I'd like input on the cam I have selected for my Father's 1978 L48 Corvette. The cam is a Comp Cam:
Flat Tappet
Dur. @ .050" lift = 212/218
Lift = .474 (1.6 rockers)
LSA = 114
ICL = 110

The engine in question is an original (unknown mileage) L48 with a stock TH350 and stock gears. It has a stock Rochester M4MC, which we might change to an M4ME We are going to add a Holley Dominator dual plane intake, rebuilt the heads (seals are leaking oil) with a 3 angle valve job (stock valve sizes) and appropriate valve springs. We also have plans for a TH700-R4 ... maybe. I also plan on either running Rhoads lifters (though, I've heard they are noisy?) or the Magnum series lifter from Comp Cams. We would like to keep the OEM idle (baby smooth) and are not looking for the best (track) performance out of this engine. We are just looking to replace the (if worn out) original camshaft. The engine right now holds 18"/Hg at idle and has 125-140 PSI compression range on the cylinders (increasing to the back ones). What are your thoughts on this cam with this engine? We'd like to be able to run 87 octane only, since it will be for "sunday" cruises and maybe monthly trips to Las Vegas (read as dependable). It also must pass Ca state emissions with flying colors (since it is a federal car with no smog pump). Thanks for the input guys. :seeya

 

Sounds good to me. If you're not doing any other work to the engine and it runs ok on 87 octane now, it should still do just fine on 87

 

Yeah, the car runs fine as it is. I plugged in the numbers into Desktop Dyno (the old MS-DOS version) and it said it should have 272 HP @ 5000 rpms and 335 TQ @ 3500 rpms. Of course that is very optomistic IMHO, but if it puts out 230 hp and 285 tq at the rear wheels, I'll be surprised. :yesnod:

 

I've used the Rhoads in a couple of engines. Yes, they make noise. Not a bad noise, more like solid lifters. My 406 ran a comp cams 298 adv. degree and .498 lift. With the Rhoads it idled smoothly at 500rpm in drive. You may not need them with your choice of cam as it probably has a decent idle. Comp Cams people can tell you if that's so. Did they suggest the 1.6 rockers with this cam?

 

I think I will go with the Comp Cams Magnum lifters. :) As for the 1.6 ratio, I like running higher lift on smaller cams, especially since the 918 Comp Cam's springs can take it. :)


[Modified by MRZ28HO, 2:03 AM 1/20/2003]