1965 L78 camshaft

[Jeremy H.]

Can someone let me know what is the best camshaft or camshaft kit, brand and part number, for a 1965 396 L78? One that will not cause a problem with oiling as well.

thanks
Jeremy Hedges
#31711

[Duke W.]

Re: 1965 L78 camshaft

Sealed Power/Speed Pro (Federal Mogul) CS165R is built to the GM print with the exception that it lacks the rear journal groove that is required on '65-'66 big blocks. Any compentent machine shop should be able to grind a groove that matches the currently installed camshaft. You will also need a three hole rear cam bearing that was used on these early big blocks with the grooved cam.

BTW, this camshaft is an excellent design for a high performance road engine. There's nothing out there that's better. It's a single pattern cam (same lobe on both sides), and this same lobe with a slightly smaller base circle is used on the inlet side of the LT-1 cam. (The exhaust side is the 30-30 lobe.)

Duke

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1965 L78 camshaft

.....You will also need a three hole rear cam bearing that was used on these early big blocks with the grooved cam. .....

Just to show what Duke says about the rear cam bearing. Both these shots are from the same '65 BB. First shot is looking up from (say) the oil pan. You can see the two holes that feed the left and right lifter banks. The pooled oil is because I turned the block upside down.

Second shot is the bottom of the bearing. Hole is entry point of oil from the pump.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 L78 camshaft

Sealed Power/Speed Pro (Federal Mogul) CS165R is built to the GM print with the exception that it lacks the rear journal groove that is required on '65-'66 big blocks. Any compentent machine shop should be able to grind a groove that matches the currently installed camshaft. You will also need a three hole rear cam bearing that was used on these early big blocks with the grooved cam.

BTW, this camshaft is an excellent design for a high performance road engine. There's nothing out there that's better. It's a single pattern cam (same lobe on both sides), and this same lobe with a slightly smaller base circle is used on the inlet side of the LT-1 cam. (The exhaust side is the 30-30 lobe.)

Duke

Duke------


The original rear camshaft bearing for 1965-66 big block was GM #3876863. It's long since GM-discontinued. GM did not sell camshaft bearings as a set. Only individual bearings were available.

For 1965-66 big block applications I recommend Dura-Bond camshaft bearing set CH 9A. In my opinion, this is the best camshaft bearing set on the market for this application.