For basis of comparison, I did the Federal Mogul CS647 cam using the same above formula, only with the same DCR for 71* IVC, making SCR 10.21:1. I discovered that the discrepancies between the two cams (Crower level 2 installed 2* retarded vs default and the Federal Mogul cam installed at default 3.25* advanced @.050; 1.75* retard @.006) weren't as far apart as I had originally remembered. It still swaps torque for hp, but not as much. The results are 420 ft. lbs. @2400-2800 RPM peak, averaging 410 ft. lbs. between 2000-3500 RPM; with 297hp @4650 RPM peak, averaging 287 hp between 3750-5250 RPM. It has a wider powerband vs the Crower level 2 cam, for a tradeoff of only -9.5 (average) ft. lbs. (but a wider torque band), and +4 hp. Efforts put into increasing power can often result in a narrower powerband, which can ultimately result in decreased overall performance when the differences are small (with power numbers and similar powerbands). A wider poweband is much more desirable than a few more numbers, particularly on a street machine. Add in the increased lifespan of the Federal Mogul cam (YES, this is TRUE, no matter how much you want to disbelieve it. Less strain on components = greater lifespan on those components), its ease of installation and less expensive (no special valve springs (or the machine work to install them) required, for one) vs the Crower cam, and you'll see which cam is better suited. To reiterate, this is all done with a 500 CFM (@3.00" vacuum) wet flow 2 barrel carburetor. I'm trying guys, honest, but the more I do the numbers, the more the finger points back to the CS647 cam. If you want measurable differences, it appears it's back to the Crower level 3 cam, but then you're getting into the range where the 4 barrel (or fuel injection) becomes a greater gain and worth the move over the 2 barrel carb. Obviously, anything more than this will give greater gains, but then you're moving the powerband up into higher RPMs (and concentrating it within a tighter band) in order to make this power by moving more air using the iron Buick 350 heads--but these are limited unless you're a wizard with head porting. Once the aluminum heads become available, things will change... Just an FYI for anyone interested. Gary
