Camshaft
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
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Camshaft
I'm restoring a 1979 Vette with the L-48 engine and automatic transmission and I want to stay with the original cylinder heads. I've also got a new intake, carb, other goodies for it but I want to replace the cam and lifters. Does anyone know what I can go with without having to buy new heads? I'm only interested into restoring it so added horsepower isn't really a priority although it could use a little more. Just need to know what I can put into it without any major component replacement. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Tom
Tom
Last edited by twhite2178; Jan 24, 2010 at 04:32 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 1
From: west central INDIANA
Hey Twhite,
My 80 L48, has Comp cams ex250h Towing cam. I love the instant throttle response, Its 432/.444 lift, about .050 over stock.An aluminum intake won`t hurt you, but with stock heads, you won`t notice much. Free up the exhaust, Mine has a test tube, in-place. but stock exhaust. It has a nice Idle note, and is not loud. For an all stock 30 year old it runs great. Just my thoughts.
My 80 L48, has Comp cams ex250h Towing cam. I love the instant throttle response, Its 432/.444 lift, about .050 over stock.An aluminum intake won`t hurt you, but with stock heads, you won`t notice much. Free up the exhaust, Mine has a test tube, in-place. but stock exhaust. It has a nice Idle note, and is not loud. For an all stock 30 year old it runs great. Just my thoughts.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, Ohio
Tom,
I have the 76 L82 with the crappy 882(?) cast 76cc big valve smog heads. Probably the same heads as on yours. I put in the extreme energy COMP 268 cam and it worked fine. 224/230 At .050.
Still saving money for new AFR180 heads and a roller cam setup now.. BTW, anyone know the lotto numbers?? I'll share!
I have the 76 L82 with the crappy 882(?) cast 76cc big valve smog heads. Probably the same heads as on yours. I put in the extreme energy COMP 268 cam and it worked fine. 224/230 At .050.
Still saving money for new AFR180 heads and a roller cam setup now.. BTW, anyone know the lotto numbers?? I'll share!
Last edited by 2armor; Jan 27, 2010 at 10:47 AM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 429
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From: Oak Harbor WA
Cam
I restored my '74 L48 and installed a COMP 260H cam. This cam is slightly hotter, I think it gives a much better idle response (throaty). This is probably the hottest CAM you can use that is completely compatible with stock valves, lifters, and springs (which I used). You're going to need to replace all your lifters and springs as a set. Be aware an important note on most '73-'77 L48 engines (not sure if it affects the '79):
Valve springs are different sizes!
For what ever reason (and your Haynes manual doesn't mention this, nor will most auto parts store ordering manuals/computers) the exhaust valve springs are shorter than the intake valve springs.
All auto parts stores will sell you the standard chevy 350 intake valve springs that are 2.03 inches long, but only buy eight. The other eight exhaust valve springs are only about 1 15/16" long, and are unique under GM part number 6263796. I got my exhaust valve springs through Brasington in Gainsveille, FL.
All kinds of bad things will happen if you use the wrong length valve springs.
Valve springs are different sizes!
For what ever reason (and your Haynes manual doesn't mention this, nor will most auto parts store ordering manuals/computers) the exhaust valve springs are shorter than the intake valve springs.
All auto parts stores will sell you the standard chevy 350 intake valve springs that are 2.03 inches long, but only buy eight. The other eight exhaust valve springs are only about 1 15/16" long, and are unique under GM part number 6263796. I got my exhaust valve springs through Brasington in Gainsveille, FL.
All kinds of bad things will happen if you use the wrong length valve springs.
