Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

[Todd L.]

Hey guys,

I purchased this split window back in December last year, along with another 63 Fuelie project car. This 300 HP car was theoretically restored and had been sitting in a warehouse for the last 23 years. Unfortunately, when I got all the rust out of the tank, lines, fuel pump and carburetor, and got the car started, I quickly learned the motor was sick. After tearing it down, I found the camshaft was worn out, and it looked like the oil had never been changed. I have the block at a machine shop currently getting the ring groove bored out, and I am ordering all rebuild parts now. My question is, does anyone have the camshaft specs for a 300 HP motor, or have a part # of a camshaft that is an exact match to what was in this from the factory?

Thanks so much for the help!
Todd

[Joseph L.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

PN 3896929. It is available as Sealed Power CS-274.
3896929 Hyd Advertised 319/320 at 0.050 195/202 Lift .390/.410 overlap 112 62-66 327 250-300 HP L75

[Todd L.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Thank you so much Joe! I appreciate the help.

[Duke W.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Actually, the OE '63 327/300 camshaft that dated back to '57 was replaced by the ...929 for the '67 model year and also became the GMPD replacement for the earlier design. The ...929 has identical operating characteristics to the original design, but softer dynamics based on what GM learned about valve train dynamics with the Optron system beginning in the early sixties.

Even if you could find an NOS '57-'66 base engine cam I would not recommend using it. The CS-274, if you can find one, may cost as little as fifty bucks, and use the companion Sealed Power lifters. The cam and lifters may be available under a single designation - same number, different prefix. A good NAPA counter man probably knows the cam and lifter kit prefix.

Duke

[John D.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Hi Todd, I have a 63 FI car the same colors as your 300 HP car.
When you get to buying a cam for your 63 FI car a readily available cap today is make by Elgin Industries. E-900P
I think we discussed this. Make sure your counter man doesn't order you a E-901P as that is the 30-30 cam.
Talk to you soon. John D.

[Todd L.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Duke,

I am a little confused by your response. Are you saying the CS-274 cam is the replacement and the one to use, or NOT to use this cam and use the "929"? If the 929, do you have a complete part #?

I did find several NOS Sealed Power CS-274 cams on Ebay

Todd

[Todd L.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Thanks John, and you are correct, we did discuss that FI cam. I have it listed on my "parts to purchase" spreadsheet..along with hundreds of other parts

[Kenneth F.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Todd, I have a CS 274 in a 300 H.P. 327. It seems to provide good, quiet performance. I now wish I had upgraded the OEM connecting rods. Duke Williams had a suggestion on the connecting rods.

Perhaps someone could comment on this. Was there a 300 H.P. "Special" option in 1963?

Ken

[Duke W.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Duke,

I am a little confused by your response. Are you saying the CS-274 cam is the replacement and the one to use, or NOT to use this cam and use the "929"? If the 929, do you have a complete part #?

I did find several NOS Sealed Power CS-274 cams on Ebay

Todd

The Sealed Power (Federal Mogul) CS-274 is an exact duplicate of the GM 3896929 camshaft. The Sealed Power CS-274 is not "NOS". It's aftermarket, but is built to the exact same specs as the original GM 3896929.

I doubt if you can find a NOS ...929, and even if you could I would not pay a premium. No one can see inside the engine to determine if you have an actual GM-manufactured cam or a Sealed Power duplicate, which is manufactured to the original GM drawing and specs.

This camshaft, which dates to the '67 model year replaced the '57-'66 "base engine" camshaft and became the replacement cam for all base engines and optional engines that used the same base engine camshaft back to '57.

Buy a CS-274 and companion lifter either separately of the cam/lifter "kit" from a Sealed Power dealer like NAPA or any other parts house that sells Sealed Power replacement parts, and add the OE truck replacement roller chain- about 25 bucks and a set of VS-677 valve springs. Don't screw around with ebay when you can buy these parts from any local parts store or reputable mail order outfit that sells Federal Mogul's Seal Power brand OE replacement parts, which includes pretty much everything you need for any engine rebuild.

Unfortunately a lot of these parts for our 50+ year old cars are being discontinued and are getting hard to find.

Duke

[Todd L.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Thank you so much for the clarification Duke, I appreciate all the detail.

Todd

[Bob W.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Todd this cam is sold as a kit. Jam not sure but the number is csk 274 or cs274k.Call sealsd power at 1-800-325-8886 they will know for sure.

Bob

[Todd L.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Thanks Bob!

[Joe L.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Actually, the OE '63 327/300 camshaft that dated back to '57 was replaced by the ...929 for the '67 model year and also became the GMPD replacement for the earlier design. The ...929 has identical operating characteristics to the original design, but softer dynamics based on what GM learned about valve train dynamics with the Optron system beginning in the early sixties.

Even if you could find an NOS '57-'66 base engine cam I would not recommend using it. The CS-274, if you can find one, may cost as little as fifty bucks, and use the companion Sealed Power lifters. The cam and lifters may be available under a single designation - same number, different prefix. A good NAPA counter man probably knows the cam and lifter kit prefix.

Duke

Duke------

The 1957-66 cam was GM #3733431. It was discontinued in May, 1967 and replaced by the GM #3896929. Ultimately, the latter was replaced by GM #14060651 which remains available from GM to this day. As a matter of fact, this cam is currently on sale from GM Parts Direct for about 36 bucks. That's a great deal for a genuine GM cam, even a great deal for an aftermarket cam!

If this cam is used in place of a 3733431 or the 3896929 no one will ever know the difference.

[Alexander D.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Duke------

The 1957-66 cam was GM #3733431. It was discontinued in May, 1967 and replaced by the GM #3896929. Ultimately, the latter was replaced by GM #14060651 which remains available from GM to this day. As a matter of fact, this cam is currently on sale from GM Parts Direct for about 36 bucks. That's a great deal for a genuine GM cam, even a great deal for an aftermarket cam! If this cam is used in place of a 3733431 or the 3896929 no one will ever know the difference.

Is there any difference between the 929 cam and the current GM replacement 651 cam?

Why would GM change the part number of the exact same part?

[Joe L.]

Re: Cam specs for 63 300 HP 327

Is there any difference between the 929 cam and the current GM replacement 651 cam?

Why would GM change the part number of the exact same part?

Alexander------


There is a difference between the two but it's extremely minor and you'll never notice a difference in engine performance.

GM #3896929-----GM #14060651

intake lift (with 1.7:1 rockers)----0.389" versus 0.383"

exhaust lift (with 1.7:1 rockers)---0.410" versus 0.401"

int duration @0.050"-------190 degrees versus 194 degrees

ex duration @0.050"-------202 degrees versus 202 degrees

lobe separation angle-----112 degrees versus 112 degrees