Need Camshaft Recommendation for 65 2+2 with 289

I have a 65 2+2 with a 289 and a toploader 4 speed. The rear end is the stock 8" with 2.70 gears. The car is going to the bodyshop and paint booth this year, and while it's there, I plan on doing some work on the motor. The car is sort of a daily driver...don't drive it EVERY day. I'd like to get it setup to do some really serious freeway flying. I live out here in rural Arizona, and not into the drag scene anymore. But, I do enjoy opening it up out here in the lonely stretches!

I'm going to keep the 289 and the 4 speed. I plan on going with some better breathing heads because I still have the stock ones on the motor. I've got an Edelbrock Performer 289 manifold with a Holley 600 double-pump carb for induction, and just upgraded a Motorcraft dual point distributor with a Pertronix kit. And still have a set of either Blackjack or Hedman headers on the motor, that I bought over 25 years ago, and they're still hanging in there.

My biggest question is the cam...what kind, specs, duration, lift, etc. would be best to go with for top end speed with the above parts. Any info is most appreciated.

Fred of AZ

Reply to
Fred of AZ
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Go with a matched set from Edelbrock. A performer cam would be nice. I'd recommend a 3.00:1 rear gear for better all around performance. If your holley gets tired pick up an Edl. 1406 carb. It's also rated at 600 CFM. If you decide to stay with those tall gears you may consider getting a smaller

500 cfm carb (1405) for snappier acceleration around town and better economy.
Reply to
Mark C.

I built my engine back in 1980, so my recommendations may seem a little dated by today's standards. YMMV

I run a solid lifter cam from a 289/271 "K" engine, swapped out the 289 heads for a set of 351W heads (vintage 1970), and used an el-cheapo Holley 600 atop an Edelbrock Torker manifold. The car is a '65 Fastback with a 289, 3.50 gears and a Top Loader.

There are probably plenty of more modern upgrades that would run better than what I have. That said, my combination gives me the "happiest" car I've ever driven, and I won't change a thing. Not much torque below 2000 RPM due to the single plane manifold, but it runs like a bat out of hell above 2000. It *is* a pain to adjust the valves every few thousand miles due to the solid lifters though.

Cheers!

zëkë

Reply to
Zeke-baby

Zeke, I think you'd be happier if you changed that single plane to a dual plane manifold. With your setup I think you're robbing yourself of power under 2000 RPM and switching over would give you more than it takes away with the cam you're running.

Reply to
Mark C.

Amen!

Reply to
351CJ

Zeke:

I remember reading an article way back when about doing the same swap...351W heads on a 289. I even have a set of '69 Windsor heads still sitting in my shed that I picked up for $50 at a Ecology Auto in Southern Calif. The heads still look practically brand new, and I bet I pulled 'em back in '92 or even earlier. However, the extra large combustion chambers kind of threw me for a loop - either milling the heads and intake to get everything down to size, or putting another set of pistons to raise the compression ratio back up to something more respectable seemed like more work than necessary.

I know about those solid lifter cams and the need for constant adjustment - I went through that for awhile, too. Also have a Torker manifold collecting dust next to the 351W heads - someday I might put it all to use.

Thanks for the info!

Fred of AZ

Reply to
Fred of AZ

Hey Fred. the best heads to get are the early D0OZ or C9OZ . Later 351 heads are the same as 302 heads in valve, intake port, and chamber size. The only difference being the 351W head is drilled for bigger head bolts.

Reply to
Mark C.

Oops, Sorry for the top post. Hehe.

Reply to
Mark C.

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