The Ford Barn

Admiral · 02-25-2019, 12:00 PM

What V8 camshaft is recommended for producing the most torque? Given the flathead’s restricted breathing, I think it might be best to play to its strengths of delivering stump-pulling grunt.

I’ve read the Mercury 8CM and 1CM camshafts might be good options for low-RPM performance (especially if paired with a four-inch-or-larger crankshaft) but figured there’d be more. For a future engine build I’d like to prioritize drivability, reliability and fuel efficiency over thumpity-thump exhaust sounds.

Tim Ayers · 02-25-2019, 12:18 PM

I think the EAB cam is also a good choice for what you are trying to do. I'd defer to what ever Pete or Ol' Ron have to say on this one.

tubman · 02-25-2019, 12:49 PM

Check this out : http://www.tildentechnologies.com/Ca...rformance.html.

I decided to keep the 1CM cam in the Mercury engine in my '51 Ford and think I made the correct choice.

Pete · 02-25-2019, 01:02 PM

I would say the EA or EAB. (same grind)

drolston · 02-25-2019, 01:03 PM

I put the Schneider 248f cam in my 284" 59a/b. It is very strong in low to mid RPM, and has great torque. I have 3.25 rear end and chug around in traffic easily.

Black Fifty · 02-25-2019, 02:36 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Ron Holleran's "Nostalgia"
John Lawson's "Flathead Facts"
Roger Huntington's "Hoppin' Up Ford and Mercury Engines"
Vern Tardel's "How to Build and Modify Ford Flathead V-8 Engines"
and the Tilden site that Tubman mentioned are great resources for this topic.

Ol' Ron · 02-25-2019, 03:08 PM

I have the EAB in the 280 with 8,5 CR, Ran it up the Weston/Andover hill 14% AT THE TOP IN OD. 43 mph engine was pulling 1300 rpms. We were trying not to cheat by holding 50 from the start, but couldn't make it. Pretty satisfied with the results truck weighs 3800 with the two of us in it.

3twinridges · 02-25-2019, 09:11 PM

It’s interesting that the valve lash on that Tilden website has the 8CM set at 0.012/0.014. I would imagine the 1CM is the same. When I built my 1CM with the 4” I used 0.014/0.018. I wonder if that’s why my vacuum needle is not 100% steady at idle?

JB

flatjack9 · 02-25-2019, 09:31 PM

I believe that is when Ford went to valve rotaters. Clearance should be a function of cam design. I doubt the lash would cause your engine problem.

Admiral · 02-26-2019, 08:47 AM

Thanks for the recommendations, guys. If EA/EAB is a fine choice that's good news. I think I have one or two good examples already sitting on the shelf.

02-25-2019, 12:00 PM	#1
Admiral Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Oakland County, Michigan Posts: 562	Best Torque Cam What V8 camshaft is recommended for producing the most torque? Given the flathead’s restricted breathing, I think it might be best to play to its strengths of delivering stump-pulling grunt. I’ve read the Mercury 8CM and 1CM camshafts might be good options for low-RPM performance (especially if paired with a four-inch-or-larger crankshaft) but figured there’d be more. For a future engine build I’d like to prioritize drivability, reliability and fuel efficiency over thumpity-thump exhaust sounds.

02-25-2019, 12:18 PM	#2
Tim Ayers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 6,177	Re: Best Torque Cam I think the EAB cam is also a good choice for what you are trying to do. I'd defer to what ever Pete or Ol' Ron have to say on this one. Last edited by Tim Ayers; 02-25-2019 at 12:23 PM.

02-25-2019, 12:49 PM	#3
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,312	Re: Best Torque Cam Check this out : http://www.tildentechnologies.com/Ca...rformance.html. I decided to keep the 1CM cam in the Mercury engine in my '51 Ford and think I made the correct choice. Last edited by tubman; 02-25-2019 at 01:06 PM.

02-25-2019, 01:02 PM	#4
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,408	Re: Best Torque Cam I would say the EA or EAB. (same grind)

02-25-2019, 01:03 PM	#5
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	Re: Best Torque Cam I put the Schneider 248f cam in my 284" 59a/b. It is very strong in low to mid RPM, and has great torque. I have 3.25 rear end and chug around in traffic easily.

02-25-2019, 02:36 PM	#6
Black Fifty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: The Thumb of Michigan Posts: 107	Re: Best Torque Cam Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Ron Holleran's "Nostalgia" John Lawson's "Flathead Facts" Roger Huntington's "Hoppin' Up Ford and Mercury Engines" Vern Tardel's "How to Build and Modify Ford Flathead V-8 Engines" and the Tilden site that Tubman mentioned are great resources for this topic.

02-25-2019, 03:08 PM	#7
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,859	Re: Best Torque Cam I have the EAB in the 280 with 8,5 CR, Ran it up the Weston/Andover hill 14% AT THE TOP IN OD. 43 mph engine was pulling 1300 rpms. We were trying not to cheat by holding 50 from the start, but couldn't make it. Pretty satisfied with the results truck weighs 3800 with the two of us in it.

02-25-2019, 09:11 PM	#8
3twinridges Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 547	Re: Best Torque Cam It’s interesting that the valve lash on that Tilden website has the 8CM set at 0.012/0.014. I would imagine the 1CM is the same. When I built my 1CM with the 4” I used 0.014/0.018. I wonder if that’s why my vacuum needle is not 100% steady at idle? JB

02-25-2019, 09:31 PM	#9
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,526	Re: Best Torque Cam I believe that is when Ford went to valve rotaters. Clearance should be a function of cam design. I doubt the lash would cause your engine problem.

02-26-2019, 08:47 AM	#10
Admiral Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Oakland County, Michigan Posts: 562	Re: Best Torque Cam Thanks for the recommendations, guys. If EA/EAB is a fine choice that's good news. I think I have one or two good examples already sitting on the shelf.