63 cam question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 15
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63 cam question
I recently acquired a pretty much original 63 roadster, 327 250hp, auto, for my wife. For some reason the seller has installed a high performance cam but it just runs a little rough and is more difficult to properly tune. Is it a major deal to replace the cam and is there a recommendation on where to get the original style cam? Thx in advance to all the experts on this forum, from whom I benefit greatly.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
I recently acquired a pretty much original 63 roadster, 327 250hp, auto, for my wife. For some reason the seller has installed a high performance cam but it just runs a little rough and is more difficult to properly tune. Is it a major deal to replace the cam and is there a recommendation on where to get the original style cam? Thx in advance to all the experts on this forum, from whom I benefit greatly.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
My opinion, if it runs okay and is not bothering anything, not leaking oil and starts up and runs every time, leave it alone.
You can change the cam and open a can of worms on an old engine.
You can change the cam and open a can of worms on an old engine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,410
Likes: 1,216
From: Glen Allen VA
Changing the camshaft with the engine still in the car is a pretty significant project - would occupy most of a weekend. The blueprint duplicate of the standard (GM #3896929) cam is made by Federal-Mogul/Speed-Pro, their #CS-1103R, also sold by Sealed Power, their #CS-274.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,410
Likes: 1,216
From: Glen Allen VA
Question for JohnZ, Not an argument at all as I've purchased the 274 cam based mostly on your recommendation, but the specs don't appear to be the same as the 63. For example, the lobe lift on the 63 from the service manual is the same for intake and exhaust. On the 274 they are a bit different. But, I sure didn't find anything closer!
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Question for JohnZ, Not an argument at all as I've purchased the 274 cam based mostly on your recommendation, but the specs don't appear to be the same as the 63. For example, the lobe lift on the 63 from the service manual is the same for intake and exhaust. On the 274 they are a bit different. But, I sure didn't find anything closer!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,410
Likes: 1,216
From: Glen Allen VA
Tks John. I knew there would be an answer and figured it was an updated service replacement. Oldest P&A I have is 73 and the 929 cam was already listed. Wish I'd known back then to keep the old P&A books!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17,571
Likes: 3,460
From: Fresno California
Be advised that the new hydraulic lifters are problematic. Most are off-shore products, and are not sufficiently hardened or machined to close tolerances. Get USA made lifters only and avoid a flat cam, failed lifters, and engine failures.