396 L34 Cam

[cwyllie]

So looks like I will be replacing the cam due to a flat exh lobe and possibly more depending on how things look once cleaned properly.
Keeping this engine stock and wondering where to go for a new cam. I have read that there have been some manufacturing issues and "soft material" problems.
What have you had success with? Is Crane still a good choice?

Thanks.
Craig.

[x66 714]

It's been a bunch or years but I have Crane blueprint cams in both of my engines. That was 30 years ago. Things could be different these days. Use a quality oil that has ZDDP & a 1st run Wix filter for the next cam...Joe

[68camaroz28]

So looks like I will be replacing the cam due to a flat exh lobe and possibly more depending on how things look once cleaned properly.
Keeping this engine stock and wondering where to go for a new cam. I have read that there have been some manufacturing issues and "soft material" problems.
What have you had success with? Is Crane still a good choice?

Thanks.
Craig.

I agree with Joe as I've used the Crane blueprint cam as well but as he purchased in 1984/5 timeframe so not sure on that issue but my last 427 build we used a hyd roller. You should be able to have one close to stock specs but why not make it a tad better and should be able to have with the stock non-dripper 396 valve covers.

[rare396bronze]

I had friend at machine shop that kept going thru camshafts. They found out it was not the camshaft but the oil. A lot of the new oils do not use zink in the oil. He changed to good oil with zink and has not a problem since! I use a special Havoline brand in my cars know.

[169INDY]

Crane AU / Crane USA takes you to Comp Cams & they have a VERY limited Factory Muscle Cam Selections.

[x66 714]

The oil I used was Valvoline VR-1. When I changed the oil in the 302 I had to turn down the idle after it ran for a while. I'm running 10w30 in the 302 & the 396....Joe

[Kaanderson]

A lot of time the  cam will go flat from when a car sits a while and the oil runs off the cam & lifters and virtually the car is started dry because the oil has run off the cam and when this is done over and over the friction will wipe the cam out. .  The hardened cam gives some extra protection. Fyi 325 hp and 350 hp 396 is the same cam. Good luck.

[Kaanderson]

Comp cams will grind you a l34 cam from a hardened blank. I had it done. Just call them and order it up. It wasnt that much more money and wss done in a week. 

[Stingr69]

Crane is gone (again).  You might have better luck with Howards cams as they have a couple of the GM big block grinds. 

The Valvoline VR-1 Conventional Racing oil has lots of zinc and street use additives.  It is good for flat tappets.  I keep a few cases on the shelf.

Elgin still makes some of the small block GM SHP cams but I did not see the big block GM grinds when I checked.

[crossboss]

Comp cams will grind you a l34 cam from a hardened blank. I had it done. Just call them and order it up. It wasnt that much more money and wss done in a week.

+1.

[169INDY]

"Fyi 325 hp and 350 hp 396 is the same cam. "

1969 Camshaft (INFO from Chev By the Numbers Book, Ch13)
396 (265/325) & 427 (335) Hyd, I.398 E.398  DUr 322/322 PN 3874872
396 (350) & 427 (390/400) Hyd  I.461 E.480 Dur 350/352 PN 3883986

[Kaanderson]

Sorry about that false statement on the 325 350 hp cams being the same. I stand corrected. Good job on the correction.
Thanks

[169INDY]

It is all Good, we as a group are here to help each other.

My Recent Cam experience was with Howards, when I called them, they actually recommended for the Catalog Cam I was after that it was better to Order via Big Box Stores and be part of the Bulk orders that the big suppliers submit. I had this same experience on WIESCO (L78) pistons also. I found it odd the Manufactures did not want me ordering direct and I had success on both accounts ordering via Summit and Jegs.  Just my experiences in 2022

[cwyllie]

This is all good information and I appreciate the input.

Thanks All!

[ko-lek-tor]

The cam, as pointed out, is different from 325 hp and 350 hp. Essentially, that is the only difference between the 2 engines. I’d try a good reputable cam grinder like Bullit Cams. Their cores are better. I’d be very concerned about todays Chinese cores. I think with some hunting a nos GM cam could be sourced. Calcimine is good oil. Shaeffer and Brad Penn are good oils, as well.