Have been a registered member for about five years but this is my first post. Building a 455 for my 1966 Cutlass Holiday Hardtop. The machining was done more than a year ago but the engine is incomplete. The engine builder prefers to use Howard cams but they have been out of stock for many months and they estimate late January for delivery. So the hold up is the cam. I have absolutely no interest in any form of competitive racing, looking for a street performance cam. Using F heads, 9.5 to 1 compression, 3.42 gears, 2004r trans. The car is will be built as a 442 tribute and am trying to capture the look and feel of the 442. Has anyone had similar supply problems with cams and if so what cam did you go with.

 

I got mine from Mark Remmel, (Cutlassefi) when he built my engine. He will probably drop in here soon and perhaps let you know why there are supply shortages for the Howards stuff. Maybe he can provide you a similar cam and get you moving on your engine build.

 

Copy That. Thank you.

 

Either Mark Remmel or Bill Travato can hook you up. Don't go crazy on it. Get the recommended valve springs to match.The best part is that you don't have to worry about break in or oil ZDDP (as much).

 

In that case, sell the F heads to a restorer and use the proceeds to pay for the complete engine build.

 

^^^^^^ this ^^^^^^

 

Thanks for the info. i will message them.

 

What joe and others are saying is the F heads are rare and desirable for a correct W car restoration.

if you sell those heads you could use more common E or similar heads (no performance loss) or purchase Aluminum heads (performance gain)
and still be money ahead!

check your casting numbers to be certain theyre F heads, its not uncommon to see the bottom leg of the E ground off to appear to be an F head.

 

Thread w F head pics

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-heads-158583/

 

Thanks for the info. All of the machining on the engine is completed including the heads. I just need to locate a suitable cam. Comp and Lunati seem to have a limited supply of Olds rollers. My question is whether or not anybody is having the same problem with the availability of cams. I will check with the machine shop to be certain they are F heads. We went through about 15 pairs of heads he had in his shop for replacement heads. The engine originally had J heads.

 

Yep, everything hot rod is in short supply. If it's offshore, it's stuck offshore. If it's US made, it's probably still stuck offshore for material.
Travato told me he bought up most of Comps Olds cam cores. He had a bunch in stock about 4 months ago. I think Mark deals mostly with Erson (or used to, anyway). Surprised that he hasn't chimed in.
Apparently, all Olds hydraulic roller lifters are junk, too, FYI. I have BAM solids on a Comp hydraulic core.

 

Exactly, get a set of aluminum heads, a roller cam and your car will pull like a freight train..someone who needs the F heads for a w30 car will appreciate it, you will pay for your new stuff..beautiful win win.

 

Ran into the exact problem last week try BTR racing in Rocherster NY ..Bill has a few rollers in stock and VERY fair on price (585) 303- 7560 . Very helpful guys

 

Good luck finding any aluminum heads besides the Chinese pro comps...

 

Many thanks to all who have replied to my cam problem. I talked with the machine shop doing the work and he will now follow up on all the advice I have received here. This is an excellent forum with a great group off followers. Thanks again to all.

1966 Cutlass convertible
1966 Cutlass hardtop
1962 Ford Galaxie
CalSpyder (Ferris Bueller)
Apollo Verona
And my indispensable 1991 Chevy Truck (shop truck) which i bought new in 1991