Unleash Maximum Power: Top 5 Best Cams for 396 Big Block Engines

Find the best cam for your 396 big block engine and elevate its performance to new heights. Get the perfect combination of power and torque!

Are you searching for the best cam for your 396 big block engine? Look no further. Choosing the right camshaft is crucial to achieving optimal performance from your engine. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. But fear not, we've done the research and testing to bring you the top camshafts for the 396 big block.

First on our list is the Comp Cams Xtreme Energy series camshaft. This camshaft offers a great balance between power and drivability, making it an excellent choice for street use. It features a hydraulic roller design that provides improved valve lift and duration, resulting in increased horsepower and torque. The camshaft also has a smooth idle, ensuring that your car remains street-friendly while still delivering impressive performance.

If you're looking for more aggressive performance, the Lunati Voodoo camshaft may be your best choice. This camshaft is designed for high-performance street and race applications, offering significant gains in horsepower and torque. Its hydraulic roller design allows for more precise valve control, resulting in increased airflow and improved engine response. Additionally, the camshaft's aggressive lobe profile gives your engine a distinct and powerful sound.

Another great option is the Crane Cams Energizer camshaft. This camshaft is designed specifically for engines with a stock or slightly modified setup, providing a noticeable increase in power and performance. It features a hydraulic flat tappet design that offers excellent low-end torque and mid-range power, perfect for street driving. The camshaft also has a smooth idle and is compatible with stock valve springs, making it an easy upgrade for any 396 big block engine.

If you're looking for a camshaft that maximizes top-end power and performance, the Comp Cams Magnum series camshaft is an excellent choice. This camshaft features a hydraulic roller design that provides increased lift and duration, resulting in significant horsepower gains. Its aggressive lobe profile also gives your engine a distinct and powerful sound, making it perfect for race applications. However, due to its more aggressive nature, this camshaft may not be the best choice for street use.

The Crane Cams PowerMax camshaft is another excellent option for those looking for increased power and performance. This camshaft is designed for engines with stock or mildly modified setups, offering a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque. Its hydraulic flat tappet design allows for excellent low-end torque and mid-range power, making it ideal for street driving. Additionally, the camshaft's smooth idle and compatibility with stock valve springs make it an easy upgrade for any 396 big block engine.

For those seeking maximum power and performance for race applications, the Isky Racing Cams Mega hydraulic roller camshaft is the way to go. This camshaft is designed for engines with high compression ratios and large displacement, providing significant horsepower and torque gains. Its hydraulic roller design allows for precise valve control, resulting in increased airflow and improved engine response. Additionally, the camshaft's aggressive lobe profile gives your engine a distinct and powerful sound.

No matter which camshaft you choose, it's essential to ensure that it's compatible with your engine setup and meets your specific performance needs. We hope that this guide has provided you with the information you need to make an educated decision on the best camshaft for your 396 big block engine. Remember, proper installation and tuning are critical to achieving optimal performance, so be sure to consult with a professional if you're unsure about anything.

Introduction

The 396 big block engine is one of the most powerful engines that were ever made. This engine was used in many muscle cars and is still popular among car enthusiasts. However, to get the most out of this engine, you need to choose the right camshaft. In this article, we will discuss the best cam for 396 big block engines.

What is a Camshaft?

A camshaft is a rotating shaft that controls the opening and closing of the valves in an engine. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft and is responsible for controlling the timing and duration of the valve openings. A camshaft can significantly affect the performance of an engine, and choosing the right camshaft is crucial for getting the most out of your engine.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camshaft

Intended Use

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a camshaft for your 396 big block engine is the intended use of your vehicle. If you are using your car for daily driving, you may want a camshaft that provides good low-end power and fuel efficiency. If you are using your car for racing or high-performance driving, you may want a camshaft that provides more top-end power.

Compression Ratio

The compression ratio of your engine can also affect the choice of camshaft. A higher compression ratio requires a camshaft with more duration and lift to allow for more air and fuel to be drawn into the engine. However, if your engine has a lower compression ratio, you may want a camshaft with less duration and lift to improve low-end power.

Valve Springs

The valve springs in your engine also play a significant role in the choice of camshaft. A camshaft with a higher lift and duration will put more stress on the valve springs, and you may need to upgrade them to prevent valve float or other issues.

Best Cams for 396 Big Block Engines

Comp Cams Xtreme Energy XE274H

The Comp Cams Xtreme Energy XE274H is an excellent camshaft for 396 big block engines. This camshaft provides great mid-range power and has a smooth idle. It has a duration of 230/236, a lift of .490/.490, and a 110-degree lobe separation angle. It's designed for use with stock or slightly modified engines and can provide up to 50 horsepower gain.

Lunati Voodoo 10120703LK

The Lunati Voodoo 10120703LK is another great camshaft for 396 big block engines. It has a duration of 262/268, a lift of .525/.525, and a 110-degree lobe separation angle. This camshaft provides excellent top-end power and has a rough idle that many car enthusiasts love. It's designed for use with high-performance engines and can provide up to 60 horsepower gain.

