'63 360 HP cam alternatives

[Troy P.]

I was convinced from reading numerous threads that there was a more modern cam grind that works very well with a 63 360HP FI engine with correct compression ratio. Then the person who may restore the car insisted the 097 cam was the only way to go.

So I need your advice on this.

[Chris H.]

Re: '63 360 HP cam alternatives

Troy, I've never owned a small block so I cant help you with a cam grind. What I would recommend is going with a roller cam. I just rebuilt my L71 and after lots of research and analysis, decided a roller cam was the way to go versus flat tappet.

[Jim L.]

Re: '63 360 HP cam alternatives

I was convinced from reading numerous threads that there was a more modern cam grind that works very well with a 63 360HP FI engine with correct compression ratio. Then the person who may restore the car insisted the 097 cam was the only way to go.

So I need your advice on this.

Troy,

There may very well be more modern cams which work well with Rochester FI. That said, last year while calibrating the FI unit on a Real Deal 22000 mile, '63 fuelie, I got to (had to, actually) experience wide open throttle acceleration. That 360HP engine was an absolute ANIMAL after I dialed in the FI! So my opinion is that you wouldn't be disappointed with an 097 cam. Not one bit.

Jim

[Duke W.]

Re: '63 360 HP cam alternatives

I recommend the LT-1 cam to replace both the Duntov and 30-30 cams. Its idle behavior is essentially indistinguishable from the other OE mechanical lifter cams. It makes about the same low end torque as the Duntov, which is more that the 30-30 and about the same top end as the 30-30, which is more than the Duntov.

If you want even more power and revs, massage the heads. This will get you close to 300 SAE corrected RWHP (OE is about 230) at 6500 with a usable bandwidth to 7000 and a valve train limiting speed with the second design 3911068 valve springs of about 7200.

There is extensive information and discussion of this "327 LT-1" configuration on the Corvette Forum, C2 section. Search for threads started by Dave McDufford and ghostrider20 from about 10 years ago.

Assuming you're planning a complete rebuild, be sure you replace those spindly first design 327 rods that are prone to breaking at the bolt seat.

One little known interesting feature about the LT-1 cam is that the inlet lobe is the same as the L-72 lobe (on a smaller base circle), and the exhaust lobe is from the 30-30 cam. Both those cams used the same lobe on both sides and they have milder dynamics than the Duntov lobe, so they're easier on the valve train.

Duke