[OE Espo]

Can anyone clarify the gasket issue. Put felpro or newly ordered cometics

[ponyakr]

Use the .027 Cometics.

[b-man]

Concerning the Cometic gaskets, is it not true that they require a very smooth finish on both the block deck and head surfaces to seal?

If so then the Cometic gaskets can't be used unless the proper sealing surface finishes have been achieved.

-------------------------------------------------------------

The original cam used in both the 326 2-barrel 250 HP and 326 HO 4-barrel 285 HP engines was the 537441 cam, advertised duration 269/277 with .374"/.406" lift. This '441' cam used the same profile as the 9777254 cam used in many 2-barrel applications from '66 -'70, so pretty much every 326 ever produced used the same exact profile cam. All standard 2-barrel 350 2-barrel 265 HP engines also used this same cam profile.

Stepping up to the 9779066 cam would be a very nice upgrade, advertised duration 273/282 with .406"/.406" This cam was used on the 1968 350 HO 320 HP auto trans cars.

Too bad the 9779067 cam is no longer available other than finding an NOS piece (273/289, .406"/.406"), it was used in manual-trans 1968 350 HO engines.

So there are some points of reference from factory 326 and 350 engines as far as camshaft usage is concerned, I included the 350 because of its similar displacement as compared to the 326.

For myself, I wouldn't hesitate to use the 068 cam advanced a few degrees. You have plenty of rear gear (3.55) and a nice low gear (2.74) in your 200-4R trans to make good use of it.

We're running the 068 advanced 4 degrees in a 9:1 350 with small-valve 1969 #46 heads that have press-in studs and it runs great with a TH400/2500 converter/3.42 rear gear. Runs in the high-14s in a heavily-optioned '69 Firebird that weighs in at 3700# w/o driver with no drag radials or other traction tires.

[gtofreek]

Originally Posted by b-man

Concerning the Cometic gaskets, is it not true that they require a very smooth finish on both the block deck and head surfaces to seal?

If so then the Cometic gaskets can't be used unless the proper sealing surface finishes have been achieved.

-------------------------------------------------------------

The original cam used in both the 326 2-barrel 250 HP and 326 HO 4-barrel 285 HP engines was the 537441 cam, advertised duration 269/277 with .374"/.406" lift. This '441' cam used the same profile as the 9777254 cam used in many 2-barrel applications from '66 -'70, so pretty much every 326 ever produced used the same exact profile cam. All standard 2-barrel 350 2-barrel 265 HP engines also used this same cam profile.

Stepping up to the 9779066 cam would be a very nice upgrade, advertised duration 273/282 with .406"/.406" This cam was used on the 1968 350 HO 320 HP auto trans cars.

Too bad the 9779067 cam is no longer available other than finding an NOS piece (273/289, .406"/.406"), it was used in manual-trans 1968 350 HO engines.

So there are some points of reference from factory 326 and 350 engines as far as camshaft usage is concerned, I included the 350 because of its similar displacement as compared to the 326.

For myself, I wouldn't hesitate to use the 068 cam advanced a few degrees. You have plenty of rear gear (3.55) and a nice low gear (2.74) in your 200-4R trans to make good use of it.

We're running the 068 advanced 4 degrees in a 9:1 350 with small-valve 1969 #46 heads that have press-in studs and it runs great with a TH400/2500 converter/3.42 rear gear. Runs in the high-14s in a heavily-optioned '69 Firebird that weighs in at 3700# w/o driver with no drag radials or other traction tires.

The Cometics need a fairly smooth deck surface. If you can run your fingernail across the deck and it does not feel like a fine toothed file, it should be fine. In other words, if you cannot feel any ridges when running your fingernail across it, it's probably smooth enough. It doesn't have to be like glass.

[72LuxuryLeMansLa.]

Originally Posted by b-man

Concerning the Cometic gaskets, is it not true that they require a very smooth finish on both the block deck and head surfaces to seal?

If so then the Cometic gaskets can't be used unless the proper sealing surface finishes have been achieved.

-------------------------------------------------------------

The original cam used in both the 326 2-barrel 250 HP and 326 HO 4-barrel 285 HP engines was the 537441 cam, advertised duration 269/277 with .374"/.406" lift. This '441' cam used the same profile as the 9777254 cam used in many 2-barrel applications from '66 -'70, so pretty much every 326 ever produced used the same exact profile cam. All standard 2-barrel 350 2-barrel 265 HP engines also used this same cam profile.

