EastYorkStang 63 Report post Posted August 9, 2015 I'm building up a 351windsor and I've got a performer rpm camshaft for a 302 already. Except for the firing order it's the same? Just use the right firing order and I'm okay? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rsmach1 71 Report post Posted August 9, 2015 Ford changed the firing order to revise main bearing loads, to put less stress on the #1 main bearing. Yes you can run the early 302 firing order cam in your 351w by changing the firing order. Keep in mind it will be a little milder in a 351w due to the extra cubes, and over the long haul you will have a little more wear on the #1 main bearing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969_Mach1 333 Report post Posted August 9, 2015 +1 with what Rsmach1 said. Back in the early late 70's and early 80's your cam choice for 351W's were basically limited to 302 cams. I'll go a step further and say I have seen a 351W get a front main bearing knock from using a 302 firing order cam. I would sell the 302 cam on EBay and buy a cam for a 351W. Plus the 302 cams are a little milder in a 351W. If you spend time looking through Comp's or Crane's catalogs and compare cams with the same descriptions and RPM ranges specifically for 302's and specifically for 351W's, you will notice the 351W cams will often have more duration. *** Get a 351W specific camshaft. *** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Power 74 Report post Posted August 9, 2015 Its a $100 part. Buy a 351 cam. 1 barnett468 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rsmach1 71 Report post Posted August 10, 2015 +1 with 1969_Mach1 and Maxpower, just because it will fit doesn't mean it's a good choice. Although decent in it's day the edelbrock flat tappet cams are based on 20-30 year old or so lobe designs. There are much better cams out there. Personally I like Lunati's Voodoo line for flat tappet's. Post your combo and what you want out of the car, I'm sure you'll get a alot of good recommendations. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SA69mach 39 Report post Posted August 10, 2015 Any camshaft has to deliver a balance of power and torque as an output. More importantly, it has to match the intake flow, the carburetor flow (and characteristics) the head design, the combustion chamber design, the compression ratio, the valves, the valve springs, and exhaust, the crank, etc. The best cam performance is also designed for a particular weight of vehicle, transmission type and final gearing. That is a lot of metrics to balance, even for an expert engine builder and/or cam grinder. Honestly, call a reputable grinder and let them ask you all the questions that they need to provide the best cam for what you want, and what 'stuff' you have in your engine and car. I have had good feedback and 2 sets of nice cams/lifters from Cam Research in Colorado, if you don't have anyone in mind. Ford specialist, Mustang enthusiast, which helps I guess. I like the Edelbrock RPM Performer stuff, but you could be, and very likely, leaving a lot of performance untapped with a 302 cam in your 351. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Power 74 Report post Posted August 11, 2015 I had the Performer RPM cam as part of the 351 package (HCI) and it ran really strong. Downside was 10" vacuum in idle in gear, etc so I converted to a roller. A little less HP, a lot more drivability. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnett468 418 Report post Posted August 11, 2015 Its a $100 part. Buy a 351 cam. yup, good idea. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnett468 418 Report post Posted August 11, 2015 . i would also run 3.23 - 3.41 gears with that and around 9.5 compression with iron heads Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
