Who knows their cams?

[Southpa]

I have an opportunity to pick up a Crower 268 cam w/ only 4000 miles on it for 50 bucks next week. I have a stock 1970-350, 882 heads, 3.07 gears, 4MV Q-jet. I don't really need it right now, running an RV cam (I think). What would I have to change thats currently in my engine to get the best performance out of this cam? or can I benefit if I just install w/out changing anything? I need some education in this area, pretty much done everything else to my truck but never been into the engine...yet.

[68 Suburban]

I know this won't answer your techincal questons, but you can get info about yoru cam:

http://www.crower.com/misc/m_cat.shtml

[70c10]

If your motor is stock, why do you think it has a RV cam?. I was told my motor had a RV cam too and found out by pulling it out last week it was stock. I would probably go with an aftermarket intake and possibly rear gears, HEI, good air filter and probably new lifters for the new cam. I'm not sure about valve springs for that cam.

[kaycee]

I will never run some one elses cam.Why did he take it out if it was good?I would wait and add another $50/75 and get a new setup cam and lifters total about $130 give or take a few $$.BRand spanking new not some one else's problem.Don't switch cams with out the matched lifter's or vice /versus .This is just my opinion:p

[bigjimzlll]

number one thing that will help your cam...good full length headers....on buying an used cam..if the lifters are pulled out and marked for each cylinder..and you install them back in the right order...then its OK....but if its just the cam..no lifters.. buy a new cam..you can get a new one for 75 bucks
Jim

[mikep]

Originally posted by kaycee
I will never run some one elses cam.Why did he take it out if it was good?I would wait and add another $50/75 and get a new setup cam and lifters total about $130 give or take a few $$.BRand spanking new not some one else's problem.Don't switch cams with out the matched lifter's or vice /versus .This is just my opinion:p

If your like me they are stacked up in your garage like cord wood. I get about 9 months out of a cam before I want to try something new. Nothing wrong with using a used cam. They are no different than a new cam except new cam lobes are parkerized for better oil retention on start up. Not a big deal if you use lots of good quality cam break in lube like the red stuff comp cams sells. As long as you use new lifters or matching lifters from a low mileage cam then using a used cam is kosher.

[68speedalert]

the biggest problem with buying a used cam is that unless you have your micrometer eye turned on, you only have the seller's word on what it is.

I agree with the others, save your money and buy new. Comp Cams 268 will make a small block turn on!

Steve

[dubie]

Hey Al, for about $180, you can get a good Extreme Energy Comp Cam and lifters from www.hi-performance.com . It's a Canadian company and are damn near in your back yard in BC. That is where I am ordering my Comp XE256H cam and lifters from. Their website has a great online catalogue to search through.

[REPO1]

Originally posted by dubie
www.hi-performance.com . It's a Canadian company and are damn near in your back yard in BC.

I tried ordering my 383 stroker kit for my Camaro from them, after about 2 months, they kept telling me it would arrive any day. Well I finally told them to bite me. Got the kit some place else in a couple of days.

I have also had friends have problems with them. I think they suck. But thats just my experience. I would guess others have had great luck with them.

[dubie]

Yeah, a guy i worked with actually recommended them. He does over $10,000 worth of business with them every year and he swears by them. He always has his parts within 10 days of ordering them, and nothing is back ordered. Hmmmmmm now ya got me thinking there bud

[Southpa]

Thanks for the responses folks. Yes, the guy has the matched lifters for this cam. He does lots of work on engines and from what I've heard around the shop he is a straight-up guy. Actually, hes the one whos fitting this 8 million dollar yacht with the 1 million dollar engine room, lol. He also drives ...guess what?... a 68 GMC w/ a 98 flareside bed, looks pretty good too.

I've heard lots of people (and some mechanics) say I've got a lumpy cam and a few have mentioned RV cams. OK, so maybe I'm assuming, but its definitely not stock. The guy removed the cam because he wanted to try something different, thats all. I trust his word and his ability. As a tradesman he is respected by all of the other tradesmen in the shop. I hear stuff like, "Oh, you want to talk engines? Go see Keith over there."

OK, so back to my original question, I can get the cam for 50 Canadian dollars, good deal?

[dubie]

Great Deal Al, go for it buds!!!!!

[bigjimzlll]

yup...give it a try...just lube it up real good...get a new timing chain too