1960 C1 RPO469 245 HP dual Quad Camshaft

[Dave Paffrath]

C1 1960 283ci 245hp dual quad hydraulic lifter car. The car is stock. I need help picking a camshaft. Where do I get a stock cam for the car? What are the specs on the stock camshaft? Is there a camshaft that is a better design than the stock one? Is it a good idea to get a slightly modified camshaft for better performance w/ the dual qual intake. I drive the car enough to warrant a slight cam if it is not noticeable to the ear.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1960 C1 RPO469 245 HP dual Quad Camshaft

Dave-----

The original camshaft for your application was GM #3733431. This camshaft had intake and exhaust lift of 0.398" (with 1.5:1 rockers) and intake and exhaust "advertised" duration of 300 degrees . I don't know if this cam is available in the aftermarket, or not. Even if it is, I wouldn't use it. I would recommend using its replacement, the GM #3896929. This camshaft has intake lift of 0.390" and exhaust lift of 0.410" (with 1.5:1 rockers) and "advertised" intake duration of 319 degrees (195 degrees @ 0.050" lift) and 320 degrees (202 degrees @ 0.050" lift). This camshaft will give you a bit more performance and idle characteristics that are virtually the same as your original cam.

Want more and still have a stock-type idle? Try a Speed-Pro retrofit hydraulic roller camshaft of their part number CS-1061R. This will cost you a lot more when you consider the price of the camshaft, lifters, special length pushrods, etc. (all are available as a KIT under KS-1061R), but you'll be getting a lot more.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

Also, the GM #3896929 camshaft is no longer available from GM. However, it is available in reproduction from Crane, Comp Cams, and Federal-Mogul, to name a few. It's a VERY popular camshaft and is often referred to as the "300 horsepower cam" since it was used in most 327 and 350 cid 300 horsepower engines. It won't make that much power in a 283, of course, but it will do a little better than your original cam.

[Mike B.]

Re: Addendum

I have the Comp Cams 300 HP cam that Joe is refering to in my '62 327 engine. It is also equipped with an Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600 cfm carb. I love the sound and mid range performance yet it idles with good manners due to 112 degree lobe separation. I think that it would be a good choice for your dual carb application. Check out the parameters on the Comp Cam web site.