1982 engine

[Steve K.]

I'm looking for a stock camshaft (or equivant aftermarket) for the L83 Cross-fire engine. The stock specs would help.

Also, I have heard that the stock L83 has forged pistons. Is that true? Seems like a waste for a 200 hp engine.
Thanks,
Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 1982 engine

Steve-----

With respect to camshafts, your 1982 originally used camshaft GM #14044613. It was also used in some 1982 Camaros and Firebirds with the same engine. Unfortunately, GM #14044613 was discontinued in August, 1985 and was replaced by GM #14060655. The latter camshaft was also used in PRODUCTION for many mid-80s Corvettes, Camaros and Firebirds; I believe that it has very similar specs to the earlier cam.

In January, 1986, the GM #14060655 was discontinued and replaced by GM #14088843. That cam was, in turn, discontinued in October, 1994 and replaced by GM #12523897. As before, I believe that all of these cams have similar specifications. Unfortunately, the GM #12523897 was discontinued without supercession in February, 1999.

The GM #14044613 camshaft had the following specs:

intake lift= 0.410";
exhaust lift= 0.424";
intake duration= 316 degrees;
exhaust duration= 320 degrees

Unfortunately, those are the only specs that I have on this camshaft. I don't think that any of the major camshaft manufacturers reproduce this, particular, camshaft, but you might want to check with Federal-Mogul, Crane and Competition Cams. Crane or Competition Cams could likely manufacture for you a custom grind which duplicates the original specifications; I'm sure they would have access to all the specs that they need if you provide the part number I mentioned above.

The pistons used for the 1982 Corvette engine were, indeed, forged. They were the same pistons used for 1971-80 L-82 engines and the same used for 1984-85 Corvettes.