Camshaft Upgrade for 83 SC
 

I've been searching the forums for the best camshaft options for my 83SC. But everything I'm find mostly is for the earlier lower compression engines.

If I assume I am not going to change C/R (currently 9.3:1) and I have SSI's, and the car is mostly used for street, so I don't want low end performance to suffer. If anything, I'd like it to get better. What would be the recommendation?

Elgin 330/DC-15 (which are pretty much the same)
964
or DC-19

I'm not even entertaining 20/21's due to the price.

Matt,

If maintaining low-end performance is your main priority, I would not change cams. All that does is shift the powerband UP to varying degrees, depending on profile.

Save your money and have your distributor recurved for improved throttle response.

My engine is similar to yours with 9.3:1 CR, small ports and SSIs. I chose to go with DC13 cams which are a higher lift SC cams and lighter flywheel. I did this because I wanted slightly more character but didn't want to loose too much low end and didn't believe it wise to go with higher rpm cams with the small ports.

Today I drove my friends stock 1980SC that I know well as well as my own and I believe maybe the light flywheel wasn't a good idea. It is more responsive when 'racing' , but i have lost a lot of that low end grunt. I'd very likely go with the same cams again but stayed with stock flywheel

Thought the 964 was the Deal !

Just bringing this old thread back. I'm finally close to my engine rebuild (or maybe more of a refresh...we'll see). After some more research I'm leaning against using the 964 cams due to concern for low end power. Car is just a street car. Any more thoughts on this?

This and adjust the cam timing to the upper limit of the advanced range of the SC cams as per specs.

I have the 964 cam in my SC and it makes a considerable difference. I think it creates power across the range far better. And i don't fond the lower end affected in any way and I feel the car pulls hard in every gear. However I have the ROW 3.0 which si torquier andhas taller third and fifth gears

I'm very interested in doing this to my RoW. Would like to change the final drive to something a little steeper at the same time

Not sure what Web is charging these days but did 20/21's on my 83 Targa about 15 years ago and the car was a blast.
Coupled with SSi's the motor was great around town and the cams really started making power 3200 rpm & up......pulled strong through 6k+