L82 Cam Replacement Question

[Dennis H.]

Hi
As I build my shopping list to put my 73 L82 car back to OEM standards I'm at the cam & lifters part of this. I have the original cam and lifters that came out of the car and they have about 40K or less miles on them. I inspected the camshaft and lifters and there is zero noticeable wear, lifter faces are flat and very clean. What I don't know is what hole each lifter came out of.

My options are;

1) Use the original cam and lifters that came out of engine.
2) NOS cam and lifters $400
3) Reproduction cam and lifters $200

I really want to go with option 1, your thoughts?

Looks like the L82 cam and lifters are on GM Parts Direct for $455.00

Dennis

[Mark E.]

Re: L82 Cam Replacement Question

Reorienting used lifters on a used camshaft is risky. Without knowing the original position of each lifter, you'll need a new cam and lifters.

[Dennis H.]

Re: L82 Cam Replacement Question

Reorienting used lifters on a used camshaft is risky. Without knowing the original position of each lifter, you'll need a new cam and lifters.

Yes that was my thoughts as well. Any insight on the cam from GM Parts Direct?

[Thomas H.]

Re: L82 Cam Replacement Question

As long as the cam is in good shape you can install new lifters - along with some assembly / break in lube.

Old lifters on new cam - no no
Old cam, original lifters - ok as long as the lifters go back on the SAME lobe they came from
Old cam, original lifters but mixed up - no no

Tom

[Larry M.]

Re: L82 Cam Replacement Question

I have personally run an old cam with new lifters with no apparent issues. But some folks say this is risky. I used plenty of moly lube on the lifter faces and some EOS in the oil. And all was well.

Maybe try the lifters with the small oil hole drilled/laser cut in the lifter face for added assurance.

But do NOT run the old cam with the old lifters in the wrong holes.

Larry

[Jack H.]

Re: L82 Cam Replacement Question

Another vote for used cam with new lifters as above. I've done this a few times with no issues.

[Dennis H.]

Re: L82 Cam Replacement Question

Thanks for the help.

[Dennis H.]

Re: L82 Cam Replacement Question

Did some dumpster diving using the search function on all things lifter related and the general consensus is the Sealed Power HT817 lifter is a good replacement for the GM 5232720 lifter.

The GM 5232720 is $12.66 EA while the Sealed Power are $4.99 EA. From everything I have read I'm not seeing the justification of spending the extra money for the GM lifter.

Am I missing something here?

Dennis

[Dennis H.]

Re: L82 Cam Replacement Question

Well I decided to go with a new GM 3896962 cam and 5232720 lifters (ACDelco HL66). Had to do a little dumpster diving around the internet to find stock and not use GM Parts Direct and get soaked on shipping.