Cam Blanks...All the same?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Calif.
Cam Blanks...All the same?
I think so.
Anyhow, I found this interesting: Just got my new Crane solid cam today and was comparing it side-by-side with my old, smaller Lunati hydraulic. Both cams, on the rear near the distributor gear, have the same 4-digit number (1582) embossed on the unmachined part of the shaft between two lobes. I guess "1582" is cam blank manufacturerspeak for "Small Chevy Cam."
Probably the same deal with lifters, timing sets, pushrods and a host of other components--two or maybe three actual manufacturers providing stuff to "finish" manufacturers who do the final tweaks and apply the brand name.
(Well, DUH, Jack. Where the f*** have YOU been?) :lol:
Anyhow, I found this interesting: Just got my new Crane solid cam today and was comparing it side-by-side with my old, smaller Lunati hydraulic. Both cams, on the rear near the distributor gear, have the same 4-digit number (1582) embossed on the unmachined part of the shaft between two lobes. I guess "1582" is cam blank manufacturerspeak for "Small Chevy Cam."
Probably the same deal with lifters, timing sets, pushrods and a host of other components--two or maybe three actual manufacturers providing stuff to "finish" manufacturers who do the final tweaks and apply the brand name.
(Well, DUH, Jack. Where the f*** have YOU been?) :lol:
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,861
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From: Bremerton WA
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Cam Blanks...All the same? (Jack Sweet)
I'd expect that they're probably arent too many out there. They only real difference I'm aware of between blanks is whether or not the blank is billet or not. Not that it makes a great deal of difference on a properly set up roller engine. Just price in my opinion.
Wouldn't it be nice if the cam gears were interchangeable? Then I could have reused my CC-305. The lobes were perfect!
Cory
Wouldn't it be nice if the cam gears were interchangeable? Then I could have reused my CC-305. The lobes were perfect!
Cory
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
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From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Cam Blanks...All the same? (Jack Sweet)
I know that is true - that there are only a relatively few number of cam core blanks for each cam application (i.e. SBC, BBC, SBF, etc).
When I was getting some custom cams made from COMP, they made several references to the type of cam core they would need, and one time didn't have the right one on hand. Also, I've heard that the cores are hardened prior to them being machined, so there are limitations of how much a particular cam core can be machined before it cuts through the hardened layer and into the softer unhardened material underneath.
I've also heard that, like you mentioned, that there are really only a few manufacturers of cam core blanks. I can't remember where I heard it, and I can't confirm if it's true, but I've heard Crane makes cam blanks but Comp doesn't, and that Comp may actually get their blanks from Crane. I've also heard that Crane makes some cams for GM.
It's interesting I think.
[Modified by Monty, 8:21 AM 9/20/2001]
When I was getting some custom cams made from COMP, they made several references to the type of cam core they would need, and one time didn't have the right one on hand. Also, I've heard that the cores are hardened prior to them being machined, so there are limitations of how much a particular cam core can be machined before it cuts through the hardened layer and into the softer unhardened material underneath.
I've also heard that, like you mentioned, that there are really only a few manufacturers of cam core blanks. I can't remember where I heard it, and I can't confirm if it's true, but I've heard Crane makes cam blanks but Comp doesn't, and that Comp may actually get their blanks from Crane. I've also heard that Crane makes some cams for GM.
It's interesting I think.
[Modified by Monty, 8:21 AM 9/20/2001]
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,861
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From: Bremerton WA
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Cam Blanks...All the same? (71coupe)
It's a good bet since Crane has figured into the scheme in the past (LT-4...and maybe others?). Why reinvent the cam...err.. wheel 
Cory
Cory
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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: battle creek mi
Re: Cam Blanks...All the same? (Jack Sweet)
crane is a reboxer..that is they don't manufacture much. cam cores usually come from melling in jackson mi, or muskegon. eaton manufactures most of the vavetrain products for crane...i see it everyday!! :rolleyes:
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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Re: Cam Blanks...All the same? (1985z51)
I believe there are only a few actual core manufacturing places out there. When I was talking to every one of the cam co's last year, it seemed that the cores were the same. Comp buys from several different suppliers. They all did say that only Crane really had some proprietary blanks. That is why when you look at the profiles offered by all the companies, they are so similar. There is just so much movement you can make due to treating depth.
Depending on the cam, Crane uses either the std. ones or one of the special ones.
I had my cam custom ground by Engle ( many reasons why) and they use blanks purchased from Crane for the rollers.
I believe lots of Crower stuff stuff is made by Schneider. Crower is the repackager.
Of course there was Cam Dynamics (Crane?)
etc etc
Depending on the cam, Crane uses either the std. ones or one of the special ones.
I had my cam custom ground by Engle ( many reasons why) and they use blanks purchased from Crane for the rollers.
I believe lots of Crower stuff stuff is made by Schneider. Crower is the repackager.
Of course there was Cam Dynamics (Crane?)
etc etc
