440 Need help figuring out what cam is installed
So, I took the engine to a local builder to have it checked out since I noticed what looked like grit in the lifter valley as seen through the distributor hole. He has it disassembled and found the black grit to be dead bugs in the valley and in the oil he drained out. It was never run.
He said the engine looks excellent otherwise, forged stock crank, KB237 pistons 10 to 1 compression 30 over, stock YA connecting rods, ARP bolts, rotating assembly is balanced. The 413 heads have been mildly ported with oversized valves, I think he said 2.02 intake but don't recall exhaust.
My question is what cam to run? He recommends a Hydraulic roller cam instead of the flat tappet he pulled out. Cam has these numbers on it, but I couldn't find any info on them: 241759. I tend to agree and have no issue putting a better roller cam/lifter that eliminates the potential for failure with the flat tappet.
I'm looking at Howard's cams on his recommendation, but unsure which one to consider. I found a couple, which he said sounds like a good fit, but I'd like to get some thoughts from the more experienced guys on the site. He's going to let me know the cc of the combustion chamber this weekend.
Howards Cams Retrofit Hydraulic Roller Camshafts 723515-12- Duration 219 int./225 exh at 050" lift, Lift .510/.500, Lobe Sep-112 degrees​
Fair idle, street/mild bracket, good low to midrange. 2,500+ stall, 9.5:1+ compression ratio.
or
Howards Cams Retrofit Hydraulic Roller Camshafts 720555-12- Duration 228 int./234 exh at 050" lift, Lift .525/.525, Lobe Sep-112 degrees​
Mild lopey idle, street/mild bracket, good low to midrange performance. 2,500+ stall.
Open to other suggestions, I'm no cam expert by any means. Kinda of leaning toward the second one since I like the sound of an engine where you can hear the cam.
Going to run a 3.55 gear with 28" tires and 2800-3200 stall converter. Just looking for a strong, reliable engine for street use in the 450hp +- range.
Thank you and I appreciate all the replies thus far.