installing an OE 30/30 3849346 cam - where should I put ICL?

[napa68]

Honestly, I'd be installing an LT1 cam instead. It will help the torque which a 302 can use every bit of IMO. Otherwise, Id install the 30 30 straight up

Tim

[x33rs]

Where does the cam card say the ICL is compared to the LSA?

[x33rs]

Never mind, I'm mixing your statements in with your question.

If you have a real OEM grind, we can assume the LSA is 114 degrees.

What I would do is mock it all up and see where the ICL falls with the timing gears straight up, and then make a judgement call.

That cam in a 302 needs at least 11:1 compression for best results. Anything less creates a soggy engine down low. With less compression I'd probably move the cam forward a pinch more than I would with more compression.

If it falls in around a 109-110 ICL I'd probably run with it and see how it acts. If you plan to run pump gas and have a true 11:1 compression, I wouldn't advance the cam any more than that.

[Flying Undertaker]

I'd install the cam at 2-4 degrees advanced from where the card says the intake centerline should be. This allows for a certain amount of timing chain stretch over time (which retards timing) and will give you a little more bottom end if you are using it for street use and still will be ready for an occasional trip to the track if you should want to. This will allow slightly more exhaust valve to piston clearance as an added benefit. Don.