Help me with camshaft selection-please

[Tuna Joe]

As I posted on here, I have a 1969 corvette L89 project car.
The aluminum heads are done, and the block is at the machine shop.
The block has been decked, and rather than running the 11:1 compression pistons I’m going to go with 10.5:1
I’m struggling with my camshaft selection.
I’d love to run a solid lifter but just not interested in going backwards if it fails. I’ve had several friends have this happen to them upon startup and I’ve read about it on this forum and others.

So the plan is to run a hydraulic roller and get it as close to stock specs as possible.
The problem is I don’t really know what I’m doing ha ha
I think* I’ve got it narrowed down to three choices after talking to the fellow at Howard’s Cams.
In my other 1969 L71 corvette, I’m running a Howard’s roller and I love the way it sounds I’ve yet to drive it, but it sure sounds good.
So that exact cam is in the running.

Even though I don’t know too much and this is my first engine build, I realize that what vacuum the cam produces is an important factor. Not only for the vacuum operated headlights and wiper door, but for the distributor vacuum advance.
I’m running the original TI system that has been rebuilt to factory specs/advance by Dave Fiedler the TI “expert”.
Muncie M21 with 3:70 rear end gears.

I’ll post up the factory GM cam specs ( Cam p/n 3863143) and then the 3 Howard’s roller cams I’m considering..
Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.



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[Tuna Joe]

Here is my Black L71 running with the Howard’s roller #120325-10 cam

https://youtube.com/shorts/pLk0xVAxxE4?feature=shared

[dykstra]

Sounds awesome!!

[Lynn]

Seeing that you have the L71 running, why not put a vac gauge on it at idle and see what kind of vacuum you have? If it is deemed sufficient, and you are happy with the cam, I see no need to reinvent the wheel.

[JRSully]

IMO, cannot go wrong with the 143, One of the best cams Chevy produced

[ban617]

I think I would call Bullet Cams , give them your specs & see what they recommend… They also have the UltraDyne grinds available…

[Tuna Joe]

Originally Posted by JRSully

IMO, cannot go wrong with the 143, One of the best cams Chevy produced

I’m trying to stay away from solid lifters.

I’m going to show my ignorance here, but could I run the same grind as the original solid lifter GM cam (143) only with hydraulic lifters?
In other words, give a cam manufacturer like Erson or Howard’s the original GM cam specs and have a non-roller hydraulic lifter cam made?

[luzl78]

Yes,but the sound would be different.

[jerry455]

Hello, check with Chris Straub cams- great guy and super knowledgeable. He has a killer Hyd. Roller for BBC, I have one in a .30 over 454 build but haven't put in car yet.
Jose has the same cam in hid '67 Camaro L78 car- there's a thread on here with video of car running. It's wicked sounding and has good vacuum. 229 intake duration makes it work well on street, especially with auto trans. I think Jose's username is JBtech on here.
the cam has gross duration of288/300 from memory. Chris will know the exact cam I'm talking about- I have cam card at home but won't be home for a few days.
Hope that helps!
Jerry

[Tuna Joe]

Thank you Jerry!
I follow Jose’s thread on his car.