TECH: Cams for Stock Street Motors

I prefer cams with a small (lower) Overlap Number in stock stroke street engines.  Overlap is a period of time where both intake and exhaust valves are open.  You can figure the overlap number by adding as follows:

Example:  14/34  41/12  Overlap is 14 + 12 = 26
Example:  36/40  45/36  Overlap is 36 + 36 = 72

The "26" camshaft should give you less hesitation, less flat spots, less babble out the pipes at lower rpms - a Torque Cam.
However, It may kickstart a bit harder, and it won't like higher compression (9:0 of higher) it might ping?

The "72" camshaft may babble out the pipes at low to mid range, have a flat spot at lower rpms, and
require mufflers to perform properly.
However, It will kick easier, likes higher compression.  Power cam. Strokers !

I also like cams that the fractions of intake and exhaust are the same numbers "diagonally" - they seem to perform better . . . that's just my experience. 

Example: 16  36
               36  16

So . . . try a cam with a Low Overlap Number, with numbers the same diagonally, Valve lift .450 or under for stock spring installed heights and seat pressure.  You don't want any bigger(stronger) valve springs then necessary.  It just adds unwanted pressure and wear to valve components, pushrods, tappets, rollers, valve stems, cam bearings, etc.  It also takes extra horsepower to open those heavy springs !