HELP!! Im ready to go crazy...

[Lynx331]

Ok guys im trying to get a cam for my dads car.. the thing i am having a problem with is the valve spring size... mopar shows different outside diameters of valve springs... so i went outside and measured his valve srping at the stop i got 1.419 OD Now The cam im getting reccomends valve springs that are 1.50 OD. Will they fit? I am clueless ive called everyone they all act like im stupid or something... (74 duster 318 motor, 2barrel (originally) )

[dwc43]

The diameter will only matter when it comes to matching the retainer size. Other wise you pick a lifter to meet the cams lift. Best thing to do is contact Comp Cams and get the proper dual pattern cam for your small block and the matching springs and lifters. You wont find a good dual pattern cam from Mopar and that's what you need to wake the 318 up and take advantage of your stock heads. The exhuast side of your heads does not flow that well and with a dual pattern you get more duration and/or lift on the exhuast side to get the most from your heads.

[rumblefish360]

The thing on springs is not so much the outside diameter but the inside. Comp often has the mopar heads subject to being modified. The shop can do the cutting easy. But it's an extra step and money that bothers me.

[mhenesian]

Hi Lynx331,

The new Lunati Voodoo cams (the two mildest ones only !) might work for you without a valve spring swap. Your valve springs should at least have "flat" inside damper springs. But if they don't you can change to better springs later, after cam breakin using an air compressor fitting at the spark plugs holes and some type of rocker shaft spring compressor. (I've never done this - so check with others here that know how to do this). Anyway, from Lunati -

Voodoo Chrysler 273-360 (1967-Present) Lunati's Voodoo series of Hydraulic Camshafts deliver more area under the curve than any other series of Hydraulic camshafts. This means more throttle response, quicker acceleration, more vacuum, better efficiency, combined with maximum horsepower and torque

Cam & Lifter Kit Part # Duration @ IN/EX Duration @ .050" IN/EX Gross Valve Lift IN/EX LSA / ICL Valve Lash IN/EX RPM Range

60400LK 250/256 208/213 .454"/.454" 112/108 Hyd/Hyd idle-5000

Description- Hydraulic: Very strong torque and increased HP for small cubic inch motors (273-360). Compatible with stock type fuel injection. Works great for pleasure/ski boats and mild towing applications.

60401LK 256/262 213/220 .454"/.475" 112/108 Hyd/Hyd 1000-5500

Description- Hydraulic: Best mild performance cam. Works excellent in fuel Injection applications with performance chip.. Makes approximately 19" vacuum at idle. Great for performance oriented marine applications and heavy towing applications. Perfect "Street Rod" cam. Has slightly noticeable idle, works with stock converter, A/C, power brakes and stock valve springs in most cases.

That 60401LK cam and lifter package would be my choice,

Good luck working on your dad's 318,

Mark H.

[Aspen77RT]

Originally Posted by Lynx331

Ok guys im trying to get a cam for my dads car.. the thing i am having a problem with is the valve spring size... mopar shows different outside diameters of valve springs... so i went outside and measured his valve srping at the stop i got 1.419 OD Now The cam im getting reccomends valve springs that are 1.50 OD. Will they fit? I am clueless ive called everyone they all act like im stupid or something... (74 duster 318 motor, 2barrel (originally) )

Comp Cams
XE256H; 212/218 .447/.455


Lunati Voodoo cam
250/256; 208/213 .454/.454