Need a little cam help for small blocks
 

Ok guys here is what i have... 84 chris craft stinger 260... fresh 355's aluminum dart 190cc intake runner heads, 10:1 compression, aluminum edelbrock dual plane intake, aluminum glm exhaust manifolds with imco stainless elbows have both edelbrock or qjet carbs. ( still undecided on which carb.) So here is the dillema, I purchased comp 262 flat tappet cams based on the advertised power band of 1300-5500,(which is where i plan to rev at) but now i wonder if the comp 270 cam would have been a better choice despite its power band of 1600-5800 . Also my drives are alpha 1.5 with 23 mirage props. I would like some input from you guys on which cam maybe better for my situation. And i do realize that there are better componants than what i have chosen for these engines but between having some parts already nd a tight budget, i need to make the best of what i have. I am going to have both engines dyno tuned before i install them and again id like to narrow the cam selection down before dyno runs begin... thanks everyone. Oh , and if this helps im not very interested in a big holeshot, just would like to be able to plane off.

Out of those two, I'd definitely go with the 270. Based on your compression, components, and intended use, I'd go up one more to the 278. Don't pay too much attention to their suggested rpm range, it is a rough guideline. Keep your base timing low, and idle rpm about 700-750, it will sound badazz, and help fight reversion.

I have the 262 in my 355 Vortec motor. I wish I went 270. 262 is not enough.

If you can get David Crane's number (I use to have it) he does a pretty mean cam for a sbc marine motor. My buddy had one in his 383 vortec headed motor with stock exhaust his scarab ran 78 on gps. I was amazed how well that thing ran for what it was. Had another buddy with same boat and a factory ls6 454 that couldn't touch that little 383. David is Harvey Cranes son. He grinds cams and I think he's in the Carolina's or Georgia.

Make sure you go "HR". I just installed the XM270HR in mine and sounds and idles beautifully.

Cold

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPqUfFK_3b4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUfTaZ1E35kPJcDCgmYx_l2A

Operating Temp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf33dvNsjsE&list=UUfTaZ1E35kPJcDCgmYx_l2A&feature=c4-overview

If you are going to keep this boat then go hyd roller cams. Use a hyd roller lifter with a .750" wheel. The OEM have not produced a flat tappet cam pushrod engine in 20 years. We don't enjoy the QC that the OEM's demanded for decades.

So you think 278 huh. You think I'll be OK getting up on plane?

Just an opinion, the 278 looks a little big for a 355, just depends on how you are going to run it.

I had the 262 cams in my 85 Stinger 260 and felt they did not perform as well as the stock cam. I ended up buying the 270 and new lifters. I was afraid to over cam. I had no issues with the stock exhaust. The motors reved to about 5300 with 23" pitch clever 3-blades. I don't have personal experience with the larger cam suggested above to comment. I can say that the 270 cam still seemed rather mild. Your setup is a little bit hotter than mine. Bet you'll be knocking on 65 m.p.h.