Regrinding a Camshaft?????

[Terry F.]

Would anyone ever consider having a camshaft rebuilt? Is this easily done? Thanks, Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

Terry-----

I'd NEVER use a re-ground camshaft and I would not recommend anyone else do it, either.

[Terry F.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

I knew I would get spanked for asking that one. I found a cam but it is used and the price is right. Hmmmm. Any recomendations on who might have the closest cam configuration for my 427 390hp. Is anyone still making them. I recall a post a couple years ago where people found them still in the GM system?? Any chances?? Terry

[Jack H.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

Places like Crane have a 'Classic series' where they duplicate factory original cam grinds...

[Terry F.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

How close will the lobe ramp rates match the originals. Sounds like there could be some differences in this area?? Thanks, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

I found a 4359 camshaft. Expensive, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

Do you know of any GM parts discounts places that would have the same camshaft? Thanks, Terry

[Lyndon S.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

I am running a cam that I had remanufactured over twenty years ago in my 71 454 LS-5. I have not had any problems with it. And I drive it at least once a week for the last twenty years.

Kelly

[Joe L.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

Terry-----

They'll match the originals exactly.

[Joe L.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

Terry----

If you mean the GM #3904359, the answer is no.

[Joe L.]

Re: Regrinding a Camshaft?????

Kelly-----

The main problem with a re-ground camshaft is that the configuration of the finished camshaft will not be the same as the original that it was "ground from". There's no way that it can be since material cannot be added to the core. So, if one is after an original camshaft profile, there's no way that you'll get that with a regrind. However, you will generally get a serviceable camshaft. Still, I would always go with a new reproduction camshaft over a regrind. The cost is about the same.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

You can get a Crane-manufactured reproduction of the GM #3883986 camshaft from GM as part of a kit which includes lifters under GM #12364055. This kit will cost you about 150 bucks from discount dealers. The 3883986 is identical to the 3904359 EXCEPT it has the rear journal groove. The 3883986 was the SERVICE camshaft that GM sold for years to SERVICE all 1967-72 L-36, L-68, and LS-5 engines.

If you don't want the groove, I see several options:

1) Purchase the above and use it as-is. As I say, GM sold the 3883986 for YEARS for use in 67-72 engines. I'm quite sure that many were installed without problems;

2) Purchase the above and fill the groove with epoxy. This may seem a bit "hokey", but it's really not. The epoxy is 100% impervious to engine oil and will have plenty of "structural integrity" for this application. It will serve only as a filler and NOT as a bearing surface. The adjoining camshaft journal will provide plenty of bearing surface;

3) Contact Crane or Comp Cams and have them make you a duplicate of the 3904359. It's going to cost a lot more than doing what I suggest above, but I'm sure it's very doable.

[Lyndon S.]

[Terry F.]

Yup. Thanks, Terry *NM*

[Terry F.]

Re: Addendum

Are you saying the 4364 has no groove like the original camshaft?? Thanks, Terry