What would be the best cam to use in a 3.4? Car has an automatic tranny. Emissions are not a concern where I live. More power is better, but it's a daily driver, so drivability is a factor also.
I've read a bunch of info in the archives already, but am having a hard time picking one. Thought I'd poll the 3.4 owners for opinions on what they're using.
thanks Dave
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01:57 PM
PFF
System Bot
Pyrthian Member
Posts: 29569 From: Detroit, MI Registered: Jul 2002
Head Stud Bolt Kit 233-4003 $75.39 Summit Racing ARP-233-4003
With the 1.6 ration I have boosted the cam to match the 260 cam.
The 2030 cam has .423/.423 Int/Ext with the 1.6 ratio it boosts it up to .451/.451 Int/Ext
The 260 cam has .427/.454 Int/Exh w/1.5 ratio. End result, I have taken the 2030 cam to match the 260 cam with the 1.6 ratio.
Your application would be either the 260 cam or the max 272 cam.
Majority of us use the 2030 cam and there is a few that are running the 260 cam with no problems. Note: In order for the 2030, 260, and 272 cams to work properly, the installed spring valve height must be at 1.7000” or coil bind WILL occur. Too many forum members did not set their spring valve height at 1.7000”. End result: CRASHED CAM!
Here is the math on my 2030 cam w/1.6 ratio, all cams must have a min. of 0.060” clearance away from coil bind in order to work.
1.7000” installed spring height – 1.1530” coil bind of spring - .4510” cam lift = 0.096” I just barely make the required min. coil bind clearance of 0.060”. This is where most of the forum members fail. They forget about the coil bind issue when installing higher lift cam. Please read crane website and learn more about this important coil bind issues. Many forum members went through many cams before they noticed this!
Good luck in your cam choice.
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08:27 AM
Pyrthian Member
Posts: 29569 From: Detroit, MI Registered: Jul 2002
I would advise against 1.6 ratio rockers. The only time 1.6 rockers are a good option is when you want more lify & duration, but dont want to replace the cam. If you are rebuilding or getting a new cam, just get the cam with the lift & duration you want, and use 1.5 rockers. 1.6 rockers put extra strain on all parts of the valvetrain that is completely unnecesary by using the right stuff the first time. as solo2 mentioned, you can have a crane 2030 with 1.6 rockers, of a crane 260 with 1.5 rockers, with the same result, so use the 260 with 1.5 rockers and save you valvetrain some work.
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09:47 AM
ditch Member
Posts: 3780 From: Brookston, IN Registered: Mar 2003
I'm really leaning towards the 272 with the 1.52 rockers. I would like to stay away from the 1.6 rockers anyway...they're so dang expensive compared to the 1.5's from what I've seen. It looks like the 260 is also good, but 272 would offer a bit more punch maybe. Every bit counts.
One thing though. After searching the archives, I've found many claims that the 272 isn't a friendly cam with an automatic transmission. Why is this and what is the effect? Is it just the fact that the idle is a bit more bumpy?
thanks to everyone for all the info.
Dave
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10:28 AM
Pyrthian Member
Posts: 29569 From: Detroit, MI Registered: Jul 2002
I'm really leaning towards the 272 with the 1.52 rockers. I would like to stay away from the 1.6 rockers anyway...they're so dang expensive compared to the 1.5's from what I've seen. It looks like the 260 is also good, but 272 would offer a bit more punch maybe. Every bit counts.
One thing though. After searching the archives, I've found many claims that the 272 isn't a friendly cam with an automatic transmission. Why is this and what is the effect? Is it just the fact that the idle is a bit more bumpy?
The issue of the auto tranny has not been proven. The fact is, bigger cams tend to not play well with autos BUT no one has used the 272 with an auto yet so it might work or it might not. I have often cautioned people about using this cam with an auto because of this. If it didn't work with the auto that would be a real disaster BUT, for all anyone knows, it might work fine. It's only mentioned as a precaution. Also, the cams characteristics are higher in the rpm range (2k on up) so it's power could be better utilized by a manual trans. I would agree with Pyrthian about a looser converter helping greatly. I also agree 100% with him on the 1.6 rocker point. Far better to use a bigger cam in the first place then to go with a smaller cam and put 1.6 rockers on it. For best power, the 272 is your best choice.
