Good cam for L-79?

[Joe #39538]

I will probably have to replace the cam on my 67 327/350. I know that the stock cam is P/N 3863151 and is currently available.

Is this a good choice? I use my car as an occasional driver (club events, shows ect.)and I don't race the car.

[Duke W.]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

Good cam and it maintains the engine's original characterisitics. I recommend you stick with it.

If you wanted more power and revs I might have some other recommendations.

Another option is to "detune" it with the 300 HP cam, which would have a smoother, lower speed idle, be more docile in normal driving with more low end torque, but not as much top end power and lower useable revs.

Curious as to why you think you will have to replace it, unless it's part of an upcoming major overhaul. My original Duntov cam was barely worn at 115K miles, when I overhauled the engine.

Duke

[Joe #39538]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

Duke, I have ben having problems with the engine. I sent an e-mail to you describing the problems. I may have to rebuild and in that case I was guessing that if I go to the expense of a rebuild, then I should probably replace the cam.

If you get a chance, please rad the e-mail that I sent you.

Joe

[Rob A.]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

Joe,

I was wondering who has the cam still available?

[Duke W.]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

Federal Mogul and several aftermaket cam grinders. I think GMPP also sells a cam and lifter kit.

Duke

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

I got mine from Melling, I'll have to out to the shop for the part number if you are interested. Dale Pearlman had suggested the Melling cam to me.

[Rob A.]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

I thought you meant it was still available from GM...Thanks...

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

I think GM still sells a 151 kit with lifters, the service cam GM is/was selling for the 151 is a Crane cams.

[Rob A.]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

Scott,

I've seen a few "original GM" cams on ebay for the L79 engines. Would they not really be original GM then?

[Clem Z.]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

the GM number for the "151" cam and lifter kit is 12364050

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

Rob, I do not know when GM began outsourcing these. Maybe Joe Lucia would have an idea. The current GM performance catalog describes these as "Blueprinted Replacements". By all rights, the verbage the seller uses on Ebay is "correct", the parts are sold under the GM name and parts system.

[Irby G.]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

Hi Clem,
Nevermind that last question. I see that it is a hydraulic. The other mechanical GM cams that I saw state that they are for auto trans. Is there a cam that gm sells for the L-76? Thanks, Irby

[Clem Z.]

Re: Good cam for L-79?

if you mean what is in the GM perf parts book that lists certain convertors that is only to tell you IF you use a auto trans with that certain cam you must used that high a stall speed convertor for good performance because of the loss of bottom end power in the engine.