2018 401 Cam recommendations

[rang-a-stang]

Been doing a lot of reading here to get the right cam.

Here is my build plan:
401,
~9.4:1,
Stock heads,
Performer intake,
454 TBI (seems to flow about 650CFM)
computer controlled ignition,
Hooker headers,
In front of an Automatic, 32" tires, and 3.54'ish gears

My Requirements (in order of importance)
1) must pass CA smog
2) Torque (idle-5500RPM)
3) cost
4) Vacuum
5) HP
6) Smooth idle

Four cams seem to have the most mentions/positive inputs here. What I am finding:
1) The Lunati 64502 seems to have a lot of positive input here but I do not think it is made anymore. I also see that Lunati's website says it has a "noticeable idle". I'm OK with a TINY bit of lope but don't want to deal with a really lopey idle.
2) Summit K8600 seems to have good input but mostly for 360s and it seems to be a love/hate relationship (some love it, some HATE it). Do 401s like them?
3) I read ALOT about the Melling MTA-1, mostly good, but they seem to be recommended for a stock short block with <9.4:1.
4) Edelbrock Performer (another love/Hate cam).
Honorable mention: Comp Cams 260 and 270H

SO questions (I am not looking for theory as much as experience):
A) I have been saying "RV" cam all along. Seems like it's a generic term that does not really mean anything other than, low RPM range with otherwise stock parts, Right?
B) Anyone have any experience getting a 401 (or 360) through CA smog with one of these cams or a build even remotely close to mine?
C) Before I start pulling the specs on these cams and start comparing them, Are there any other cam profiles you guys recommend I check out?

[440sixpack]

I have no experience with emissions compliant engines but my guess is you better not stray far from stock.

Emissions requirements are why they used such mild cams in the first place so it's only logical.

[SC/397]

There is some good information in this thread on the Emissions stuff.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=180781

Often times people compare aftermarket cams to the stock 360 cam. Keep in mind that the stock 401 cam is a bigger cam to start with. Actually, the Comp 268H cam has less lift than the stock 401 cam.
AMCcamList1 by Rick Jones, on Flickr

[rang-a-stang]

I remember that thread when you guys were having but I didn't think to search for smog threads vice cam threads. Your spreadsheet is fantastic, too. I hope to order cam, lifters, and timing set this week.

[Ristow]

i've run the performer grind,the summit 8600 and 8601/rhoads lifters,and the small lunati voodoo cam in these.

the 8600 is the only one that was so bad i actually took the time to remove it.

the little lunati was about equal with the performer. it was also ground like 15 degrees off center,which is ridiculous for what it cost.

the 8601 with the rhoads vmax was nice,but the oil pressure suffered with the rhoads lifters and crappy amc pump.


the performer was the best all around,and cheapest,as elgin makes the same grind-probably for edelbrock too.

[mattmopar440]

i've run the performer grind,the summit 8600 and 8601/rhoads lifters,and the small lunati voodoo cam in these.

the 8600 is the only one that was so bad i actually took the time to remove it.

the little lunati was about equal with the performer. it was also ground like 15 degrees off center,which is ridiculous for what it cost.

the 8601 with the rhoads vmax was nice,but the oil pressure suffered with the rhoads lifters and crappy amc pump.


the performer was the best all around,and cheapest,as elgin makes the same grind-probably for edelbrock too.

didnt like my 8600 in my 401 gave up alot of low down power liked my performer which was in there Ill be going with a elgin cam next 2 reasons one very close to the perfromer and two its made 3 blocks from my house

[mattmopar440]

i've run the performer grind,the summit 8600 and 8601/rhoads lifters,and the small lunati voodoo cam in these.

the 8600 is the only one that was so bad i actually took the time to remove it.

the little lunati was about equal with the performer. it was also ground like 15 degrees off center,which is ridiculous for what it cost.

the 8601 with the rhoads vmax was nice,but the oil pressure suffered with the rhoads lifters and crappy amc pump.


the performer was the best all around,and cheapest,as elgin makes the same grind-probably for edelbrock too.

didnt like my 8600 in my 401 gave up alot of low down power liked my performer which was in there Ill be going with a elgin cam next 2 reasons one very close to the perfromer and two its made 3 blocks from my house

[fulsizjeep]

I have a Comp Cams 260H in my 401 and a Lunati 64502 in my wife's 401. We have been happy with both. The Lunati does provide some lope at idle and both provide good low end torque. You say 9.4:1 compression. I really doubt I would up the compression if I had to deal with CA emissions. Gas mileage did go down with the Lunati experience.

On the Lunati, the part numbers changed since 2010. This is the 64502.

http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=1482

[babywag]

You say 9.4:1 compression. I really doubt I would up the compression if I had to deal with CA emissions.[/url]

Higher compression shouldn't have any negative consequences to emissions.
If anything probably be improved vs. a craptastic 8.x:1 engine.
Lots has changed since '70's, EFI, improved CAT function, etc.

A good tune, a new CAT, and probably breeze right through with far lower numbers than when it was new in 1979. Even with higher CR & cam.

[rang-a-stang]

The only stat I worry of (a little) is NOx. I get a little worried the increased CR will increase combustion temps and increase NOx. This is in my simple mind though, I have no data to back that up.

[babywag]

The only stat I worry of (a little) is NOx. I get a little worried the increased CR will increase combustion temps and increase NOx. This is in my simple mind though, I have no data to back that up.

EGR and/or dial timing back couple degrees, would get you through.

My '90 passed last time even w/o the EGR functional(forgot to hook it up).
It has a cam, believe the "RV" grind, but dunno for sure.
Look @ NOx on below smog tests...without & with EGR.

[rang-a-stang]

OK, after much gnashing of teeth, I think I am going to order Comp's 268H. The only spec I would change is a little more lobe separation angle. I was hoping for 112 degrees but everything else seems to fit my requirements. I found a few videos of 401s with this cam and the idle seems good enough for me. Now I start searching for the best price for a cam with the 268H specs.

[babywag]

Just my opinion!
On a 401 I wouldn't run a 268H, or a single pattern cam.
If it was me I'd run a comp 256xe or the 262xe, or even the old RV grind.

Not saying the 268H is a bad cam or won't work, but with a 401 @ least do a 270H.