Cam suggestion

SuperDaveAZ

I am thinking that my current cam sucks and it has to go. I would like advice what might be a better fit for my needs. I spend most of my time rock crawling but the 4-5 times a year that I use the motors power is when I get disapointed after losing uphill drag races at the sand dunes against my friends who are simulary (sp) equiped.
Ok on with my specs:

1986 CJ7
401 bored 40 over (1972 year i believe)
Sealed power forged pistons part # L2380F40 not sure of compression ratio
58cc heads with SS valves it looks like somebody did a little porting but have no info on it or if it was done professionally
Air gap intake
770 holly truck avenger
mallory unilight dist
6AL MSD ignition box
Eldebrock shorty headers
Summit 8601 cam
Roller rockers 1.6
19" flex fan
2500 stall convertor
4:10 axle gears
727 trans with low gear kit (this changes axle ratio to 4:56 in 1st & 2nd gear)
Std Dana 300 transfer case
2 1/2" dual exhaust with Moroso racing mufflers
125 HP NOS kit

When I had this motor in my old jeep that had a T18 stick in it the motor was alot faster. I have made alot of changes (intake, convertor, carb & MSD) but it still is not happy as it was. With the stick it would run 5500-5800 rpm but with the auto it gets 4000-4500 rpm. I change from the stock converto to the 2500 stall to get the cam into its power band. Lets hear your thoughts!

Some pics too:

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL683/2960043/5984984/311696338.jpg

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL683/2960043/5984984/311696344.jpg

Thx
Dave

BREK

If you are mostly rock crawling that cam is a bit on the large side.

SuperDaveAZ

BREK wrote
If you are mostly rock crawling that cam is a bit on the large side.

Not worried about the rock crawling side of things, the 401 has plenty of torque, I need to be faster than my buddys!

Also what compression are the pistons I have?

Thx, Dave

fifesjeep

Have you tried tossing in a manual shift kit for the auto?... You'll be able to hit the higher rpms quicker and hold them longer... Not sure how the tranny will hold-up in the long run. I'm sure it'll do alright seeing that you don't do this but 4-5 times a year? What size tires are you running? Nice pistons... Kinda pricey imo... here are some specs of the pistons. (From Summit) Part Number: TRW-L2380F40 Bore (in): 4.205 in. Bore (mm): 106.807mm Piston Style: Dish, with a trough Piston Material: Forged aluminum Compression Distance (in): 1.505 in. Piston Head Volume (cc): +27.50cc Wrist Pin Style: Press fit Pin Diameter (in): 1.000 in. Piston Ring Thickness: 5/64 in. x 5/64 in. x 3/16 in. Quantity: Sold individually, $50+ a pop #-o I'm not sure what the CR would be for those pistons but for the Summit 8601... I imagine you would at-least want a 9-10:1 CR... The advertised lift with stock rockers is .496" Int and .521" Exh... And according to the specs that cams operating range is from 2000-5000 rpms... I'm sure others will chime in that have more in-depth knowledge... I got some of the info :mrgreen:

SuperDaveAZ

fifesjeep wrote
Have you tried tossing in a manual shift kit for the auto?... You'll be able to hit the higher rpms quicker and hold them longer... Not sure how the tranny will hold-up in the long run. I'm sure it'll do alright seeing that you don't do this but 4-5 times a year? What size tires are you running?
Nice pistons... Kinda pricey imo... here are some specs of the pistons. (From Summit)
Part Number: TRW-L2380F40
Bore (in): 4.205 in.
Bore (mm): 106.807mm
Piston Style: Dish, with a trough
Piston Material: Forged aluminum
Compression Distance (in): 1.505 in.
Piston Head Volume (cc): +27.50cc
Wrist Pin Style: Press fit
Pin Diameter (in): 1.000 in.
Piston Ring Thickness: 5/64 in. x 5/64 in. x 3/16 in.
Quantity: Sold individually, $50+ a pop #-o
I'm not sure what the CR would be for those pistons but for the Summit 8601... I imagine you would at-least want a 9-10:1 CR... The advertised lift with stock rockers is .496" Int and .521" Exh... And according to the specs that cams operating range is from 2000-5000 rpms... I'm sure others will chime in that have more in-depth knowledge... I got some of the info :mrgreen:

Thanks for the info! The tranny does have a shift kit not sure of what type but if I am doing 70 mph and pull it into first it goes into first wether I wanted to or not :shock: . Right now running 35" tires but will soon be stepping up to 39.5" after I finish some drivetrain upgrades.

Thx
Dave

northplainsdrifter

I would definently look into dropping gear ratio's. Especially if your going with the 39's. That will really live'n up that motor! :lo1l:

1980_Cj7

SuperDaveAZ wrote
if I am doing 70 mph and pull it into first it goes into first wether I wanted to or not
Dave

OUCH! That hurts just thinking about it!

SuperDaveAZ

1980_Cj7 wrote
SuperDaveAZ wrote
if I am doing 70 mph and pull it into first it goes into first wether I wanted to or not
Dave

OUCH! That hurts just thinking about it!

Well certainly got my attention!

80cjinnc

Just to throw my 2 cents in, I also have a 727 and 401 in my Jeep. I run a 2500 stall converter and I have a manual valvebody and love it, when I built the motor I called Reed cams and gave them the specs and intended use and I am more than happy with the out come.

SuperDaveAZ

80cjinnc wrote
Just to throw my 2 cents in, I also have a 727 and 401 in my Jeep. I run a 2500 stall converter and I have a manual valvebody and love it, when I built the motor I called Reed cams and gave them the specs and intended use and I am more than happy with the out come.

I too have a 2500 stall TCI convertor, what are the specs of the cam so I can compare it to my summit 8601?

Thx in advance!

80cjinnc

I will look that up and get back to you, I have to find the cam card out in the garage.....Its there somewhere.....