Camshaft for 402

[Flanker1970]

I have a 1972 monte carlo with 3:31 gearset 2400 converter 9.8:1 compression 402 bb with air and power brakes. I'm thinking of installing a crane 272 powermax camshaft( 216/228- 510/515 112 degree lobe center) Does anybody have any experience w/ this cam in a big block? It is a bit mild but like I said, i have power accessories. I'm looking for a healthy sound as well. thanks for any help.

[curtis73]

That sounds like a nice cam. It will definitely make a healthy idle, especially if you keep the stock ignition settings. I suggest you try to get a bit more cranking/idle advance to make idle tuning and vacuum a little better. My guess is that you should (not knowing heads or intake) make 12-15 in of vacuum.

Make sure you go with headers, but I might be tempted to stick with 1-3/4" instead of 2". Crane puts a lot more duration on those powermax exhaust lobes, but its very similar to my Comp XE. It has 218/224, .504/.504 lift on a 114 LSA. I could get it to really have a lumpy idle with stock ignition settings, but I was able to tune almost all of it out. I'm getting 18" of vacuum (mostly due to the wider LSA) and a pretty smooth idle on a 454 with 8.6:1. Your 402 should be three small steps lumpier; narrower LSA, smaller engine, faster ramps on the crane cam.

I think its a great choice.