How about this cam selection ?
 

:evilb: Isky roller cam 284/294 238/248 @.50 .578 intake lift .608 exaust lift 110 centers.

All this going into a 21' Eliminator V-Drive with 3 speed tranny.
454 .30 over 10.2 to 1 compression
Edelbrock Air Gap Intake
Holley 750 Double pumper
Full MSD Ignition
Imco Thumper Exaust manifolds (wet)
4500' in elavation
I need some input on this if anyone could help. All suggestions are welcome. Any changes that need to take place? Thanks for any input.

Re: How about this cam selection ?
 

Old Eliminator,

I agree with Sutphen30. There are so many other factors, and variables involved when making the correct cam selection. The application, and how the engine is being used are some of these factors/variables, and some others are what a customer's personal requests are or may be, which makes achieving high (or the highest) HP numbers not always the top priority in the example such as Sutphen30 has given with a 572cid fishing boat engine that makes .86hp per cube----perhaps torque in the lower RPM range is the more important thing for a customer with a heavy fishing boat application. You will hear lots of different opinions when it comes to camshafts. Horsepower is nice, but Torque is your friend in a boat---it's what moves the mass. Ultimately, you are the one who personally has to be happy with the choice you make. I wish you the best---have fun.

Re: How about this cam selection ?
 

I think it's a resonably matched combination assuming that you are using rect. port Chevy heads and you plan to rev to 56-5800. The high altitude will lower the octane req'd. for the high compression. I would go with a larger carb, but some guys swear by using a 750 on a 454. I do think you will have reversion problems with that exhaust though.

Re: How about this cam selection ?
 

The heads that I was going to use are merlin Oval ports, I have not gotten exaust, intake manifold or the cam yet. I found the cam on E-bay, it was complete with push rods, lifters, springs, retainers, and all other needed stuff for $700.00 plus it is all new in box. I am open to all suggestions.
Thanks

Re: How about this cam selection ?
 

Would this cam be more suited to my needs?
Isky 396275/284 Roller
275 Int 284 Ext
228 Int 238 Ext @.50
.553 Int .578 Ext lift
112 centers

Re: How about this cam selection ?
 

Probably, the other one would be pretty lumpy at idle. I like the 110 lobe seperation for better bottom end and mid range. I don't care for oval port heads either, of coarse this is only an opinion.

Re: How about this cam selection ?
 

Thanks Stuphen, I have been around boats all my life but its nice to learn more about the motor side of the deal.

Re: How about this cam selection ?
 

It would be helpful to know more about what you expect from this engine. What kind of idle do you want, how high do you want the redline, what rpm do you like to cruise at etc.