camshaft questions

[flybear]

I'm getting a 360 ready to put in my 85 J-20, and one upgrade I'd like to do is a cam. I don't 4-wheel this truck, it's a daily driver and gets used for towing my CJ on a trailer . On the hiway it generally runs 2600-2800 rpm at 60/70 mph. I'd like to find a cam that will help me maintain speed on hills while towing. I'd like to not lose too much in mileage. (currently 9-12 mpg) Anyone use their truck in similar fashion that made a cam swap they're happy with? I read some prev. posts regarding Summit's K8600. Good cam for my use?

[AMX factor]

I use the Comp Cams 260H. Good results. Better power than the stock cam and gas mileage is about the same.

[Al Johnson]

K8600 should fit your use well. I have it with stock compression in my 360, and it works from idle to 5500 RPM, where my redline is set. I installed mine 2° advanced, for better low-end. With my lighter vehicle, I wish I had not done this, but for your heavier vehicle and for towing, I'd recommend it.

Don't forget the 4 bbl if you possibly can.

Al

[Serious Johnson]

Fly':

In that rev range you won't benefit one whit from an other-than-stock camshaft. The K8600 will be felt when you drop a gear for a hill, and shouldn't sacrifice much in the very low ranges. It's a bit tall for a 304 towing cam, and pretty mild in a 401 with a big carb, but fits the 360 quite nicely, and works well with the stock carb or a medium-sized 4-barrel.

You shouldn't lose fuel efficiency at low, stedy revs, but the added power in the 4,000 range will of course not be free.

:-

[flybear]

I have a recommendation from Crane for one of their cams. They told me I should install it 4 deg. adv. but they don't have a deg. bushing for AMC engines. Does anyone make one? If not, what have others done, used adjustable timing gears?