I need help selecting a cam for my '58 Ford Custom 300 292 Y-block engine. It is currently stock but I've changed the intake and carbs to a Ford 2x4 intake and dual 500cfm Edelbrock carbs. I've also upgraded to ignition system with a points-eliminator kit from Accel. I'm also thinking of upgrading to headers but have'nt found a decent source within my budget. It currently has dual exhaust. I was thinking of one of those thumpr cams but I'm not sure. I want that big cam sound but that is streetable.

Any suggetions?

58 Ford Custom 300 - San Pedro, CA (So-Cal)

What transmission, converter if automatic, rear gear ratio is in the car, Mummert has a selection of cams made for what you are looking for. Too large of a cam in a automatic will kill drivability without upgrades, and with 1000 cfm you will hate it.

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

It has a stock Fordo in it with stock gears and converter. I think they are 3.25's.

58 Ford Custom 300 - San Pedro, CA (So-Cal)

With the stock F-O-M you must be careful about the amount of duration the cam has. The engine must be able to idle at no more than 600 RPM in drive, 550 would be better. With the dual quads and a lumpy cam the stock torque converter just won't work.

I discourage people from using any cam over 272 degrees advertised and 224 @ .050" with the F-O-M

http://ford-y-block.com 

20 miles east of San Diego, 20 miles north of Mexico

Maybe you should think about a transmission upgrade, The FMX will fit with the stock bell housing and redrilling 2 holes and you can get a better street converter, shift kits for the valve body,  plus 3 forward gears in drive.  If the 58 has a flywheel that is not part of the converter then the swap is even easier. Then your choice of cams gets larger. I am not trying to rain on your parade, but planning in proper stages will make the car fun to drive.

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Thanks for all the input. Here are the numbers for the one I'm currenlty looking at. Would this be too much cam???

Specifications			Intake	Exhaust
RPM Range:		Valve Lash:
Valve Timing:		Duration:
Lobe Separation:		Duration @ .050" Lift:
Intake Centerline:		Valve Lift:
		Lobe Lift:

58 Ford Custom 300 - San Pedro, CA (So-Cal)

Thanks Gary. That might be what I'll have to do. I have everything out of the car already so should'nt be too hard.

Here's what I got so far.

58 Ford Custom 300 - San Pedro, CA (So-Cal)

That cam will probably not idle at the RPM John recommends. You can make it work. You'll need a performance converter, which I think is a bit of a custom thing for a Y, and possibly a different rear gear. It should sound good and will definitely be streetable.



I like the paint scheme.


Lawrenceville, GA

I'm not aware of any outfit that stocks a high stall converter for a Fordomatic. If they do it's never been mentioned here or in YBM as far as I know. So a custom would undoubtedly be expensive. The timing of that cam is quite a bit beyond what J. M. recommends.

Paul

The trans will bolt up if you locate and drill the top two mounting holes in the transmission case.  You can use the bellhousing to locate the holes.  You can also use the FOM tailshaft and housing on the FMX and use the original driveshaft, mount, and speedo cable.  If you do this, watch the gasket match in the lower corner, the FMX gasket will not seal the FOM housing.  Either use the FOM gasket, or add a little piece of gasket material and some rtv sealer as required. You will also need a vacuum from the carb or from the manifold for the modulator on the FMX trans. Search FMX swap on this site for more information. This and any other information from John  "The Hoosier Hurricane" is good since he has one in his 57.


Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.