1st time on this forum, and i really need help. I have my 1st 1982 C3 cross fire injection vette. have spoken with a number of mechanics and they all seem to suggest different solutions.
problem:one of the tappets wobble rather than jump up and down.
potential diagnosis:worn cam shaft 'nub' for that cylinder
potenital solution:as the oil drained recently was black and thick, one idea was to start afresh with a brand new engine, but which one? Identified a GM 290HP / 350 Long Block Pre-Emissions GM Crate Engine , but when I went to order it, the guy on the phone told me it would not be compatible with my 82, without the need for new transmission....not an option.
potenital solution:get a new cam shaft...which one? is there one for a cross fire, or should i get an edelbrock cam?
Ladies and gentlemen, I have no idea what to do. I dont necessarily want to keep matching numbers, I just want a corvette that works and plays like I've been dreaming about since a small kid. Can anybody help? Thank you

 

Comp Cams do some cams which are specific to the crossfire.

http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Category_Code=

http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Category_Code=

http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Category_Code=

 

thank you. In your experience would you recommend a complete kit or just the cam?

 

Old cams/lifters/pushrods/rocker arms have a wear pattern unique to that picticular cam/setup. There are suspicions that replacing cam only results in premature wear due to the "old" wear patterns. Be sure to keep push rods and rockers together as a set,when you yank them.
I would replace cam and lifters. ( buy the set).Thats the cheapest route available to you.
Be aware that a cam(set) change only, while resulting in better performance, will not truely wake up that engine.

 

Go with the whole kit, Cam, Lifters, Pushrods and rockers, they are cheap insurance. I have done this upgrade both ways many times and to my knowledge never had one fail, But I have seen premature wear due to the old wear patterns.

 

If you are referencing GMPP 350/290 P/N 12499529 crate ... Suggest the guy on the phone is ill-informed; he then misinformed you about trans ... Whatever trans you have behind OE 82 Xfire will bolt-up perfectly to 12499529 crate.

FYI ... the 12499529 is virtually a clone of L82.

It's symantics I guess ... but cams don't have "nub" ... they do have "lobe" ... you have a lobe that's been worn down ... to a nub ... that's not uncommon.

 

with Jackson. That motor will bolt right in and that is probably a good option. If the lobe is gone the shavings have been run through the motor for a long time, bypassing the oil filter if it was as dirty as you stated. No reason to waste your time and effort just dropping in a new cam. Late 70's, early 80's Chevy cams are known to be soft and commonly fail.

 

thanks, however, the tech/spec sheet for the 350/290 P/N 12499529 engine recommends'This engine is not intended for vehicles with fuel injection. This engine is designed for carburated applications prior to 1985'. Is my x fire included in this bracket? Thanks for your help.

 

It is a direct swap for your long block. You will have to use your existing intake, exhaust and accessories. The cam may have a little different profile but it should work fine with the Xfire. The head bolt pattern and rear main setup was changed in 86 models. Yours is pre 85