With the new format here, I am just now seeing this. My take may be different than those who have previously posted.
To me, the press-in studs are the limiting factor. there have been studs pulled out even with stock cams.
So, I'd say the Pontiac clone cams with just barely over .400 lift would be safest. The 1971 & '72 455HO engines all used the 068 cam. Those engines were low CR. So, that cam recommendation from Butler was not that bad, with all this considered.
The '73-'74 SD455 engines were also low CR. They had a cam with the 744 lobe specs. It has the same lift as an 068, but more duration. However both these 455 engines were vastly undercammed, from a performance standpoint.
Between those to cams, I'd choose the 744, which today would be a Melling SPC-3. But, if you will hardly ever rev your engine past 4000 rpm, the 068(Melling SPC-7) should be all you need. The best prices for these Melling cams are most always either from an Ebay store, or Auto Zone. But, when you find the best price, Summit will probably match it, if you prefer to buy from them.
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With the press-in studs, I would not consider the steep ramp cams, such as the CC XE series cams mentioned, or the Voodoo cams. Engine builder Paul Carter loves the Voodoo cams. BUT, he also recommends stronger valve springs than with normal profile cams. So, I think any XE or Voodoo MIGHT be more likely to pull a stud than either of the Melling cams mentioned.
IF you choose to try to get by with more lift. The first cam I'd recommend is the Lunati 10510312. It has .454 lift, but not as steep a ramp as the XE & Voodoo cams.
Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam. Excellent for street performance with 455 c.i. motors. Works with stock valvetrain and all power accessories. Fair idle. ; Advertised Duration (Int/Exh): 276/286 ; Duration @ .050 (Int/Exh): 221/230 ; Gross Valve Lift (Int/
www.lunatipower.com
Then there is the Summit 2801, which is a higher lift version of the 068, with .466 exhaust lift. Don't know how much cam your press-in studs will stand. The Summit is definitely the cheapest of all the choices.
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