Crower Beast 00300

The Crower Beast 00300 is a high-performance camshaft that's designed for use with heavily modified 396 big block engines. It has a duration of 264/272, a lift of .602/.602, and a 106-degree lobe separation angle. This camshaft provides excellent top-end power and has a very aggressive idle. It's not recommended for use with street cars and is designed for racing applications only.

Conclusion

Choosing the right camshaft for your 396 big block engine is crucial for getting the most out of your engine. You need to consider the intended use of your vehicle, the compression ratio of your engine, and the valve springs in your engine when choosing a camshaft. The Comp Cams Xtreme Energy XE274H, Lunati Voodoo 10120703LK, and Crower Beast 00300 are all excellent camshafts that can provide significant horsepower gains. However, you need to choose the camshaft that best fits your needs and the specific requirements of your engine.

When it comes to upgrading the performance of your 396 big block engine, one of the most important components to consider is the camshaft. High-performance camshafts can increase power and torque, but with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 camshafts for increased power and torque in 396 big blocks, as well as provide a camshaft selection guide, installation tips, and more.

1. High-Performance Camshafts for 396 Big Block Engines

If you're looking to increase the power and torque of your 396 big block engine, a high-performance camshaft is a great place to start. A camshaft is responsible for opening and closing the engine's valves, which allows air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber and exhaust gases to exit. By changing the duration and lift of the camshaft, you can improve the engine's performance.

2. Top 10 Camshafts for Increased Power and Torque in 396 Big Blocks

Here are the top 10 camshafts for 396 big block engines:1. COMP Cams Xtreme Energy XE274H2. Lunati Voodoo 262/2683. Crane Cams Energizer 272H4. Edelbrock Rollin' Thunder 22075. Howards Cams Max Torque 2406. Isky Racing Cams Mega 2707. Crower Beast 304H8. Melling Shark Tooth 242029. Trick Flow Track Max Hydraulic Roller10. Chevrolet Performance 14097395Each of these camshafts offers different performance gains and characteristics, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs and goals.

3. Camshaft Selection Guide for 396 Big Block Engine Upgrades

When selecting a camshaft for your 396 big block engine, there are several factors to consider:- Intended use: Are you building a street machine or a race car?- Compression ratio: A higher compression ratio requires a camshaft with more duration and lift.- Cylinder head flow: The camshaft should be matched to the cylinder heads to maximize performance.- Rear-end gearing: The camshaft should be chosen to match the rear-end gearing for optimal performance.- Exhaust system: The camshaft should be chosen to match the exhaust system for optimal performance.

4. Custom Camshafts for Maximum Performance in 396 Big Block Motors

For those who want the ultimate performance from their 396 big block engine, a custom camshaft may be the way to go. A custom camshaft can be tailored to your specific needs and goals, taking into account factors such as the intended use of the vehicle, cylinder head flow, and rear-end gearing. However, custom camshafts can be expensive and require professional installation.

5. Choosing the Right Camshaft for Your 396 Big Block Build

When choosing a camshaft for your 396 big block build, it's important to consider your goals and budget. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Chevrolet Performance 14097395 camshaft is a great choice. It offers a good balance of power and drivability, and is compatible with stock valve springs and hydraulic lifters.If you're looking for more power, the COMP Cams Xtreme Energy XE274H is a popular choice. It offers aggressive performance gains, but may require upgraded valve springs and a steeper rear-end gear ratio.

6. Best Budget-Friendly Camshafts for 396 Big Block Engines

If you're on a tight budget, there are several camshafts that offer good performance gains without breaking the bank. The Chevrolet Performance 14097395 camshaft is a great option, as mentioned earlier. Another budget-friendly option is the COMP Cams Magnum 280H. It offers good power gains and is compatible with stock valve springs and hydraulic lifters.

7. Roller Camshafts vs. Flat Tappet Camshafts for 396 Big Blocks

Camshafts can be categorized into two types: roller camshafts and flat tappet camshafts. Roller camshafts have a roller follower that rides on the camshaft lobe, while flat tappet camshafts have a flat follower that slides along the lobe. Roller camshafts offer better performance and durability, but are more expensive than flat tappet camshafts.

8. Solid vs. Hydraulic Camshafts for 396 Big Block Engine Performance

Camshafts can also be categorized into two types based on their valve actuation method: solid and hydraulic. Solid camshafts use mechanical lifters and require periodic adjustment, while hydraulic camshafts use hydraulic lifters and do not require adjustment. Solid camshafts offer better performance, but require more maintenance than hydraulic camshafts.

9. How to Install a Camshaft in a 396 Big Block Engine for Optimal Results

Installing a camshaft in a 396 big block engine can be a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. Here are some tips for optimal results:- Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.- Use the correct tools, including a dial indicator and degree wheel.- Check and adjust valve lash as necessary.- Prime the oil pump before starting the engine.- Break in the camshaft properly by varying the engine speed for the first 20-30 minutes of operation.

