My research into the 1957 E-code engines indicates two versions, 270 HP and 285 HP. From what i can tell the 270 HP was just a D-code engine/camshaft with a 2X4 manifold and two Holley 4000s. The 285 HP seems to have a much "wilder" cam. I've been told it is somewhere around 290 degrees duration and close to 480-490 lift. I've also been told the 285 HP version was designed by Holman and Moody and the cam was ground by Clay Smith in southern California back in the day. Here are the questions:
1. Is there a Ford part number for the 285 HP camshaft and if so are the spec's available for that camshaft?
2. Are the Holley carbs the same for both 270 and 285 versions?

Thanks for your help.

Steve

I was my understanding that Iskenderian ground the cams for Ford. That is what Hot Rod magazine Ford books said in the 1960s.

The best,most accurate and most recent information about the mysterious 285 H.P. engine can be found using the following link.
http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic48564.aspx

Essentially there is no documented Ford information regarding any parts utilised to build the 285 engine. Ford does claim in its books that it was made - just no other information at all.

Oldmics

Oldmics, I read the entire E-code camshaft thread from a few years ago with much interest. I'm still confused. Seems there is no question that the D-code cam was also used in the 270 HP E-code. From what i read here and in other places, the 285 HP E-code cam was different but no published specifications from Ford. Am i reading it all correctly?

Steve

Steve
Your understanding about there being absolutely no verifiable information about the 285 H.P. camshaft is correct.
Everything about the 285 engine is an undocumented mystery!
Except that the 285 H.P.engine did exist according to Fords parts books. No mention anywhere of any specific parts utilized to build this engine.

General logic lends itself to the belief that the 285 unit used a different camshaft.

Taking some of the factual information from the 1956 260 H.P. race setup, the increase in horsepower over the stock 1956 engine specs was accomplished by the use of dual quads, a different camshaft and also broached heads. The 56 260 setup was the predecessor to the 57 "E" code

It again is a logical assumption that the 57 - 285 H.P. setup followed a similar parts path that the 56 setup utilized.
Unfortunately until new information or parts come to light - it will remain a Ford mystery.

Oldmics - still on the hunt

Has anybody talked to Holman Moody about this? I talked to them one time about Y cams and they said they had the grinder man still working for them that did it back in the day for the Y's and he could grind me anything I wanted, just tell him my intended usage, However, I have not known anybody using a Holman Moody cam as of yet. I think if somebody gives them a call the old timer cam grinder they were refering to to me may be able to answer some of these questions, if he is still around, that was a few years ago now!
I am getting ready to build a motor for my 56 gasser project so maybe I will call myself and try one of their cams!

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?

Hi, I think that Clay Smith Cams has all the Holman & Moody masters.


Clay Smith Engineering, Inc.5870 Dale StreetBuena Park, CA 90621.Telephone: Tech Line: 714-523-0530                     

I did speak with Lee Holman a few years ago at Carlise. Since he is Johns son he did not have immeadent knowledge about that era.

He was certainly nice enough and suggested that I take a trip to his facility and go thru the library onsite.He also did mention a retired cam grinder who was active during that timeframe and suggested that if I did stop in to also contact that gentleman.

Unfortunatly life has not allowed me to persue such a trip.

Oldmics

Just to add to the confusion, I recall many years ago that I was told that Isky possibly supplied that cam & that it was an E-2.  I know that grind was popular for Ford Oval Track cars in the 60s..   


Paul