What Is The Best Camshaft For Your Small Block Ford
Let’s talk bump sticks—specifically, the camshaft I chose for my small block Ford project. I get a lot of questions about it—what cam am I running, how does it perform, and of course, people always want to know why I picked it. I’m not sure if it’s the lumpy idle that catches people’s attention or if they’re genuinely looking to buy the same cam, but it’s a topic I get asked about a lot about.
Quick disclaimer—this company isn’t paying me to promote them. I just think it’s a great cam, and it’s worked really well for me, so I wanted to share my thoughts. I’m not a camshaft expert by any means, so please don’t take my word as gospel. I did my homework, consulted with experts, and made sure the cam I chose aligned with the overall goals I had for my car. Trust me, if you’re thinking about doing something like this, it’s worth making sure you know exactly what you’re after and picking the right parts to support your plan. Now, let's dive into it!
A Modest Upgrade with Big Results
The cam I went with is a moderate upgrade from the stock camshaft, and it's been the perfect choice for my build. Small block Fords, particularly the 302s, are very well-known for their low-end torque, and I wanted to preserve that characteristic. After all, I’m driving this car for fun—weekend cruises, car shows, and just enjoying the ride. So I didn’t want to lose that low-end grunt that these engines are known for.
The cam I chose has an RPM range of 1,500 to 5,550, which is a sweet spot for what I’m looking to do. It gives me that punchy torque in the low RPM range, while still having enough power up top to make the car a lot of fun when I push it.
Along with the cam, I’m running AFR 165 aluminum heads and a ported Cobra intake. These modifications work well together to give me a nice balance of street-friendly performance with some extra punch when I want it.
On the Road: How the Cam Feels in Real-World Driving
Alright, so let's talk about how this cam behaves on the road. I’m coming off a street light at around 2,200 RPM, and this cam comes on strong. I’m not even shifting hard, just a simple first-to-second gear with a bit of throttle, and the car breaks loose without much trouble. Of course, the other mods I’ve done play a role here, but the cam’s characteristics are definitely noticeable in this RPM range.
For a bit of context, I’m running 275 width tire in the rear with a 3.73 rear gear. These aren’t super sticky tires, and it is a bit of a cold day, but even in warmer weather, the car will break loose in second gear if I really get on it.
Now, let's talk about torque. The low-end torque is exactly what I was hoping for. It’s got a nice, smooth feel, and when I’m cruising around, the cars power just feels effortless. This cam was designed to maintain those low-end torque characteristics that the small block Ford engines are known for. That was my goal, and I think this cam delivers.
But here’s the thing: a lot of guys out there just want that lumpy idle, and I get it. A good cam lope sounds awesome. But don’t forget, the cam lope doesn’t always equal usable power. It’s important to consider what you're actually trying to achieve with your build. Sure, you can pick a cam that sounds great idling in your driveway, but does it have the performance to back it up when you get on the gas during the RPM range that you drive your car within?
I’ve had guys recommend other cams, including some of the old-school Ford grinds, and while they’re not bad, I wanted something that offered modern day performance improvements. Those older Ford grinds tend to be a bit outdated, and while they’re easy to use and have been used hundreds of thousands of times, they don’t offer the same flexibility or refinement that some of the newer cam offerings do.
I’m still running stock 1992 5.0 HO pistons in this car. So no exotic pistons to clear the valves. The cam lift isn’t wild enough to require something that crazy. I did, however, need to measure for new push rods. But other than that, I didn’t have to make any crazy changes. The cam is definitely on the milder side, but it’s a solid upgrade over stock. I also utilize a 1.6 roller rocker to compliment the whole package.
The Pros and Cons
Let’s be real for a second. There are a few trade-offs when you go with a cam like this. If you’re idling around or below 1,500 RPM—like in stop-and-go traffic—you’ll notice the car starts to lurch a bit more than it did with the stock cam. If you've ever ridden a two-stroke dirt bike, you know what I mean. You need a bit more clutch work and gas to keep it from bogging/bucking or stalling.
But once you're past that lower RPM range, the cam really shines. I’ve noticed that it’s still very tame and responsive under throttle at 1,500 RPM—no issues pulling hills or cruising. It’s just that little dip under idle or low throttle scenarios that requires a bit more finesse in various situations. Honestly, it’s a small trade-off and definitely something that you can work around for the extra power and fun one gets in the rest of the power band.
Final Thoughts: Why This Cam Works for Me
To sum it up, this camshaft is a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a mild, but powerful upgrade to their small block Ford. It's ideal if you're like me—someone who still wants to enjoy a car that's fun to drive, without sacrificing those classic torque characteristics of the small block Ford. With a few extra mods, the cam brings the car to a new level of enjoyment without going over the top.
I can’t stress enough how much this cam feels like a natural evolution of this car. It takes the stock performance and just amplifies it in all the right ways. It’s not a wild cam that requires a bunch of expensive mods to make it work, but it does provide a nice performance boost that makes a noticeable difference.
If you’re considering this cam for your own project, I highly recommend it. It’s a great balance of performance and daily driveability. Just make sure you have a solid plan in place before you jump into your build. You don’t want to end up with a cam that doesn’t suit your end goals.
Gary
KASL Customs