Did I screw Up? With my cam.

[ItBites]

Concobra is correct that even with a mis-matched cam/head/compression combination, it can be made liveable with special considerations in driving style, overlooking shortcomings and unusual tuning, but you still will have a mis-matched set-up. Not great at anything, but not bad either, if you're willing to live with the shortcomings.

This does not take away from the fact that this cam is not a match for the intended application. Selecting too large of a cam is the most common mistake newbies and "experienced" builders make and this cam is too large. This engine will not be a high rpm, high hp screamer, nor will it be a smooth driver at low rpm, nor will it have low end torque, nor will it be easy to drive in traffic. It will have the best of no world in this engine. Yes the engine will run.

I do not understand why anyone would advocate using a mismatched cam by the argument that with compromise tuning and driving style, it can be made to work at some compromise level. For all the money and effort we put in our cars, most folks will be way happier with a cam that is matched to the application. Why compromise on using a cam that can be made to work instead of getting a cam that works perfectly, given that cams are cheap in the grand scheme of your Cobra and engine build.

None of the engine builders (KC for example) would put this cam in this combination since they have to be concerned about the HAPPINESS of their customer. This engine will not bring happiness unless the owner is willing to live with all the mentioned compromises in what is otherwise a no-compromise car. Big-Boss, please call KC or one of the cam companies and please get a cam more suited to your happiness.