I bought a used but "like new" 350hp camshaft at a lokal swap meet this weekend. I want to install it in my T-Bucket,i got a 67 327 with 350 heads. Can i just change the cam and put new lifters in it or is there any other stuff i need to do? Its the first time i change a camshaft so any info is good info
Cam specs? Likely have to replace the valve springs for the Z28 'drop in' spring and retainers. Depending on the lift (i expect are quite a few different 350hp cams) you might need long slot rockers as well, doubtful but worth bring your attention to. I would imagine the cam will have enough lift to coil bind the existing spring with the rotator cup and best way to fix that is to replace the whole mess, Z28 spring kit is inexpensive, takes no machining and with a few tools you can do it yourself.
There should be a part number on the butt end of the shaft. Chevy made several 350 HP small block motors. Both 327 and 350. New valve springs able to handle the extra lift would be a good idea.
Make sure you put in an Engine Oil Supplement when you fire it up with the new lifters. No zinc in the oil anymore.
Before you install it mic the cam lobes at the high point. There will be a "slope" ground into each lobe which is what makes the lifters rotate. No slope=no lifter spin=flat lobes. If you do not have a micrometer have someone who does check the cam lobes for you. Better to toss a cam now than to toss the cam, 16 lifters, a bunch of gaskets, more work and run a bunch of metal through the engine.
thats the L-79 cam correct? i never tried it with press in studs but it revved like a motherfucker with screw-ins!
Lift is 447/447 Dur 221/221 Lobe separation angle 114 327/350HP L-79 Doesent tell me much cause im a looser at this ha ha. Can i use new stock hyd-lifters for my 67 327 for this cam?
I got some 76cc 350 heads on the 327 nom but also got a set of 14022801 58cc (?) 305 heds. Maby i should put them on.
Ive been running one in a 283 since 74. Great cam in my book. Makes decent power and sounds good in the small motor. Ive had 3 different sets of heads on this one and just used what springs were on them without any problems. Its just about time for a rebuild and I found a new Elgin 350 hp copy at a swap meet Im going to use.
I'd use the 305 heads, they have about the same size combustion chamber as the old power packs. Give you around 9.5 to 1 compression. probably have less than 8 to1 with the big chamber 350 heads.
Stock lifters are just fine. I've used this cam in most all the SBCs I/ve build over the last 40 years for street use. Even had the profile ground on a cam for my 153 ChevyII 4 banger in my T. Stock studs,springs ,lifters no prob. Revs like a fool 62-6300 just fine.
Ok,sounds like im going to change the cam and put the 58cc heads on. Hopfully it will make my 327 quicker.
as a rule stock springs are good up to around 450 lift But I dont get the dur on the spects should come in at close to 270 or there abouts
John79: I have ran several cams similar in lift and duration as yours with stock lifters with no problems. Make sure you follow cam break-in procedures,, cam break-in lube, 1800-2000 rpm for at least 15 minutes,, read this : cranecams.com/pdf/548e.pdf
I am not sure and could be wrong but, I think the cam you have is a L-48 295 hp 350cid (3896930) not the 350 hp 327cid cam(3863151/152). Spec are:195/202 duration;390/410 lift;112 lobe centers. I would take this cam someplace and have it checked to be sure what it is before you put it in. At least put it on some V-blocks and use a dial indicator to measure the lobe height. Zero on the back side of the cam lobe and roll to the highest point. Multiply that number times 1.5 and that is the total lift of the cam. Example: 0.298 x1.5=.447...0.260 x 1.5=.390
am i the only one who would not use a "used" cam? maybe im just blessed haveing delta camshaft so close to me
I have a unused 327 L-79 cam out of an old NOS crate 327 short block that I might be putting in the classifieds. Here's some pics of the engine http://59chevypickup.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=9459149
Well, that's a good point, especially in the case of a small block Chevy that you can damned near buy cams for at Wal-Mart. I'd understand using a good used hot cam that you found for your '55 Packard engine, or something equally difficult to find speed equipment for.
I pulled the studs out on my 327/350hp on a routine basis. Finally got smart and had the screw in studs installed. Those are some sweet little motors.
After doing some more research the 3896929 300 Hp 327 cam had a casting number of 6930 in some cases. It can probably be assmed this is not the very good 350hp 327 cam. the only way to tell is to check it with a dial indicator. To answer your original question question ,yes, good stock springs ,New lifters and proper break-in proceedures should give good results.
I am running that cam right now in my new engine. Combo is: 350 standard bore Hyperutectic 4 valve relief pistons, molly rings. Compression is around 9.25 58 cc aluminum angle plug gm performance parts heads "151" cam 1.6 roller tip Comp Cams rockers Performer intake Edlebrock 600 carb. Runs great! My guess is an honest 250 horse.
Added note: As general rule new lifters on a used cam is ok... used lifters on any cam other than the cam they were run on,in the exact postion is a NONO.
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