Cam Shaft Choice

[barrys65cyclone]

I am replacing my Fiber timing gears in my 27,000 mile 1966 Mercury Monterey  390 2V along with valve seals and switching from 2V to Edelbrock performer and a 4100 Autolite carb while I was in there I was thinking of doing a cam change keep in mind this engine has stock Manifolds and dual exhaust 8.9 cr 3.00 rear axle looking for quite valve train, smooth idle, not a hot rod. here is were i am at .

Petronix 3 Ignition conversion.
Distributor recurved  12deg intial 38 Total all in by 3,000rpm.
Edelbrock Performer Intake.
Autolite 4100 1.12 carb.
Factory Manifolds with dual ex 2.1/4 in pipe

Cams I am considering :
http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=941&sb=2

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/mc/camshafts/ford-bb.shtml  {2106 }

Options or opinions please.

[Joe-JDC]

Personally, I would keep the stock camshaft and lifters just as they are with those simple changes.  But if you do decide to change cams, the first one is the better one for your wanting good idle and easy on the valve train.  Definitely don't use the RPM camshaft.  Joe-JDC

[BruceS]

+1 with Joe on the cam change.  If you're not trying to build a hot rod one of the things you don't want to give up is manifold vacuum which for your stock cam is approx. 18" (reference the Ford shop manual).  Both of those cams produce much less vacuum which will adversely affect the function of power brakes and could also affect your AC / heat systems. 

[My427stang]

I am going to agree, but say something different

1 - Cam 1 will make slightly more power and will still be mellow as mellow can be, but it may not be worth the effort and risk of break in unless you have a bad cam or bad lifters
2 - The Performer Plus cam (2106) is a nice running cam and IMHO, is a sweetheart for someone that wants a cruiser, but the improvements will be even less than cam 1.  (I am on the fence on that last statement, I think either cam would be nearly discernible, but the 2016 would be quiet and real easy on valve train)

However, I think that the changes you are making are good, and if the engine is in good order, leave the cam as is for now.  If you decide to make more changes, ie headers first, gears second, then consider a cam to match.  No need in doing it now.  I'd do ceramic coated headers before I put a cam in it

[bn69stang]

I  agree with Ross , a cam change is should be matched to a few other parts for a real change to be noticed .. Bud

[wayne]

We put a lunati high efficency 260-508 in a pickup the engine is set up like yours he has a 3.25 gear it works good.

[barrys65cyclone]

Will leave cam alone Thanks.