Thanks guys, looks like there are lots of variables in choosing camshafts. I will just use the NOS one I already have (B8A-6250-C) which I believe is probably the first of the watered down version that eventually became the 60's truck cam. This (B8A) part number would have come about in or around 1958, and was changed at least once more before y-block production ceased. I wonder if cam specs changed each time or just part numbers? 

I was the proud owner of one of those 57 312's for a few years in the 60's and I don't remember noticing anything about the idle characteristics, but I was young and smooth idle might not have been as important to me then as it is now. Only thing I remember is how I liked the performance of that car at the time.






Tom from the chiggerfarm located in the beautiful Heart of Central Texas

When you cannot dazzle others with your brilliance, baffle them with bullcorn!

While the Isky E4 ground on 112° lobe centers calms down the idle, it still has a rumble in the exhaust note.  Here’s how the two camshafts compare to each other:

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Chigger:  For some reason, virtually all std replacement cams for the Y-Blk are based on none 57 specs. (earlier & later)  As Mummert has noted, they are essentially truck cams!  If you want dead smooth idle, that's the one.. Note however that Ted's comments on the E4 spec it with a 112 LSA, not with Isky's original 108*  I'll presume it will idle somewhat better with 112* but you'd need to clarify on that. ..  Why the 1957-D code cam has not been available has been a head scratcher? Seems silly!  As far as I know it had a good idle but may not have been dead smooth. However, if I recall correctly (?) Mummert had some reservations about what he called the "jerk" rate on the 57 cam. Apparently that had something to do with ramp acceleration rates on it.. Again, clarification needed there... After 1957 & the intro of the F.E. series big blks, the Y-Blk was religated to being their base engine with max economy in mind, hence the return of a very mild cam.          


Paul

My knowledge of camshafts other than stock is very limited, but is that E4 Isky cam that you mention approximately the same as the Ford original stock one?
I'm not afraid of Isky brand products, nor am I trying to replicate the completely stock engine, it's just that I want a silky smooth idle that I have never found anywhere except with stock cams. I have one of the replacements that are still available but the general consensus is that the 57 and earlier are better. I had a 57 with the 312/245 HP engine and it ran strong and idled ok, but I have never had the opportunity to see one of those E4 cams in action. Something tells me it's not the same?

copied this from the Isky online catalog

http://www.iskycams.com/onlinecatalog.html

301444 E-4 2000-5000 .425 .015 260° 216° 108°
SOLID .425 .015 260° 216°








Tom from the chiggerfarm located in the beautiful Heart of Central Texas

When you cannot dazzle others with your brilliance, baffle them with bullcorn!

It worked but you will have to turn your laptop/monitor on its side to read it. Damn phones!

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

If this works from my phone i will post a cam spec paper published by Mummert some time ago!

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

What about the bigger E and F code cam?  Or was that over the counter and not factory?

Oh, in the Eichman book, .290 and .290 lobe lift.



Lawrenceville, GA

Tom.  I’m not aware of any cam grinding equipment remaining in the Waco area.  I have toyed with the idea of having Isky make a reproduction ’57 grind though as the E4 ground on 112° lobe centers is still just a tad big on some applications.  The E4 on 112° lobe centers is still worth 10-15 HP over the factory ’57 grind so it’s tough to go backwards sometimes.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks that's what needed. JD

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Ted, is there anywhere here in Waco that can grind a cam to that stock 57 spec?



Tom from the chiggerfarm located in the beautiful Heart of Central Texas

When you cannot dazzle others with your brilliance, baffle them with bullcorn!