1972 camshaft

[John W.]

Want to replace the camshaft in my 1972 coupe with a 200 HP L48 motor. Overhaul manual only gives lift and not duration data. The part is discontinued with GM. Need specs to go back with original configuration.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1972 camshaft

All base engines from '67 to '79 had the 3896929 camshaft/pin assembly. You can cross reference it to the Sealed Power OE replacement on the NAPA Web site and get the specs, which have been posted here many times.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 camshaft

Want to replace the camshaft in my 1972 coupe with a 200 HP L48 motor. Overhaul manual only gives lift and not duration data. The part is discontinued with GM. Need specs to go back with original configuration.

John-----


If you wish to use a genuine GM camshaft, you can still get one. Although the original GM #3896929 cam is discontinued, its replacement, GM #14060651, is still available. The difference in specs between this cam and the original is so slight that no one will ever know the difference. The problem is that this camshaft carries a GM list price of over 300 bucks. However, you can often purchase this camshaft as a crate engine "take-out" from GM dealers like Sallee (Gilbert) Chevrolet, Scoggins-Dickey, Burt Chevrolet, or Jim Pace. I've seen these cams sell for as little as $25. It's worth contacting them to check----a brand new GM cam for 25 bucks is a real deal.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1972 camshaft

I know someone who bought one of those ...839 take-offs for ten bucks and it worked out fine, so if you can get one...

Otherwise, the Sealed Power CS-274 is about 55 bucks from NAPA. About ten million of these cams were used as OE.

Duke