Topic: LS4 cam specs
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Former Member
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Paducah, KY - USA
Joined: 4/6/2007
Posts: 4
Vette(s): Yellow 1973 coupe, 454, 4 spd.,factory air.
White 1965 two top 4spd. 327, factory air.
Red 1981 unmolested.
Hi everyone out there. I need some help and or advise.
I have a stock LS4, 73 454, that needs a new cam. The engine is apart now. It doesn't seem to have the original cam. What it had was cast # GM 4 3041. My "Corvette by the numbers" book says it should be #353041 and specs don't make sense.
I am trying to find out what the stock cam specs were. Then, I'll be able to choose a replacement that is a notch or two better.
I'm thinking of a Crane duel pattern Power Max 260/272,advertized duration .485"/.515"gross lift, RPM range 1500-4500.
HELP Thanks
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
My book gives the same specs yours does. Remember engines were primarily designed for low emissions during the time your car was built...not pure performance.
I'm no expert on camshaft specs, but I would suggest you decide exactly what performance level you want out of your engine and base your cam selection on achieving that goal. Crane, Comp, Edelbrock or any other cam maker will give you good recommendations on the best cam for your car.
There are somebuilders who say to select whatever cam you think you need, and go one milder than that. I guess they think most people choose a cam too aggressive for what their real needs are.
BTW - though I have no personal experience with them, I have heard wonderful things about the Lunati VooDoo cams.
I'm no expert on camshaft specs, but I would suggest you decide exactly what performance level you want out of your engine and base your cam selection on achieving that goal. Crane, Comp, Edelbrock or any other cam maker will give you good recommendations on the best cam for your car.
There are somebuilders who say to select whatever cam you think you need, and go one milder than that. I guess they think most people choose a cam too aggressive for what their real needs are.
BTW - though I have no personal experience with them, I have heard wonderful things about the Lunati VooDoo cams.
Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
Here is a pretty informative site for lots of '73 stuff...
Lifetime Member #86
USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
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USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I can't help with the exact specs on da cam, but...Lunati, and Comp Cams have "Retro" cams available for replacing stock cams in older cars. They are not exact copies, but they do work a little better than the stockers, since they are not strangled by EPA guidelines, as the factory cams were. Might give one of these companies a shot.
Joel Adams
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Former Member
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Paducah, KY - USA
Joined: 4/6/2007
Posts: 4
Vette(s): Yellow 1973 coupe, 454, 4 spd.,factory air.
White 1965 two top 4spd. 327, factory air.
Red 1981 unmolested.
I just checked and that is a great site for a wealth of info on the 73. But, no cam specs.
Thanks.
Former Member
Send PM
Paducah, KY - USA
Joined: 4/6/2007
Posts: 4
Vette(s): Yellow 1973 coupe, 454, 4 spd.,factory air.
White 1965 two top 4spd. 327, factory air.
Red 1981 unmolested.
UP DATE: I found on Corvette forum where someone asked the same question.
70-72 LS5 73-74 LS4
.461"/.480" lift .440"/.440" lift
214/218 deg. duration 210/210 deg. duration
115 lobe centerline 115 lobe centerline
I'm going to install a hotter Crane Power Max 260/272 deg. .485/.515 lift that I have been told, by a Vett restorer in ILL., it will work fine with everything else stock.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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