69 L36 Cam advice

[Greg L.]

I really need some advice on choosing a cam for my 69 L-36. I posted this question a while back so I went to the archives for my answer and found that GM#12364055 is what I want. Problem is that a posting from a month or so back mentioned that GM has now discontinued this kit.

It was also mentioned in my original posting that the aftermatket cam people make a replacement but when I went to the local speed shop they said the they can't get a stock L-36 grind but that they could "pick one for me". Ya right...last time I had a speed shop pick my cam I ended up having to install a high stall torque converter just to get it to work right so needless to say I'd rather not have a speed shop pick one for me this time.

Anyways, seeing as the recommended GM kit is no longer available what is the next best choice? I don't care which cam company that I use but the cam will have to have a stock idle and work with all the original components including a stock torque converter. If I can get a little more power or mileage from it then that would be a bonus but that would be secondary to having a correct stock idle.

Any recomendations are appreciated and this time I'll get off my butt and get it so that it too doesn't get discontinued before I have a chance to snap one up.

Thanks

Greg Linton
#45455

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 L36 Cam advice

Greg I would contact Crane Cams and tell they what you want. They should have a cam. Probably Sealed Power would also have a cam that would meet your requirements

[Tom D.]

Greg - I just bought one - Try Again.

My invoice dated 9/25/06 - from Hartway Motors (At one time known as 12 054).

Tom D.
4889

[Michael M.]

Re: 69 L36 Cam advice

Years ago when I rebuilt my 68 L36 big block I changed the cam to GM Part No. 6272989. It is listed as a street high performance cam and has a lift of .500/.500. The idle characteristics were similar to the stock cam but it provided better performance. This cam is listed in the GM Power book.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 L36 Cam advice

Michael------

GM #6272989 is long-since discontinued.

[Bob M.]

Re: 69 L36 Cam advice

Greg, Joe Lucia had a post on this subject that was started on Sept 17th. I think you would find it interesting. Go to the archives and type in L/36 CAMSHAFT. Should be the first topic. I ordered one of the cam's that Joe mentioned and recieved it. I paid 325.00 canadian so should be a little cheaper in the U.S. Ordered it from my local G.M. dealer. Part # 3904359.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[Michael M.]

Re: 69 L36 Cam advice

Well Joe, I am starting to feel old. That cam was really good. I put a roller in my big block when I had it rebuilt a few years ago.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 L36 Cam advice

Well I just checked the dealer for the kit number and he said it was "$414.00(canadian) for the cam only...no wait...uuhhhh...it's been discontinued".

Oh well. I see that the Crane Cams web site has quite a few that look like they would work so I'll give them a call and see what they can suggest. One more question though before I contact them... Does anyone know what the specs are for the original 69 L/36 camshaft? I found a reference in my old "How to Hot Rod Big Block Chevys" book but they list the duration at .008" lift and not at today's common .050" lift.

According to this book the specs are:

Intake - 20-68,lift .461, duration 268 @.008"
Exhaust- 74-20,lift .480, duration 274 @.008"

I'm not sure what the 20-68 and 74-20 mean but I think it is when each opens and closes which would be the lobe centers???

If someone could post what the specs are in today's cam language I'd really appreciate it. This way I can take them to Crane's or any of the other camshaft manufactures for that matter and pick a proper replacement.

Thanks again all.

Greg Linton
#45455

[Mark #28455]

Crane was the recent GM supplier

I'm sure they would know the correct specs as they were the supplier of the recent GM offering. My book lists 214/218 degrees at .050 I/E with 461/480 lift and 115 lobe centerline, GM part number 12364055.

Good luck,
Mark

[Bob M.]

Re: 69 L36 Cam advice

Greg, the 12364055 cam is a crane replacement that is available through G.M. parts direct for 132 U.S. They won't ship to Canada. You will need to have a U.S. credit card and shipping address. The same cam from the local G.M. supplier up here was about 375 Canadian.

Bob

[Clem Z.]

GM cam# 3904359 specs

213/215 @.050,.460/.480 lift,110 ICL,118 ECL,114 LSA

[Clem Z.]

correction 213/218 @ .050 *NM*

[Greg L.]

Thanks Guys *NM*