Another Camshaft/Valve Train newbie question

[GarrettXJ93]

Alright here goes. Ive been searching this forum for a few months now trying to get information on my stroker. I'm in the middle of it right now. The block and head have been cleaned, inspected and the rotating assembly has been installed.

I chose the Clegg Engine Stage III Kit:
Icon 4032 Forged Dish Pistons -21cc #IC944
Scat Enterprises 9000 Series Performance Cast Steel Crankshaft 3.895” Stroke #9-4.2L-3895
Connecting Rods 4.0L 242ci 6.125”

My question is what is a good aftermarket cam shaft for this specific setup. The ones that ive seen people use are the Comp 68-231-4 or the Crane #753901, i know there are a few others. I'm trying to keep this a middle of the road build for performance and cost, so i was trying to maintain the stock valves, and rocker arms. I want to maintain good low end torque because in the next year and a half it will be a permanent off road vehicle. Id like to make sure that my vacuum and idle specs stay within the suitable range without doing manual brakes, boosters, etc.

My head just gets scrambled trying to figure out lift height, spring rates, and rocker ratios. I honestly would love for someone to just tell me the best option for me (obviously there are a lot of opinions on "best") and stay in the $500-700 range for my camshaft/valvetrain altogether. I've learned quite a bit and i know there is a lot more i could learn but at this point id like to get this thing back and running.

Will i regret keeping the stock rocker arms?? I just really cant justify spending $400 for rocker arms.

Any info, advice, or suggestions would be much appreciated. At this point my head is full of numbers and ideas. I would hate to order a camshaft and camshaft kit and realize its not what i need or wanted. Thanks guys!

[gradon]

Using new stock-style rockers(don't re-use the stock rockers or pushrods)and valvetrain is fine as long as the cam you use has .44" lift or less(stock 4.0 cams, mopar 28&29). If you are using a cam with lift higher than .44", then you need different valve springs. IIIRC, you should stay away from Crane. I love the nla mopar 30 in my stroker, so rec the mopars.

[Cheromaniac]

Depends on whether you want maximum HP or maximum long term reliability. If it's the latter, I'd suggest either a stock '91-'95 replacement cam or the Mopar 229 together with stock valve springs and Harland Sharp non-adjustable shaft-mounted roller rockers.

[GarrettXJ93]

Sorry its taken me so long to reply. Was out hunting for a week and then worked straight through since then.
Is this the mopar camshaft you are talking about?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dcc-4529229/overview/

If i understand this correctly going with this camshaft^^, the Haland rockers, and (new) stock valve springs would be a good option. As far as lifters would it be adviced to go with new stock lifters and then what size pushrods would i need?

[nicpaige]

Is this an early block with spring and button or late model 1999-2001 retainer plate block?

[Russ Pottenger]

Everybody's going to give you a opinion so I'll give you mine.
Starting with the camshaft. I'd use a Comp 68-232-4 over the 68-231-4.
The main difference is the 113 degree lobe separation angle rather than 111.
The reason is the improvement in manifold vacuum.
If your meticulous and setting up the install spring height you can get by using stock replacement VS-1456 springs.

To stay within your budget OEM replacement style rocker arms are fine.
Pushrod length will be determined when you mock everything up and measure.

Hopefully you got a good quality double roller timing set in your kit.
I use Rollmaster or JP Performance.

The list of goodies I mentioned should be well within your $500 budget.

If you decide to go that route you're welcome to p.m. me.
I'll have it all in stock and can ship.

Russ