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11:02 AM
ditch Member
Posts: 3780 From: Brookston, IN Registered: Mar 2003
The issue of the auto tranny has not been proven. The fact is, bigger cams tend to not play well with autos BUT no one has used the 272 with an auto yet so it might work or it might not. I have often cautioned people about using this cam with an auto because of this. If it didn't work with the auto that would be a real disaster BUT, for all anyone knows, it might work fine. It's only mentioned as a precaution.
Ok, With that in mind, I think I may avoid the 272. Even if there's no proof, I really don't want to get it all together to find out it sucks with the auto tranny. I'll let someone else be the pioneer on that one. I'm sure the 260 is a good choice as many have used it.
You guys know where to get the 260 and lifter kit? I can't find it at summit and don't want to have to get it from ARI (kind of pricey).
Edit: I did find the cam at Summit, but it doesn't come as a kit with lifters.
Dave
[This message has been edited by ditch (edited 02-24-2004).]
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02:47 PM
Alex4mula Member
Posts: 7410 From: Canton, MI US Registered: Dec 1999
thanks I went to cranecams website and got PN 253901 which is just the cam. What am I doing wrong at Summit? I put in a search for all crane products and got a ton of them. All of the PN's began with 1, no 2, even though they have crane stuff with PN's beginning with 2 like those above.
I also searched for the text 260 and H-260, but got nothing there either.
I was getting close to a phone call, but Solo bailed me out
thanks again, Dave
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07:23 PM
88 Formula Member
Posts: 608 From: Baden, PA USA Registered: Aug 2003
Check www.gmpartsdirect.com they have the crane H260 for about $125 with lifters, I just bought one there. It's listed as the cam for the 3.4 crate motor, I think the P/N is 12364059, it's reportedly made by Crane for GM
------------------ 88 Formula, T-Tops, 2.8 V6 at engine shop getting bored and changed to a 3.2
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08:18 PM
Oreif Member
Posts: 16460 From: Schaumburg, IL Registered: Jan 2000
The issue of the auto tranny has not been proven. The fact is, bigger cams tend to not play well with autos BUT no one has used the 272 with an auto yet so it might work or it might not. I have often cautioned people about using this cam with an auto because of this. If it didn't work with the auto that would be a real disaster BUT, for all anyone knows, it might work fine.
Just as a note here, The cam in my 3.4L is very close to the 272 specs. My durations are slightly different and the difference between the intake and exhaust lifts are closer together. In either event, I am using an auto trans with a 2200 rpm street/strip torque converter and have not seen any problems between the auto and the cam. I do know the power curves for the 272 are more narrower then my power curves and that an engine with a narrower power band does not like auto transmissions. (remember, I am also using a carb which also has a broader power band and the cam duration is matched for it.) I honestly don't think a 272 with an auto trans will have a problem. But once you start getting into the solid +.500 lift cams, then you may have a problem.
Also, Just for info, The numbers like H260 and H272 are not the camshafts part number, they are the grind numbers.
[This message has been edited by Oreif (edited 02-24-2004).]
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08:28 PM
Fierofreak00 Member
Posts: 4221 From: Martville, NY USA Registered: Jun 2001
Check www.gmpartsdirect.com they have the crane H260 for about $125 with lifters, I just bought one there. It's listed as the cam for the 3.4 crate motor, I think the P/N is 12364059, it's reportedly made by Crane for GM
This cam is made by Crane, I just picked up mine from the GM dealer and it comes with the lifters too, even though it says cam only. Great price for the same cam.
------------------ A coward dies a thousand deaths..................A soldier dies but once. Red 86 SE Yellow 87 GT Gold 86 SE (wrecked) Red 84 2.5 Coupe In the process of buying another 87 GT