10. Dyno-Proven Camshafts for 396 Big Block Engines

One way to ensure that a camshaft will deliver the promised performance gains is to look for dyno-proven options. Several manufacturers, including COMP Cams and Lunati, offer dyno-tested camshafts that have been proven to increase power and torque in 396 big block engines.In conclusion, choosing the right camshaft is crucial for maximizing the performance of your 396 big block engine. Consider your goals, budget, and other factors such as cylinder head flow and rear-end gearing when selecting a camshaft. Whether you choose a budget-friendly option or a custom camshaft, proper installation and break-in procedures are essential for optimal results.

Best Cam for 396 Big Block

Point of View

As an automotive enthusiast, selecting the best cam for a 396 big block engine can be challenging. However, after thorough research and testing, I believe that the COMP Cams Xtreme Energy 268H is the best camshaft for this engine.

Pros

The COMP Cams Xtreme Energy 268H offers a significant increase in horsepower and torque over stock cams.
It provides excellent throttle response and acceleration while maintaining drivability.
The camshaft is made from high-quality materials and has undergone extensive testing to ensure durability and reliability.
It is compatible with most aftermarket components, making it easy to upgrade other parts of the engine.

Cons

The COMP Cams Xtreme Energy 268H may require additional modifications to the engine to optimize performance fully.
Installation of the camshaft may require professional help due to the complexity of the process.
The camshaft may produce a rough idle, which may not be suitable for some drivers.
The cost of the camshaft and installation may be higher than other options.

Comparison Table

Camshaft	Pros	Cons
COMP Cams Xtreme Energy 268H	Increase in horsepower and torque Excellent throttle response and acceleration Durable and reliable Compatible with most aftermarket components	May require additional modifications Installation may require professional help Rough idle Higher cost
Crane Cams Energizer	Increase in horsepower and torque Good low-end power Fuel efficient Affordable	Less high-end power than other options May require additional modifications Rough idle Compatibility issues with some aftermarket components
Lunati Voodoo	Increase in horsepower and torque Good mid to high-end power Relatively quiet operation Affordable	May require additional modifications Less low-end power than other options Rough idle Compatibility issues with some aftermarket components

Overall, selecting the best cam for a 396 big block engine depends on individual needs and preferences. However, considering the performance, durability, and compatibility, the COMP Cams Xtreme Energy 268H is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their engine.

The Best Cam for Your 396 Big Block: Our Top Picks

Thank you for joining us on our journey to find the best camshaft for your 396 big block engine. We hope that this article has been helpful in guiding you towards making the right decision for your vehicle. After extensive research and testing, we have narrowed down our top picks to three options that we believe will give you the best performance and power.

The first camshaft on our list is the COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Hydraulic Roller Camshaft. This camshaft is perfect for those who want a high-performance upgrade for their 396 big block engine. The hydraulic roller design provides excellent power and torque, while the aggressive lobe profile allows for increased airflow and better throttle response.

If you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, we recommend the Lunati Voodoo Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft. This camshaft is designed to provide excellent low-end torque and horsepower without breaking the bank. The hydraulic flat tappet design makes installation easy, while the aggressive lobe profile ensures maximum power and performance.

Finally, we have the Crane Cams Energizer Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft. This camshaft is perfect for those who want a balance between power and drivability. The hydraulic flat tappet design provides smooth operation and easy installation, while the aggressive lobe profile ensures maximum power and performance.

No matter which camshaft you choose, it's important to keep in mind that proper installation and tuning are essential for getting the most out of your engine. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and consider consulting with a professional if you're not comfortable with the installation process.

Additionally, it's important to remember that camshafts are just one part of the equation when it comes to improving your engine's performance. Other factors such as intake and exhaust systems, carburetors, and ignition systems can all play a role in how your engine performs.

When it comes to choosing the right camshaft for your 396 big block engine, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, consider your driving style and what you want to get out of your engine. Do you want maximum power and performance, or are you more concerned with drivability and low-end torque?

Next, consider the specs of the camshaft itself. Look for a camshaft with an aggressive lobe profile and high lift if you want maximum power and performance. However, keep in mind that these types of camshafts may be more difficult to tune and may not provide the best low-end torque.

Finally, consider the type of camshaft you want. Hydraulic roller camshafts are generally considered to be the best choice for high-performance engines, while hydraulic flat tappet camshafts are a good choice for those who want a balance between power and drivability.

In conclusion, we hope that this article has been helpful in guiding you towards finding the best camshaft for your 396 big block engine. Remember to consider your driving style, the specs of the camshaft, and the type of camshaft when making your decision. With the right camshaft and proper installation and tuning, you'll be able to unlock the full potential of your engine and enjoy maximum power and performance on the road or at the track.