Classic/Antique Car Repair: big block chevy cam??, chevy 396, head gaskets

Question
HI I have a chevy 396 cu.in motor that is stock all but a mallory ign,and h.d.coil and a worked on quad. carb also headers. with a 4 speed tranny. i was thinking of putting a new cam in it but i have no idea what to put in it a solid or hyd. cam ? and how big, etc. do you know of any that might help me?.

Answer
ok Joe,first how big is that 396 what h.p. low or hi ?
as if it is a low h.p.motor and you wish to beef it up a bit w/o doing pistons.crank, intake ,larger carb, etc. i would tell you of a cam that did wonders for a 396 w/low h.p. in it. i used a manley ss 454 cam with a 328 duration and a  lift of apx450. so that means that the valves will be open for a bit and also lift to that of almost a 1/2 inch. as if it is a low h.p. motor the pistons might not be cut for the valves and if you miss a gear at hi r.p.s. you might put a valve right threw a piston >so i do recomend this cam as you will not beleive the change in the power, but you must prior to starting the motor up with that cam first you must replace the valve springs with some heavy duty type that of a inner and outer type as this way you will be protected from any valve slaping on the pistons even at 7,000r.p.m.s also try to find the thickest head gaskets as this will aid in the clearance also. than you should also replace the timeing chain and gears with a seat of heavy duty type. and the best part it is a anti pump up cam as the lifters that you will have to use will be hyd. but anti pump ups and thay work like solids but you will not have to adj. them every weekend. i would really say to do it this way. but if it is for a 396 w/ hi h.p. you can go a bit bigger, and still do the heads. let me know if it is for a 350 h.p. or larger. if not you will love the results from this.
good luck