Stepping up to the 9779066 cam would be a very nice upgrade, advertised duration 273/282 with .406"/.406" This cam was used on the 1968 350 HO 320 HP auto trans cars.

Too bad the 9779067 cam is no longer available other than finding an NOS piece (273/289, .406"/.406"), it was used in manual-trans 1968 350 HO engines.

So there are some points of reference from factory 326 and 350 engines as far as camshaft usage is concerned, I included the 350 because of its similar displacement as compared to the 326.

For myself, I wouldn't hesitate to use the 068 cam advanced a few degrees. You have plenty of rear gear (3.55) and a nice low gear (2.74) in your 200-4R trans to make good use of it.

We're running the 068 advanced 4 degrees in a 9:1 350 with small-valve 1969 #46 heads that have press-in studs and it runs great with a TH400/2500 converter/3.42 rear gear. Runs in the high-14s in a heavily-optioned '69 Firebird that weighs in at 3700# w/o driver with no drag radials or other traction tires.

From what my machinist says they require the same type surface finish as any other head gasket made with a viton outer layer. Read the description of the MLS custom gasket construction at the retailer linked from Cometic's site: http://www.shopengineparts.com/produ...V8&type=engine

"designed to meet the demands of a variety of harsh sealing environments, load conditions, and surface finishes."

[b-man]

My post was to help clarify whether or not the Cometic gaskets would be suitable for the 326 that is the subject of this thread.

Definitely try to use a gasket that best matches the bore size, and secondly one that is the thickness that gives you the most ideal quench distance.

[ponyakr]

"...Too bad the 9779067 cam is no longer available..."

The ad for this cam says it is a "near duplicate". Ya'll can judge for yourself.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hrs-417701-11

[Steve Shively]

Just put 067 cam in a 400 I built, I got it from Butler Performance.

[b-man]

I've seen the 067 sold by Butler, the specs aren't the same as the original.

The Butler 067 lists duration @ .050 as 200/210, the original is 197/212.

Nobody is selling an exact copy of the 067, most sellers substitute the 066 (197/206) as a replacement for it.

I was able to find a NOS 067 cam here on the forums, will try to check it on a Cam Doctor to get an accurate look at the specs.

[Ed Fitzgerald]

I had a 326 freshened up several years ago. Stock short block with a performer intake, 600 Holley and shorty headers. Comp cams part# 51-230-3 (260H-10) 212/212 @.050 and 440/440 valve lift with 110 separation. 140 heads with 2.02 intake valves installed. Run on a water dyno and put out 300 hp and 380 torque. I have the results somewhere around here if I can find them. FYI the shop used 110 octane race fuel as they did a lot of race engines. I'm not sure how much this would skew the results if you used 93 octane. Ed

[OE Espo]

I didn't have this information at the time of the post. Hopefully this will help you guys. Comp #995 springs and #743 retainers.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by gtofreek

The Cometics need a fairly smooth deck surface. If you can run your fingernail across the deck and it does not feel like a fine toothed file, it should be fine. In other words, if you cannot feel any ridges when running your fingernail across it, it's probably smooth enough. It doesn't have to be like glass.

Dittos, Paul. The ONLY heads that Cometic requires the ultra smooth finish on are aluminum heads (Rz of 250-400). That is to prevent the heads from destroying the head gaskets due to the differing expansion rates of aluminum and cast iron.

[Tim Corcoran]

I put Cometics on my 455 4.21 bore X 4.25 stroke (473.3) several years ago and did not do anything special to the heads or block. The surface on the block had not been surfaced in years and the surface on my eheads was the way they came from S&D with no special surface prep. With 12.3:1 compression and they have been reused once during a refresh and never had a problem. I don't think they are as sensitive to surface finish as some may think and it does depend on your compression and if your boosting or using N20 also. I agree they should be smooth without tool marks but a mirror finish is not required unless your building a lot of cylinder pressure.

[PunchT37]

How much power ya want? While you`re spending money, why not get as much as you can within your basic engine setup.

326HO power? That ain`t much. If it`s all you want though, that`s fine. But, a few extra HP while not spending too much more money, and the LABOR involved, is a no brainer. It`s one thing to buy another cam when you`re not satisfied, and another to find the time and money to spend on other parts to swap the cam or any other part again.

