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Hi, I have not posted for a while and am getting ready to begin the detailing of the engine and compartment. I have everything I need to get started however I am noticing a slight lifter tick occasionally and while I have it part why not replace the cam and lifters. Engine is the original L-48 rebuilt about 10 years ago using stock parts from GM and my question is of course does it make sense to upgrade the cam and lifters or just plug in factory specified components. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Not looking to hot rod it, thanks Jeff
If your going to replace the cam upgrade it some. The L48 cam is about a 50 year old design. The modern cams have better ramps and profiles. It will give you better performance and overall driveability. You do not need to go wild just a good modern replacement cam. Probably going to be cheaper also than a GM cam.
A slight tick could just be dirt in a lifter body. Maybe try an oil change with a high detergent oil to flush the gunk; the tick should go away. Then change back to a regular oil. You can even disassemble the lifters to clean but that's more involved... unless you're wanting to change the cam...
Without the modern aluminum heads to go with the cam, you won't get a lot of improvement. Change the oil/filter and keep what you have until it gives up or you just have got to upgrade it. Lots easier to do the complete rebuild RIGHT that throw bits and pieces at it.
Good luck with your detailing efforts. You can do a decent job with the engine still in place....
Just take your time, learn how to effectively mask stuff to prevent overspray, and pay attention to the details (wiring, hoses, bolts/nuts, etc.).
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how much do you want to spend.....I agree that a new cam is far better than stock, even with th e stock heads. The stock heads were able to produce up to 350 HP so you can go with a slightly better cam depending on the combustion chamber size. Some of the later smog heads have a 72 or 76 cc and you can get the aluminum heads with 64 or 58 cc. But if you have the money get a good set of aluminum heads with a 185 to 195 intake volume and you'll never need another det of heads for all you horsepower needs up to almost 600 HP. When I did my motor I did a new flat tapet cam and added modern iron heads. Then swapped to a great set of aluminum heads. Then just kept upgradong cams every winter for the last couple of years. My forth and final cam is a roller cam and I dont have to worry about the Zddp, zinc or phosphorus in the oil I buy now....
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Aug 11, 2020 at 07:17 AM.
Highly doubt that you can get 350 hp out of a stock L-48 just by putting a cam in it. You might net 30 hp or so. Same cam with 'appropriate' heads might get you 60 hp or more.
Do what you want. Cam ONLY sounds like a boondoggle to me....
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Detailing Engine and Engine Bay Plus?
