1955 T Bird Camshaft identification

[RMF64]

Hi

I am just in the process of rebuilding my 55's 292 Y-block and wonder if anyone knows what the cam shaft numbers mean and if it is a stock or replacement cam.

Numbers on cam are B8A6 2500.

Is this just a ford part number?
How could I tell if the cam is different to stock

Many thanks
Rob

[Oldmics]

B-is the decade of manufacturing (1950s)

8 - signifys the year in the decade (1958)

A= Ford

6250 - is Fords number for all camshafts.

Now that number cast on the camshaft is not the actual part number. It is called the engineering number.
There are cross reference books that match engineering numbers to the actual Ford part numbers

So that 1955 engine has had the camshaft replaced with a later Ford camshaft

Oldmics

[RMF64]

Thanks for this.

I found a reference that the "A" stood for sedan. If it was a Thunderbird part, it would have an "S" instead.

Does anyone know if this is a better cam to have? The 58 Y block sedans had more power, but this may have come from higher compression ratios...

I'm looking at replacing this cam. I'm after fast road use. Any suggestions for what to replace it with and where to get it from?

Thanks
Rob

[paul2748]

If it's a 58 cam, I doubt that it was better than a 57 cam. In 58, the 292(Ford) and 312 (Mercury) engines were base engines, not a performance engine like 57. Talk to John Mummert about a replacement cam. Bear in mind that many aftermarket grooved cams for a YBlock have a less than satisfactory groove for oil supply to the rockers. Anything John sells has a groove that is ok. John sells brand name cams, but fixes the groove.

[Florida_Phil]

I like Isky cams for Y Blocks. Two in particular, the 301444 and 301333. Both will work with stock valve springs. I have a 301333 in my 55Tbird which is the hotter of the two. It idles at 800 rpm with a manual transmission and O/D. It has a noticeable lope. I also have 1957 G heads and valve train, 1957 iron 4V manifold, 465 CFM Holley carb and a 57 distributor. The 301444 is milder. Mid range torque is much better than a stock cam. Here's a link to a Youtube video where you can hear what it sounds like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udhHN197V_E

[RMF64]

Having researched a bit, I realised my cam number is B8A 6250-C

I found this on the John Mummert ford-y-block website and it makes me wonder if its something for a supercharged engine from 58

"The 1957 cam for supercharged engines was part number B7A 6250 C. This indicates it was intended for passenger car use as opposed to being Thunderbird specific."

Any one got any wisdom to share on this comment? I would have thought a supercharged engine would have needed a lot more airflow, i.e. more duration and lift, unless its the other way round and because it is forced it needs less?

Cheers
Rob

[Oldmics]

After 1957 Fords over the counter replacement camshaft for ALL Y Block engines was the unit that you have - B8E 6250-C.

It is a lesser preformance unit than the stock 1957 stick. Why they lamed it out is an unanswered question.

Main core engine parts were not specifically listed as "S" for Thunderbird application only.

The 6250 cam went into both passenger cars and T Birds - just like crankshafts,rods,heads,etc. There was NO specific camshaft listed ONLY for the Thunderbird.

"S" intended parts (such as crankshaft balancer,oil pan and more) did get only installed into Birds but everything else was for both passenger and Birds as explained above.

The blower cam is B7A-6250-C. It was availiable in two versions (both used the same part#) and came in a variety of rockwell hardness configurations.
Those versions can only be identified by markings on the camshaft.

Ford did not offer a supercharged engine/camshaft in 1958.

If you were happy with the preformance of your original cam then I would suggest having your B8E stick reground.

If you are seeking more preformance speak to a cam regrinder and see if he would suggest something new or reusing your stick as a core for a regrind.

Oldmics

[paul2748]

If you are looking for a cam with so0me better performance characteristics contact John Mummert. He has quite a few options

[RMF64]

Hi Chaps

Thanks for advice. I have been to John Mummert and bought a forged engine kit with I beam rods, performance cam, performance pushrods and springs. Hoping to add a pair of his heads to the build when they are available next year.....