1969 350/350 Camshaft

[Steve M.]

I am looking at a camshaft on Ebay for a 1969 350/350 with part number 3896962. Can anyone confirm that this is a correct camshaft?
Thanks for any help,
Steve

[Lynn H.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Steve,
P/N 3896962 GR-0.519
Application:
69-70 Corvette w/H/Per (350 ci)
73-76 Corvette w/Sp H/Per (350 ci)
This WOULD be correct for the 350 HP-350 CI for 1969
Lynn

[Steve M.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Lynn,
Thanks for the information.
Steve

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

1969-70 350/350 cam is the same as an L-82 cam I believe.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

1969-70 350/350 cam is the same as an L-82 cam I believe.

Stephen and Steve-----


Yes, the GM #3896962 was used for both 1969-70 L-46 as well as 1973-80 L-82. It's still available from GM for about 175 bucks, GM list.

By the way, this camshaft is also used for several current GM 350 cid, Gen I crate engines.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Back in the late 70's, I installed this camshaft in my 72 corvette with TH400 automatic transmission. I had a very difficult time getting the car to idle without stalling because of the torque converter and the fact this car was originally low hp engine so be careful if that is your intent.

I imagine there is some difference with converter on automatic L-82 options. The specs on the cam are nice for a street hydraulic camshaft.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

A little off the subject: Is the 1970 to 72 LT-1 cam still available through GM?

[Duke W.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

...not that I'm aware of, but it is still available from Federal Mogul under the Speed Pro brand, CS1145R.

According to simulations I've done, the LT-1 cam doesn't make significantly different top end power (everything else the same) than the ...962 cam.

The higher rated power of the LT-1 is probably due more to the inlet manifold. The L-46 has the base engine cast iron manifold, which is more restrictive than the aluminum LT-1 manifold.

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Back in the late 70's, I installed this camshaft in my 72 corvette with TH400 automatic transmission. I had a very difficult time getting the car to idle without stalling because of the torque converter and the fact this car was originally low hp engine so be careful if that is your intent.

I imagine there is some difference with converter on automatic L-82 options. The specs on the cam are nice for a street hydraulic camshaft.

stock L-82 were weak off of the line and that is why we installed converter with higher stall speeds. we just use 6 cylinder converters which give a higher stall speed when used with a V-8

[Duke W.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Low compression and high overlap is the worst possible combination for decent low end torque.

I believe the OE converter for L-82 had a higher stall speed than the base engine converter.

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Low compression and high overlap is the worst possible combination for decent low end torque.

I believe the OE converter for L-82 had a higher stall speed than the base engine converter.

Duke

some owners put in deeper rear gears but that hurt the MPG. the converter worked better

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

A little off the subject: Is the 1970 to 72 LT-1 cam still available through GM?

Stephen------


GM #3972178 was discontinued without supercession about 6 years ago.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Low compression and high overlap is the worst possible combination for decent low end torque.

I believe the OE converter for L-82 had a higher stall speed than the base engine converter.

Duke

I am uncertain of the stall speed on a '77 L-48/TH 350, but my '77 L-82 TH 400 came with a "low inertia, high stall speed" 2400 RPM converter. To make it go a little better I did head work, headers, 3.90 gears, etc. It was really pathetic when it rolled off the line.

Steve

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Stephen,

I am not aware any 1977 corvette came with TH350, I thought they all were TH400.

I have always wondered about the torque converter being different for the 350hp and L-82. Of course I should never have installed a high performance camshaft like the 962 in a base engine 72 corvette let alone automatic car.

[Lynn H.]

Re: 1969 350/350 Camshaft

Stephen,

I am not aware any 1977 corvette came with TH350, I thought they all were TH400.

I have always wondered about the torque converter being different for the 350hp and L-82. Of course I should never have installed a high performance camshaft like the 962 in a base engine 72 corvette let alone automatic car.

76 was the first year with the THM 350 in the base motor car with M40. In 76 and 77 the THM 400 was only available with the L82 option, the base car got the 350 in 76, 77 and all cars through 81. 82 got the 700-R4.
Lynn