The 700 or 701 cam that Paul and I referenced will work fine. I would put screw in studs in the heads though. Use a good head gasket that FITS the bore. If they are more money, so be it. Why use a gasket made for a 455? It`s apart. Fix it right.

Cam too big? Detonation? Not a problem. Even the 701 has 213 at 050 duration. Hell, the 068 runs 212/225 and has a lot more seat timing to kill bottom end. 288/302.

The "big" cam I suggested has 256/262 duration. What`s the factory cam? 269/277?

Ya got 9 to one with a 3.55 gear. I know, the small cubes. But, that helps vs. the many that build a 7.6 to one 350, with no stall and 2.78 gears in a heavy car. How large a cam do they make/run in a SBC? I know, the rpm capabilities. But...

Detonation? As Paul stated above, the small bore helps. AND, the closed chamber does too. As does the small cubes. I`m not suggesting putting a cam twith 256 duration in a 455. It will ping. A 326? Lot of difference in cyl. pressure.

On these small motor Pontiac threads, I still think you can get power out of these things. It`s gotta be done right. They don`t have to have lawn mower cams only in them.

[OE Espo]

Originally Posted by PunchT37

How much power ya want? While you`re spending money, why not get as much as you can within your basic engine setup. Agreed

326HO power? That ain`t much. Agreed If it`s all you want though, that`s fine. But, a few extra HP while not spending too much more money, and the LABOR involved, is a no brainer. Agreed It`s one thing to buy another cam when you`re not satisfied, and another to find the time and money to spend on other parts to swap the cam or any other part again.

The 700 or 701 cam that Paul Who is Paul? and I referenced will work fine. I would put screw in studs in the heads though. Use a good head gasket that FITS the bore. If they are more money, so be it. Cometic gaskets on the way Why use a gasket made for a 455? It`s apart. Fix it right.

Cam too big? Detonation? Not a problem. Don't wont any detonation, can't get get that fixed on my 66 389 Even the 701 has 213 at 050 duration. Hell, the 068 runs 212/225 and has a lot more seat timing to kill bottom end. 288/302.

The "big" cam I suggested has 256/262 duration. What`s the factory cam? 269/277?

Ya got 9 to one with a 3.55 gear. I know, the small cubes. But, that helps vs. the many that build a 7.6 to one 350, with no stall and 2.78 gears in a heavy car. How large a cam do they make/run in a SBC? I know, the rpm capabilities. But...

Detonation? As Paul stated above, the small bore helps. AND, the closed chamber does too. As does the small cubes. I`m not suggesting putting a cam twith 256 duration in a 455. It will ping. A 326? Lot of difference in cyl. pressure.

On these small motor Pontiac threads, I still think you can get power out of these things. It`s gotta be done right. They don`t have to have lawn mower cams only in them.

I got what I got and want to get the most from it before its tidied up and complete. So the big cm you recommend is the 700m& 701?

[OE Espo]

Should I gasket match the intake and heads?

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by OE Espo

Should I gasket match the intake and heads?

Wasted time, doesn't add one HP. The closer you get to the valve the more gains you can make. You can also screw everything up royally if you do it wrong.

If you re unsure of how to do it, take the sharp edges off in the bowl area. It will help, and not hurt anything. Use a die grinder w/ sand paper cartridge rolls.

[OE Espo]

No gasket match required for additional HP. That's one less time consuming thing to do before completion.

[OE Espo]

Got the new engine apart. Here are some pictures of the unidentifiable pistons, rods, timing chain, cam. If anyone recognizes anything let me know, particularly cam and variable position timing set. We never got any paperwork on the build. Thanks.

[PunchT37]

Cam looks to be an old Crane Fireball cam;

Specs;

286/292 Adv. Dur.
213/220 @ .050"
.434"/.450" Lift
110 LSA/106 ICL

Lot of seat timing for a 326. 050 is ok. This is where I use the dreaded short duration, fast ramp cams. You could put a Voodoo cam in there with the same 050 duration but, with less than 286/292 adv. duration.

That cam looks like a dog in a 326.

Check out this Voodoo cam in relation to that one;

•Advertised Duration (Int/Exh): 256/262
•Duration @ .050 (Int/Exh): 213/219
•Gross Valve Lift (Int/Exh): .455/.468
•LSA/ICL: 112/108
•Valve Lash (Int/Exh): Hyd/Hyd
•RPM Range: 1000-5300
•Includes: Cams Only


Part Number: 10510701
It will blow the doors off that one. Especially in that little motor.