CAM recommendation?

[GS2Quad]

Machine shop called me today so I'm. Looking for a cam recommendation for my 401, 2Quad, 4speed car with a stock posi rear-end? Considering shorty headers as one of the stock manifolds is cracked.

[WkillGS]

The stock cam is about 0.440" lift with 209 degrees duration at 0.050" lift.
Lobe center spacing was 114 degrees on the 1x4 cams, and a closer 109 lobe spacing for the 2x4 cam. The 109 l.s. will be more responsive, but the 114 l.s. cam will have a smoother idle.... which many will consider a downside!

TA Performance has the TA 20 with a little more lift (0.470") and duration (218deg) than stock.
The TA 25 cam is a little bigger with 0.474/0.495" lift and 218/228 duration. Both have 110 lobe centers for good response. (EDIT: webpage says 112 degree, '09 catalog says 110 degree?)  Nailheads like more duration on the exhaust vs the intake, especially at higher revs.

You can go bigger for gains at higher rpm's, but they'll cost you some low-end power. Be realistic in how you will be driving the car before deciding what cam to buy.

I've heard Russ Martin carries some custom grinds, but I don't see any specs posted on his site. You might want to drop him a line.
www.nailheadbuick.com
Ask him if the shorty headers will fit the Skylarks....I don't think they do, but he'll know.

[dsags]

Got mine from Carmen Faso at J & C Parts in NY. Its 218/224 with 110 ls. Quite lumpy. Nice response. Call him at 716-693-4090
Believe that TA or the old GSCA headers are the only ones that fit our Skylark nailheads.
One more suggestion is to use the steel head gaskets versus the composite ones found in most of the gasket sets. Should good for a bump in compression ratio of .5 and a bit more horsepower.

[wildcat65]

Got mine from Carmen Faso at J & C Parts in NY. Its 218/224 with 110 ls. Quite lumpy. Nice response. Call him at 716-693-4090
Believe that TA or the old GSCA headers are the only ones that fit our Skylark nailheads.
One more suggestion is to use the steel head gaskets versus the composite ones found in most of the gasket sets. Should good for a bump in compression ratio of .5 and a bit more horsepower.

Russ is offering a copy of the 109* cam- I have purchased one for my next build.  talk to Russ or Carmen about what you want, and they will help you.  I cannot say enough good things about either of them...Carmen is rebuilding a dual quad setup for me...