Thread: Big Block 396 Camshaft Selection

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I'm trying to build my first motor and have run into some snags. Does anyone know the max lift you can go with your camshaft if you have stock valve springs.
I have 113cc oval port, open chamber heads. casting 3993820 if it helps.

p.s. if anyone know are these good heads for a bigblock?

The heads you have are OK. open chamber with decent ports. But, big block Chevy's are famous for broken valve springs and subsequent dropped valves! Even the stockers. First thing to do is get some good valve springs!. Then do your cam change. Around .500 lift is safe, with stock type springs and retainers..

You are better off to buy the cam ,lifters and springs together.Example= if you were buying a Comp Extereme EnergyXE262H10, a street performance cam, You would want the cL 11238-3cam and lifter kit and the 911-16springs .You can buy more complete kits than this but a least match these three.Decide what you are going to do with the motor, then buy a cam that coincides with that . Many cam companys have a 1-800# help line to advise you. comp cams is 1-800 -999 0853