Paul L

What aftermarket cam comes close to a 1979 L-82? I do not need speed and am quite content with about 14.9 in the 1/4 mile. I do need dependability and low-end torque.

gearheadz

Paul...the L-82 cam is probably one of the best all-around factory street cams ever. Its the same one that came in the L-46 350/350 motor. For a stock engine, I doubt you're going to get much better on the aftermarket even with the more recent improvements in design.

Here's the specs from http://www.spoperformanceparts.com/ ....

3896962 - Hydraulic Flat Tappet

This hydraulic flat tappet is used on the 68-81 L-46 and L-82 Corvette. The duration at lash point in degrees (intake/exhaust) is 312/312; duration at .050" tappet lift (intake/exhaust) is 222/222 and maximum lift with 1.5:1 rocker ratio (intake/exhaust) is 450/460. Valve lash is zero/zero and lobe centerline is 114 degrees.


If you must upgrade, a good choice would be the CompCams XE262H or 268H. Both have a little more duration & lift but are very strong on the bottom end & great street cams for stock or mild engines.

Mark


[Modified by mdsmith, 3:32 PM 1/21/2002]

Paul L

Mark,
Do you know if the part is still available from GM?

gkull

I'd use the Crane powerMax H-266-2 or it's bigger brother the H-272-2 Many years ago I went with the 272 in my L-82
http://www.cranecams.com

A C

The cam is still sold through GM, but it is contracted out to Crane to build for them. I think you can get them directly from Crane as well. I am using a Crane Powermax H-288-2 in my L46, and it's a pretty good performer so far. Don't let the 288 number deceive you, this thing idles very nicely, and is very streetable.

hiyosilver

Still available from gm . 122.01 wholesale gm pts direct

gearheadz

You can buy it at your local GMPP dealer or online at http://www.spoperformanceparts.com/ . Its about $145.

Mark


[Modified by mdsmith, 3:33 PM 1/21/2002]

Smokehouse69

That's what I had in my car, I'm replacing it with a Comp XE262 this weekend. The Crane cam is their Blueprint Series, you can get them from Jegs, or Summit for about $90-95 dollars U.S., of course you need to get new lifters which will boost the price another $50 or so.
The cam doesn't have much low end, there are more modern cam designs that will give you more torque and not rob you too much on the top-in.

Tom73

Paul, I am a big fan of the L82 engine but the cam, while it was great in its day, is old tech. I would recommend calling a major cam manif. and seeing what their customer service would recommend for your car. Tech has advanced alot since the days of the L82 so no reason to not take advanage of the advances.

tom...

Paul L

Thanks, Tom. My cable access has been down again for several days. That makes about 20 in the last 30 days. I am trying to catch up on messages. I wish to stay with stock lifters and springs, etc. I assume the on-line folks at these companies know their stuff. The suggestion that Crane is now the sub-contract supplier to GM sounds like a good lead.

Paul L

Thanks, AC. I will explore the options.

Paul L

Mark,
I cannot seem to get into that site. What is a flat tappet?

Tom73

It is the standard lifter. The other would be roller lifter.

tom...

Paul L

Thanks, Tom. Sometimes the obvious escapes me ;) .

jvm

Mark I'm thinking of upgrading another 350 1977 vintage motor It only came with 145 Horse (I think). Hope I can say Monte Carlo here with out getting points off. Would Vortec heads firt this vintage 350? or can someone recomend something else? Thanks Jim

gearheadz

I had a TYPO in the URL...try again.
http://www.spoperformanceparts.com/

Mark


[Modified by mdsmith, 3:34 PM 1/21/2002]

gearheadz

Vortec heads will bolt up to the earlier model smallblocks. In order to use them though, you'll need a Vortec intake manifold which will drive up your overall cost if you already have an intake (earlier version SB).

Mark

Dino_'72

Paul, I have to agree with others on the comment that the old L82 is not a great performer when it comes to bottom end torque. Might be OK if your running a 4 speed and 3:55s or higher. I had this cam in a Camaro years ago but replaced it after 2 months - sluggish to 2500rpm. GM parts info even states the cam has "moderate torque".

It may be nice from a nostalgia point of view to have an old original grind, but better grinds now exist. The Comp Cam HE268 or the XE262 would be good choices. You may need new springs for the XE. I have no personal knowledge of the Crane cams, but I have heard good feedback.

Always a difficult decision when it comes to cams, so good luck.

Dino.

Paul L

Dino,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, the L-82 cam does pick up the torque curve a little higher than the L-48 (for example): max 270 ft.lbs.@3600rpm vrs. 285@3200. I toyed with the idea of going to the L-48 cam....but I have a few more snowey months to explore this further. The TH350 can be annoying at times in the city as it shifts into third at about 30mph when driving moderately. Hence the need for torque (for my type of casual driving).

Dino_'72

Paul I'm running a stock L48 right now. Yes lots of torque, but it runs out of power at about 4000 RPM. You may want to consider the HE260 cam, probably as much or more torque at low RPM than the L48 cam, and more HP at higher RPM. The L48 is a small cam, I think about 195 degrees duration at .050".

I rebuilt mine to stock specs in '90, because back then everyone said it had to be stock. Its a nice driver, but I have become bored with the feeble power output and exhaust sound. You have to remember that L48s were used in everything from pickups to station wagons.

I have purchased some 64cc heads and the XE268 cam. I hope to have it installed by May. Just don't have the time right now. I don't race or go fast, but it will be fun to have the old Vette sounding like it has some muscle when out for a Sunday cruise. My wife still doesn't understand this reasoning, but as they say, if I have to explain it to her, she still wouldn't understand.

Take your time. Just my .02 cents.

Dino :D