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Going to install a cam Comp Cams 12-242-2. Also timing chain and sprocket. Mechanic suggested new pushrods.
Not that simple.....a new cam may have a slightly larger or smaller basecircle depending on what it is......
The quick and easy way to approach this is with the Lunati pushrod geometry checker and an adjustable pushrod.....https://www.summitracing.com/parts/m...+5ba26aeb79650
Then order the correct length from Trend or Trick Flow.....DO NOT use the $29.95 three piece pushrods with the ball tips fusion welded on. You want the $90 one piece units from Trend/Trick Flow.....do not touch Proform pushrods either, they should be sued for selling them.
I also do not recommend the 12-242-2.....I do not like XE cams for break in. I like this cam and it has been a staple for many years: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-cl12-210-2
Is this a low compression 350? What are you driving?
Jebby
Last edited by Jebbysan; Oct 14, 2021 at 07:59 AM.
224* intake duration WAY too much (OE ~ 30* Less) for a low compression (~ 8.2:1) '80 street L48;
throttle response in traffic will suffer and will be Worse than OE cam. Sluggish; Not Crisp.
In addition to a more reliable break-in, the High Energy cam profile suggested above will be much more satisfying in traffic.
If yours has common, Thick, composite, head gaskets, you can swap to Thin steel shim gaskets; that'll raise compression about 1/2 point and improve throttle response & efficiency.
When you swap cam & lifters, you'll have intake off anyway; that's the "opportunity" to R&R heads & check them as well as swap head gaskets.
I disagree. You will not feel any difference in the "seat of your pants" going to all the trouble of a head gasket swap.
In fact you might introduce other issues later on if the block or head is not perfectly flat without flaws. And that is something a shim gasket will not seal.
Valve job, seals, new springs, mill the heads? Then yes. Otherwise its not worth the effort.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Oct 17, 2021 at 02:21 PM.
Thanks for input. Now redoing cam plans. Is there somewhere I can find complete ORIGINAL cam specs ....50 lifts for intake and exh , Intake durations , valve lift ratios , lobe separation so I can do a comprison with aftermarket cams
Thanks for input. Now redoing cam plans. Is there somewhere I can find complete ORIGINAL cam specs ....50 lifts for intake and exh , Intake durations , valve lift ratios , lobe separation so I can do a comprison with aftermarket cams
The factory cams don't compare at all to aftermarket cam specs. The GM lobes are VERY long, slow lift, and low lift. The numbers are published but trying to use them to pick out an aftermarket cam is a waste of time. Duration in particular is WAY different. Apples vs oranges.
The factory cams don't compare at all to aftermarket cam specs. The GM lobes are VERY long, slow lift, and low lift. The numbers are published but trying to use them to pick out an aftermarket cam is a waste of time. Duration in particular is WAY different. Apples vs oranges.
Not to mention the L-48 is .390/.410 lift, 196/202 duration @ .050 which is pathetic.....just about ANY aftermarket cam will make more power.
The 262 Comp cam is a proven power maker for the low-compression L-48. That cam with headers, 2101 Peformer intake and a proper tune is worth over a second in the 1/4 mile......
Not to mention the L-48 is .390/.410 lift, 196/202 duration @ .050 which is pathetic.....just about ANY aftermarket cam will make more power.
The 262 Comp cam is a proven power maker for the low-compression L-48. That cam with headers, 2101 Peformer intake and a proper tune is worth over a second in the 1/4 mile......
Jebby
That's the cam I have been using for the past 14 years, same set up with 670 street Avenger and about 9:1 cr. Nice street setup with a TH400 & 336's
Thanks for input. Now redoing cam plans. Is there somewhere I can find complete ORIGINAL cam specs ....50 lifts for intake and exh , Intake durations , valve lift ratios , lobe separation so I can do a comprison with aftermarket cams
79 L82 cam.. i liked this video when fantasizing about heads..
lars timing and l82 specs (vacuum advance) are pretty impressive desmogged.. even without headers to me
The L-82 cam seems to be sensitive to CR. GM Performance slapped a L-82 cam in the 8.0 CR crate engine I have. Sure, it will make 290 hp, but it’s pretty lazy getting there. The 1.94/1.5 heads aren’t helping either.
That's the cam I have been using for the past 14 years, same set up with 670 street Avenger and about 9:1 cr. Nice street setup with a TH400 & 336's
You put one of these together like that with mild parts and folks will scoff at it til they drive it.......it makes a lot of torque all over.......perfect street engine and good for 80% of people out there.
Easy low 14 second car with grandma driving it.....
Do you mean Comp 12-262-4 cam? thinking of kit K12-262-4. But arent we back to Xtreme energy. or perhaps I'm confused. Good chance of that.
Yes, back to the X-treme deal......the 262 is too small to cause an issue with break-in.....the 274XE on the other hand....I will not touch ever again. I had one go flat and replaced it with a 270 Magnum 224/224 .470/.470......no issues.
I stick with the Magnum line of cams for street engines and sometimes the Howards pieces.......but for 4-speed L-48, I go with the 268H High Energy cam....it was specifically designed for low compression 350's in the 80's and it works well.....Comp sent a lot of kids to College on that one......best seller for years....still in the top 5.
Whatever you do.....use the Z/28 spring, lock, retainer kit from Elgin and umbrella type seals........this is a must do. They can be installed on the engine if you know what you are doing but better with the heads off.