The 204s are a very underrated cam. There is 8* of advance ground into the cam profile which is the source of the choppy. The cams will require compression to make the numbers you cite above. The trick is to get the compression up high enough to optimize the power of the cams but low enough to avoid detonation. This will also depend on altitude and how hot it gets in your part of the country. Static CR of 9.6 is pretty safe but, if your locale can stand 9.8, that's better. I have run the SE204s in a 95" '05 Deuce (104TQ/94HP) in south Texas at 9.8 but had to pull them in the summer months because of detonation; the heat and summer formulated corn fuel is just too much. Timing can be retarded to eliminate the ping but by the time you take enough timing out, the motor becomes sluggish.

The tune and exhaust is important; needs a 2:1 and can't over emphasize the importance of the tune. Torque curve is better than what you will get wtih most other SE cams like the 211 or 251 that will put up better numbers but need more rpms to make the power. Decent on the upper end of the low range, strong in the midrange and decent in the lower end of the high range.

A .030" Cometic MLS head gasket is part of the combination to set proper sqush band. If the heads are pulled for the cam change, it would be a good idea to have some Singh grooves cut inot the chambers.

Of course the aftermarket has better offerings but if one wants to stick with MoCo stuff, the SE204 is not a bad choice.

 

204's with a 4* key.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sck5vW-1s9Y

 

Advance key or not, watch the cranking compression. With 8*advance ground in to the profile and a fairly early intake close installed straight up, you should consider compression releases. That setup can result in some nasty heat soaked startups in the summer time; I have seen those shift a crank. While that is extreme, just points out what a wicked advance curve can do under the right circumstances. Compression releases will also extend battery and starter life.

Not saying a 4* advance gear is a bad idea; just saying be careful.

 

Agreed. Was not necessarily saying the 4 key is the way to go. Posted the vid because the OP was more interested in the lope, idle sound then performance.

 

It did sound good but I wish he would have recorded from the rear to get the full effect. I actually think there is more idle lope with the cam installled straight up.

 

The bsl 2n2's also help to hear each cylinder fire compared to a 2n1.

 

This statement is pure BS.
Drop in a set of 204 cams and you will have exactly the sound you are looking for.
Send out the heads and get major power improvements.