Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

zac · 08-16-2021, 02:08 PM

I’m assuming it’s the standard 929 or L48 cam, whatever you want to call it, they used in everything. Building a near-stock 400 to make my ‘70 K10 350/465/205 with 3.08’s and 31’s more drivable. I want the torque in the basement, just wondering what the baseline cam was.

crazy longhorn · 08-16-2021, 04:05 PM

Yes, it was most likely the 929 cam.....ran in most stock Chevs, to about 300 hp. My bet is , that the modern cam profiles will show you more

I cannot reccomend for your app, but will say that there are many guys here, that can. Longhorn

b454rat · 08-16-2021, 06:20 PM

No way I would put any stock GM cam in a motor. There are so many modern cams that make more power n torque n smooth idle. I’ve had good results with Comp Cams. Maybe look at their hi energy line. They are for more of a street than hi performance.

burnin oil · 08-17-2021, 12:57 AM

Horribly small. Same as a 307.

cadillac_al · 08-17-2021, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burnin oil

Horribly small. Same as a 307.

X2. Stock cams are so so small. I have an Edelbrock Performer cam in my 400 and it idles as smooth as a stocker and I wish I would have went bigger.

Ziegelsteinfaust · 08-17-2021, 11:36 AM

Like everyone said there are many modern cams that provide more torque, and power everywhere in the power band vs a stocker.

If you have the funds. I highly recommend a roller cam. They have them in mild forms similar to the vortec 350 version. I have not pulled a engine apart in the last 10 years that did not have noticble lifter cupping.

Otherwise add about a 1/3 to 1/2 bottle of break lube or zinc to keep lifters happy after initial break in.

Something like this
https://www.amazon.com/Rislone-4405-...98281214&psc=1

Or you can find classic formulated oil, but it can be harder to find when you need it most.

zac · 08-18-2021, 10:34 AM

Cost not the issue, just don’t think I want to go with a roller cam for this one. Will probably go with a Crower flat tappet I’ve had good luck with in the past. I had a stock 400 once before, but it was 35 years ago and I never had it apart. Was just wondering if anybody knew what cam they came with.

crazy longhorn · 08-18-2021, 03:39 PM

IIRC, The 929 cam, was .390/.410 lift at the valve. Duration was 196/202 @ .050. Yes , a very small camshaft. longhorn

Tom · 08-18-2021, 03:53 PM

Its hard to make a 400 cubic inch GenI motor with tiny intake ports NOT have torque in the basement, you'd have to go pretty big on the cam to do it.

**MySons68C20** · 08-18-2021, 04:44 PM

I remember a long time ago my dads 400 in a 76 GMC 4 X 4.
We installed a flat tappet Comp Cams 268H and it had great torque and good upper rpm power. If it were me I would do a roller with a similar spec
BTW, it sounded a lil lopey at idle

08-16-2021, 02:08 PM	#1
zac Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: louisville, ky Posts: 502	Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? I’m assuming it’s the standard 929 or L48 cam, whatever you want to call it, they used in everything. Building a near-stock 400 to make my ‘70 K10 350/465/205 with 3.08’s and 31’s more drivable. I want the torque in the basement, just wondering what the baseline cam was.

08-16-2021, 04:05 PM	#2
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? Yes, it was most likely the 929 cam.....ran in most stock Chevs, to about 300 hp. My bet is , that the modern cam profiles will show you more I cannot reccomend for your app, but will say that there are many guys here, that can. Longhorn __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

08-16-2021, 06:20 PM	#3
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,453	Re: Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? No way I would put any stock GM cam in a motor. There are so many modern cams that make more power n torque n smooth idle. I’ve had good results with Comp Cams. Maybe look at their hi energy line. They are for more of a street than hi performance.

08-17-2021, 12:57 AM	#4
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,919	Re: Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? Horribly small. Same as a 307.

08-17-2021, 11:36 AM	#6
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,560	Re: Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? Like everyone said there are many modern cams that provide more torque, and power everywhere in the power band vs a stocker. If you have the funds. I highly recommend a roller cam. They have them in mild forms similar to the vortec 350 version. I have not pulled a engine apart in the last 10 years that did not have noticble lifter cupping. Otherwise add about a 1/3 to 1/2 bottle of break lube or zinc to keep lifters happy after initial break in. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Rislone-4405-...98281214&psc=1 Or you can find classic formulated oil, but it can be harder to find when you need it most.

08-18-2021, 10:34 AM	#7
zac Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: louisville, ky Posts: 502	Re: Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? Cost not the issue, just don’t think I want to go with a roller cam for this one. Will probably go with a Crower flat tappet I’ve had good luck with in the past. I had a stock 400 once before, but it was 35 years ago and I never had it apart. Was just wondering if anybody knew what cam they came with.

08-18-2021, 03:39 PM	#8
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? IIRC, The 929 cam, was .390/.410 lift at the valve. Duration was 196/202 @ .050. Yes , a very small camshaft. longhorn __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

08-18-2021, 03:53 PM	#9
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,692	Re: Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? Its hard to make a 400 cubic inch GenI motor with tiny intake ports NOT have torque in the basement, you'd have to go pretty big on the cam to do it. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

08-18-2021, 04:44 PM	#10
MySons68C20 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Wenatchee, Wa Posts: 897	Re: Stock OEM 400 sbc cam? I remember a long time ago my dads 400 in a 76 GMC 4 X 4. We installed a flat tappet Comp Cams 268H and it had great torque and good upper rpm power. If it were me I would do a roller with a similar spec BTW, it sounded a lil lopey at idle



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