at for RPM range
manual trans. I understand that the original cams used went into both

carbed cars and super charged ones.

Best
 
I just looked at the Isky catalog on line, and it doesn't seem to show the old designations. I'd guess it's still there somewhere. Back in the 60's my first y block, a bored 312 with 11.25:1 pistons ran an rpm 300. It was a fine street cam behind a T-85 o/d with a 4.27 rear gear. I think that was more cam than the E-4.

In recent years I've run cams from John Mummert. I've found his recommendations to be a little conservative, but I might have more tolerance for lope and a slightly higher idle. The last cam I bought from him (custom grind) came from Clay Smith. Had the right groove, and the Cam Dr. read out for specs. Based on that experience, I'd check his offerings.

http://www.ford-y-block.com/valvetrain.htm
 
Sanddoc said:
Hello. I hope I'm not violating "rules". as I have posted "Barn" recently about my
64 292.. I had been trying to sell it, but really no takers, so now I'm going to build
it.. The talk about the Isky cam E-4 is interesting, because no mention is made
of the lift, duration etc:... or If any other make might be good... I can see that

parts for the Y block are not cheap...

So looking at a mild street engine, what are we looking at for RPM range
manual trans. I understand that the original cams used went into both

carbed cars and super charged ones.

Best
Click to expand...


Look at Oldmics post #6 in this thread. He listed the E-4 specs. Basicly .400" lift and 260 degree advertised duration.

Sal
 
Make sure the oil groove in the cam is according to Ford specs. A lot of Isky cams were not correct, even to this day.


I don't have the specs, some on here may have them or call John Mummert.
 
The basic specs have been posted twice. Post #6 and post #12.

From the specs in post #6 you can also figure out the overlap. Only thing not posted is the lobe center angle.

Sal
 
I built a 312 with an Isky E4 cam back in the '90s. It had a very slight lope if you listened closely. It would wind to 5500 quickly like it was going for much more. I was advised to limit it to 5500 unless it had the supercharged valve keepers as the standard keepers were prone to shake loose at higher RPMs. I never investigated that theory, just kept the revs down.
 
do not forget that the lifters come out the bottom, and not just pulled straight up like small block Fords, and it can be a real pain to change the cam without pulling the eng. It can be done. some use old style clothes pins to hold the lifters in place until the cam is out, then it may be possible to remove the lifters with magnets and a mechanical fingers tool. I have done it 30-40 years ago, but can't remember how I got the lifters out
 
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