Opinion TA 212 or KB 118 Cams

I have a 462
Stage 1 heads (Stock)
9.2ish CR
Edlebrock Performer Intake
TA full lenth headers
Mallory Unilite
800 cfm Q-Jet
2000 stall converter
3.42 gears.
Kenne Bell 118 Cam

I was planning to switch cams to a TA 212 trying to get a better idle. However, I just put in a TCI 2000 stall converter. Now I am getting a good idle at 600 rpm and running my power brakes fine.

Would going to a TA 212 hurt or help performance? Also, is there a better cam choice, made by TA as I have already purchased the TA 212, that will idle at 600 with a 2000 converter?

Thanks

 

We have that cam in our 464. It idles well and has a great smooth powerband. We have run a best of 13.10 at LVMS, the car should run 12.80's but we have trans and other issues.

Dan

 

Thanks Dan, do you know if the TA212 is stronger that a KB118? Also, which works better with around 9:1 compression?

 

Hi, I just ran both of these cams through the DeskTop Dyno2000 and got the following numbers:

TA212 cam made 430HP/499TQ at 5,000/2,500 rpm

KB118 cam made 441HP/475TQ at 5,500/4,000 rpm

Looks like the TA212 would give the car more grunt off the line, but the KB118 will be better on the top end.

 

Hey Phil, that is cool. Where do you get the desktop dyno. I need it. Looks like performance is simular. Don't know if the swap is worth it.

 

The late closing of the intake valve of the 118 would not work as well with your 9.2 CR.

 

Thanks Scott. Is there a another TA cam choice for getting a good idle and power in my combo?

 

You should be able to find Desktop Dyno on ebay or any computer software company. Here's one on ebay right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...item=7927992467&category=6032&sspagename=WDVW

Along with that is Desktop Dragstrip. You can import an engine you "build" in one and see how it runs in a car you "build" in the other.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...tem=2493832165&category=43989&sspagename=WDVW

 

Hey Phil, thanks. I found one and will be getting it.

 

Hey Jeff.I ran the KB118 with my original 8.5 c.r 455.A dog off the line for sure with a stock stall,had a decent idle.The 212 would pull good off idle and sound pretty smooth and tame.Good sleeper cam!! Later,Tony.

 

Hi Tony, you are right. I can feel the 118 come on when the RPMs start building. I put a 2000 stall in and it is like night and day as far as idle. It only drops 100 rpm when I put it in gear and will rev up some when taking off.

I am wondering now if I should go with a little more cam than the 212. I would still like to idle at 600 or so. Don't know if that is possible.

 

How about the TA 288-96H? Might be ok for your application.

 

That cam would make:

464 HP/484 TQ at 5,000/4,500 rpm.

Here again, you're moving up in the rpm range. Also, with 230/240 duration, you'd probably not have a smooth idle at 600 rpm. I'm thinking more like 700 or so to idle and not real smooth, someone would definitely know there was a cam in the car.

 

Hey Jeff.The engine I built for my GS last fall is almost the same as yours(check my vehicle profile).I use the TA290-94H with a 2000-2200 stall and 3.42 gears.It has a bit of a choppy idle about 700 rpm.My engine last fall made 420hp/528tq on the engine dyno.This was on a damp day and using my worn out and wobbly points distributor.I am sure with my upgraded HEI in use instead 425 would have been the number.I like this cam/converter combo,it really comes alive off the line.If you like a sleeper with a smoother idle the 212 or one above it may work o.k.Just my .2 cents worth.Later,Tony.

 

Thanks for the opinions guys. I think I will be sticking with the TA 212. I really do want as smooth of an idle as I can get with some performance. I was just woried about loosing performance and I don't think that will be the case.

Thanks, Jeff

 

I believe the KB-118 ran best with at least 10.0 compression, a 3.64 rear gear, and 2,500 stall converter. Nothing wrong with the KB-118, but it doesn't look like your combination was optimized for the KB-118 to begin with.

I think your decision to switch to the TA-212 is a good one.

 

Thanks Tommy, That is kinda what I have been thinking. I am hoping this cam will work much better with my car.

 

Phil, try this cam at both 108 and 110 center lines. We commonly see 420+HP with these camshafts in otherwise basically stock engine with 8:1 - 9:1 compression. This cam with the 110 lobe center would pass for a stock cam at idle. The version with 108 lobe center has a more aggressive lope at idle.

Lobe lift:
I = 322
E = 323

Duration@.050
I = 224
E = 231

 

Are those lift numbers for a 1.55 or 1.6 or 1.65 rocker?

 

Those are lobe lift numbers, multiply by whichever rocker ratio you want to get valve lift. Jim Burek P.A.E. ENTERPRISES