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Factory cam?

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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 01:10 PM
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Default Factory cam?

I need to purchase a new cam for 1968 350 that will be used to drive around the city.

What was the factory cam?

Where can I purchase it?

Do you recommend a different cam?
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by sapple89
I need to purchase a new cam for 1968 350 that will be used to drive around the city.

What was the factory cam?

Where can I purchase it?

Do you recommend a different cam?
300 or 350hp 350? 300hp is the .390/.410 grind if I recall correctly. If 350, search on 'L79 Cam' for aftermarket replacements.

If it were me, I would go with the Crane Energizer 272 H10 grind. I had good experience and it provided very snappy performance.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 01:32 PM
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There was no 350 in the Corvette from the factory in 1968, it was a 327 and there was more than one version. So try to find out exactly what you have and what you really want. There are numerous sources for camshafts.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 02:25 PM
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If it's just a base model sbc, best bet would probably be 1102 Summit cam.

Scott
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 02:37 PM
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68 still had high compression pistons. So this is something you need to find out from the block or head numbers. Choosing a cam is based off your compression and intended use.
A small cam can give you great torque but cause pinging from crap fuel, if the compression is too high.
A big cam can avoid pinging but can cause a lazy engine at low rpm if the compression is too low.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 02:58 PM
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block numbers read: 3914678
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:05 PM
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all that casting number tells you is that the block is 1968 to 1979 and is a 302 or a 327 or a 350 with 2 bolt main. On the passenger side front of the block where the cylinder head meets it there is a pad with a letter code, can you post that?
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by sapple89
block numbers read: 3914678
Casting number is correct for a 68 327 block.

What is the engine suffix code on the block pad? HP or HT gets you the optional L-79 350hp version.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by hugie82
68 still had high compression pistons. So this is something you need to find out from the block or head numbers. Choosing a cam is based off your compression and intended use.
A small cam can give you great torque but cause pinging from crap fuel, if the compression is too high.
A big cam can avoid pinging but can cause a lazy engine at low rpm if the compression is too low.
Agree. Would not want to go with 300hp cam in 350hp engine. 350hp has higher compression.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Casting number is correct for a 68 327 block.

What is the engine suffix code on the block pad? HP or HT gets you the optional L-79 350hp version.
It is blank

Last edited by sapple89; Oct 1, 2013 at 03:26 PM.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by sapple89
Where is that located?

Where can i find the number that can verify if its numbers matching?
Right front of engine just forward of the cylinder head (facing UP) there should be a machined, flat surface with a string of letters and numbers.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:28 PM
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It is blank
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by sapple89
It is blank
ok. Block must have been decked at some point.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by sapple89
It is blank
Bummer. Regardless, I believe both cams are available: stock 300hp version and the 350hp version.


Last edited by Easy Mike; Oct 2, 2013 at 09:27 AM.
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by sapple89
It is blank
I think you may be able to establish whether you are base or 350hp motor from cranking pressure. I'm not that knowledgeable but others may chime in. You could always pull the cylinder heads to check the piston (domes) or valve dimensions.

Are your cylinder heads 'camel hump' heads? That may tell you something (if they are original).

Anybody: Are camel hump heads indicative of 350hp engine?
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 04:18 PM
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this will help in id'ing the heads

http://www.fastnuf.com/Headguide.html
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 04:38 PM
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what do you have for a carb and intake?
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 04:52 PM
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Without a suffix code, there's no way to know which engine it started out as, and even if you DID have the suffix code, who knows how many times the engine's been rebuilt over the last 45 years.

The 3914678 block was used for the 302, 327 and 350 engines in 1968, so it could be any number of things.

You can pull the valve covers off and see what the casting numbers are for the heads, but again, heads were machined for different sized valves, so the casting number alone may not help. You may have to pull the heads to see what size the valves are. You may also have to pull the transmission out to see what crank you actually have in there. Since that block could be a 302, 327 or 350, you need to know what you actually have before you start looking for parts!

Ed
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 05:03 PM
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If the oil pan is dropped and it has 4-bolt bearing caps, could that be a clue to the engine's pedigre?
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Old Oct 1, 2013 | 05:28 PM
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If the oil pan is dropped and it has 4-bolt bearing caps, could that be a clue to the engine's pedigre?
No, the 3914678 block was only manufactured in a 2 bolt configuration from the factory.

Ed
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