Topic: hey engine guys.. a few questions
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
Over the winter I am doing a cam swap on my 454 and have chosen a cam, lifter and carb combo, I want to know how you guys feel about my choices..
stock 454 with THM 400 with mild shift kit installed.....
upgrading the following after i do a compression check and the bottom end checks out good....
Edelbrock Torker II 2-0 alum low rise single plane intake
Crane Cams Cam grind 272 dur at .050 216int/228ext Lift .525 int .510 ext
new valve seals, springs and keepers
Crane double roller timing chain and gear set
Holley Street Avenger carb 670cfm
New hi-flow water pump from flo-kooler and hi flow t-stat
all new hardware will be stainless or black oxided
Carter hi flow fuel pump...
Petronix Ignitor II points eliminator set
all FEL-PRO gaskets
while i want to detail the engine bay to look stock, I am trying to stay away from the "bling bling", so i will have painted valve covers, no or very little chrome.... I like cast aluminum color and the gold irridite finishes....
sounds like I am on the right path?
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Everything looks otay to me except the name "Crane"... 
I would look for a cam with the same/close to same specs from Lunati, Manley, or Comp Cams.
IMO, Crane stuff sux. I'm sure others may disagree, but I've NEVER had anything good from Crane.
I would look for a cam with the same/close to same specs from Lunati, Manley, or Comp Cams.
IMO, Crane stuff sux. I'm sure others may disagree, but I've NEVER had anything good from Crane.
Joel Adams
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Former Member
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Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
Hum.... interesting input about Crane... may I ask why you say this?
I was considering a Lunati... but decided on Crane as my uncle always ran crane cams in his day...
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Sure ya kin ax! 
You may not like the answer, but... 
I used Crane stuff a lot back in my day, also. I was never satisfied that what I got was what I paid for. I've never installed a Crane cam that worked worth a poot, they never spec'ed out(degreed) correctly. The roller rockers would never survive in the higher rpm ranges we ran on our drag cars OR drag boats. Messed up a couple of good engines runnin Crane crap.
I've never been unhappy with anything we ever got from Lunati, whether it be parts, or service. Comp Cams is great, too. Never a complaint with their stuff. For the money, Lunati can't be beat.
Mind you, this is simply my opinion from my experiences with them(Crane). Like I said, others may argue...
Give this thread a couple of days...who knows what might come up?
(I might add that all of the drag boats we ran were big-blocks...from 427 to 468. Several of the cars were, also, but most of my cars were small blocks.)Adams' Apple 2006-11-08 20:54:00
You may not like the answer, but...
I used Crane stuff a lot back in my day, also. I was never satisfied that what I got was what I paid for. I've never installed a Crane cam that worked worth a poot, they never spec'ed out(degreed) correctly. The roller rockers would never survive in the higher rpm ranges we ran on our drag cars OR drag boats. Messed up a couple of good engines runnin Crane crap.
I've never been unhappy with anything we ever got from Lunati, whether it be parts, or service. Comp Cams is great, too. Never a complaint with their stuff. For the money, Lunati can't be beat.
Mind you, this is simply my opinion from my experiences with them(Crane). Like I said, others may argue...
Give this thread a couple of days...who knows what might come up?
(I might add that all of the drag boats we ran were big-blocks...from 427 to 468. Several of the cars were, also, but most of my cars were small blocks.
)Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
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Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
Ok, sounds like a legitimate gripe.... I am checking lunati's cams now and see what i can come up with
74stingray454 2006-11-08 21:02:54
what would you recommend for a "cruiser" that i want good low end torque, decent fuel economy and not too much , but noticable of a lope at idle?
i thought maybe this one
Former Member
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Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
Did a compression check this evening... the variance was 8 pounds from the highest to the lowest..
74stingray454 2006-11-11 19:49:19
I find that acceptable and plan on "pressing on" with the upgrades!
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
8lbs hi/lo is totally acceptable! 
Good luck on the up-grades, and keep us posted!!
Good luck on the up-grades, and keep us posted!!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
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Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
Well, thats why I posted.... asking for input!!!
74stingray454 2006-11-11 20:56:14
I was not too sure if i should go higher or not... I think the q-jet is rated at 750 cfm isnt it?
My little Buick 231 I ran in my monza was topped with a 600 holley and sometime begged for more! but i had a hi stall converter and some steep gears.
I would suggest a 750 carb with vacume secondaries or larger with a dual plane intake which is better suited to low to mid range (ie: streetable) The Torker2 is a great high rpm manifold and with the 650 you would be defeating the purpose. If I may suguest an Edlbrock performer manifold with a 750-800 cfm carb. The cam would be best with a higher lift on the exhaust side because the BBC needs all the help it can get there. Say a 510 int 520 exh. I like Comp Cams they have their stuff together and I have one in my 454. If you would like I have Desk Top Dyno 2000 and could run you a graph of torque and horsepower. Just let me know what you want and I may put together somthing you might like. I also have Drag 2000. Put your engine in a car and get 1/4 mile times and a Cam disk with a couple of thousand cam grinds from different manufacturers.It will get you to wherever in the torque range you would like. Desk Top Dyno displays just like a Dyno printout and is quite accurate. E-mail me at www.carbon5429@aol.com so I can send you the printouts.custom76 2006-11-17 05:23:40
in Forum: C3 Engines
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