Cam Help Needed

[DO2G]

I'm looking for a winter project and thinking of changing the cam. I have a 78 L-82 4 speed with 3.70 gears and true dual exhaust. I would like something more aggressive than stock.

I know I need better heads, but they aren't in the budget right now.

Any recommendations? Thoughts on the links below (Crane 113941 H-272-2 and Voodoo 262/268)?

http://www.cranecams.com/?show=brow...-400 C.I.&partNumber=113941&partType=camshaft


http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=2324&gid=297

 

[damoroso]

For the cam to have a chance at helping performance, the exhaust system should be more free flowing than stock. Have you addressed that yet? That could be money better spent. If you've already improved the exhaust, but are intending on keeping the carburetor and gearing stock, I'd look for something in the 260 degree duration area with a lift around .450 to .460. Make sure you pay attention to the valve springs required, and keep in mind with hydraulic flat tappet cams today you have to make sure you're using the right oil so you don't damage them!

Comp cams has a really good (free download) desk top tool for selecting a cam. It might be worth looking at. Even if you don't want to use a comp cam, it'll give you specs you can look for else where.

 

[deweys77]

Hi, i have a 77 corvette and in october I replaced the cam,lifters, pushrods, rockers and nuts. I had the heads all redone( cleaned, new sbi springs for 500 lift new seals and the shaved the heads to mate better.)
I used a metal head gasket and the speed shop told me to spray the gasket with NAPA copper spray before installing and use RTV on the bolts.

Here is what I used:
Stock heads 333882
Stock Intake
Stock Quadajet Carb (Completely rebuild and cleaned)
Double Roller Chain and Gears
Pushrods (Proform 66923C 1.5 ratio 3/8 studs)
Camshaft Kit 12364050 cam and lifters
Valve Springs (SBI 1601144HP)
Valve Seals ( Toke VS7)
Head Gaskets Felpro 7733SH1
Msd Dizzy ( Streetfire)
Napa Copper Spray Gasket
Napa RTV 765-1188
Felpro Intake Gasket

I also installed long tube headers and this winter I will be putting on new exhaust. True dual with flowmasters.
Email me if you need some help. Steven

 

[clutchdust]

Given that you stated you have a "true dual exhaust", it sounds like you've remedied that bottleneck. I think you're in the right range on your cam, but what is the bottom end of your engine like? Have you pulled compression? Are you going to pull the heads or anything else? My thinking is to go with the 268, if only because I don't know what Crane's status is. Last I heard, they shut down. I'm also a fan of Comp Cams, although I know there's a lot of people who have had bad experiences with them. If you can do it, I would suggest the retro roller set up. Rollers just eliminate all the oiling issues that have plagued flat tappet engines for the last 30 years.

 

[Carb Doc]

Best bet on getting a good cam choice: Contact Steve Slavik at Lunati Cams, 662-892-1526 or email at [email protected]. go through your set-up with him . There are a lot of cam companies out there but not too many who cater to the little guy. Steve was with Ultradyne and is now at Lunati. Lunati is a grass roots company who appreciate guys like us.

 

[Belgian1979vette]

I thought that Crane was out of business ? Are they still making cams ?

 

[big2bird]

I thought that Crane was out of business ? Are they still making cams ?

I heard a motorcycle parts company bought them out. I suspect they will return. (Maybe).

 

[gr8vet]

Send me your money, I'll tell you how great your car is............ Put your money in your pocket, a cam on a tired engine will ultimately cost you more $ very quickly. Been there done that.

Do not want to rain on your efforts but, without at least head job, bottom end, your in for headaches. With less than 75-100HP gain, you'll never feel it in the seat of your pants.

You can build a killer 450HP engine from a crate engine a hell of lot cheaper. Just did it, finished up today. Old engine is in the corner of shop, covered up, RIP.

My .02 cents worth.

Best of luck!
tt

 

[mrvette]

Send me your money, I'll tell you how great your car is............ Put your money in your pocket, a cam on a tired engine will ultimately cost you more $ very quickly. Been there done that.

Do not want to rain on your efforts but, without at least head job, bottom end, your in for headaches. With less than 75-100HP gain, you'll never feel it in the seat of your pants.

You can build a killer 450HP engine from a crate engine a hell of lot cheaper. Just did it, finished up today. Old engine is in the corner of shop, covered up, RIP.

My .02 cents worth.

Best of luck!
tt

I agree, I had a fresh P/Owner built L48 matching # engine in my '72, but thing is, it's not a factory roller, and so when building up, I decided to go with a short block project some kid was backing out of....had it assembled by the machine shop, did the factory roller gig, and its been fine for some 12 years....I have heard too many stories about those toggle top retro fit rollers having a toggle failure, and immediate wipe out....there is a reason GM went Dawg Bone retainers....one glance tells me I like their reason....

:lol::tomato:

 

[MYBAD79]

So you got a stock L82 with a true dual exhaust.... headers or stock manifolds ?? If you're running the stock manifolds then buy long tube headers, better bang for the money than a cam ....IMO....I'd leave the cam alone, the L82 cam isn't all that bad and a hotter cam is going to need better heads and more compression.