PDA

View Full Version : Swap meet cam

Tom Kochtanek
10-17-2007, 10:29 PM
Would you put a cam you purchased at a swap meet in your next precious 409 build? That's what I am wondering. Went to a local swap meet this past weekend, terrible weather (rain) apparently kept a lot of buyers away. Picked up a few 409 camshafts and some had specs (some didn't).

Here's one that did. It was made (or distributed) by Crower Cams and the date on the purchase slip said "1976". New, not used. For solid lifters. Here are the specs:

lobe center : 110 degrees
intake : .266" at .050"
exhaust : 280" at .050"
53 degree overlap at .050"

So what do we have here, and would you put an old but seemingly well-preserved cam such as this in your next build?

Thanks in advance!

TomK
jim_ss409
10-17-2007, 10:43 PM
lobe center : 110 degrees
intake : .266" at .050"
exhaust : 280" at .050"
53 degree overlap at .050"

So what do we have here, and would you put an old but seemingly well-preserved cam such as this in your next build?

That's a big cam!:deal
It really belongs in a drag car but as long as it looks okay I think it should be fine.
MRHP
10-17-2007, 11:33 PM
Personally I would never put a used cam or lifters in anything but the garage can. The only way I would re-use a cam is if I was just going to freshen an existing good running engine. New lifters is a given.
MRHP
10-17-2007, 11:36 PM
Re reading your post Tom, I see they are new cams.:doh As long as they are free from damage, I would use them.
boxerdog
10-18-2007, 12:09 AM
I'd use it!
Tom Kochtanek
10-18-2007, 12:09 AM
This is (was) a new cam, hasn't been installed as yet. Came with lifters and springs as well. Nice package.

The other two cams are interesting but less "documented". How can I tell what they are in terms of design? Can these be "measured" somehow?

They are also new. One is solid, the other hydraulic.

Just thought I'd see what I had :).

Best,
TomK

P.S. Drag car, eh? Sounds intriguing. Can you believe this cam is more than 30 years old?
boxerdog
10-18-2007, 12:19 AM
Tom,see if you can find a local shop with a Cam Dr. (I think that's what they are called) to "decode" the lobes.
1958 delivery
10-18-2007, 12:53 AM
The grind number should be stamped on the end, call the manufactuer for specs.
jr.W
10-18-2007, 06:34 AM
You can put it in a block with the crank and use a degree wheel and dial indicator.
dq409
10-18-2007, 08:52 PM
Look in your Yellow Pages for a custom cam grinder in your area.
Thay can jig it up and give you all the info you need for a reasonable price,,dq