396/375 camshaft questions
 

Some friends of mine are researching a L78 combo for their 69 Camaro to get their feet wet in stock, possibly next year. As far as camshafts go We've talked to people who prefer Lunati, some like Crane, others Bullet and some like Comp. Recently in the Apr.4th issue of ND there is an add (pg.80) from Comp Cams playing up their new 396/375 "accepted barely" NHRA legal cam. I'd heard that Comp had some durability issues in the past, but this new cam is "Nitrided for increased wear resistance & lubricity".
Have any of you out there had a chance to try this cam out and were the results good for you? Or are you going back to your previous cam. If you have a recommendation, I'd appreciate any info you'd care to pass along as we'll be picking out parts for the shortblock before too long. Thanks for the responses.
Danny Durham

Re: 396/375 camshaft questions
 

I do not have that particular camshaft, but I do have a custom Comp grind that has been nitrided. It'll go to the dyno soon. I'll let you know how it works. I haven't had any wear issues any way, I just figured I'd try the new treatment. Be aware there is no "magic" camshaft. The good cams are all about the same in duration and lobe separation angle. I know people going fast with Comp, Bullet, and Lunati. There are other cams out there. But if you stick to one of those three, you should be able to get in the ball park. That new Comp cam they have as a shelf stock item should be as good as any you'll find as a starting point.

Re: 396/375 camshaft questions
 

Thanks for the replies, fellas. Strange only 2 replies with all the 396 racers out there. I hope it was'nt too touchy of a subject. Not asking for any secrets,, just some basic feedback. I could be wrong, but I don't think the 4/7 swap cams are legal in Stock.
Alan, I hope your custom grind works out for you,,,good luck with it. Danny Durham

Re: 396/375 camshaft questions
 

There are many using the 4/7 swap cams.

Re: 396/375 camshaft questions
 

The 4/7 swap is legal, so is the 2/3-4/7. What you need to know is that if you change the firing order, you need to make sure your new firing order runs with your header/collector combination. If you have the wrong combination, it will hurt power.

Re: 396/375 camshaft questions
 

Thanks for the heads up Alan,,, They have'nt picked out a header/collector combination yet. Theres a little more research to do first, but you've deffinately given them something to consider.
Danny Durham

Re: 396/375 camshaft questions
 

Danny, you can go from around $800 or so for a nice set of Hedman step headers, to $1600 or so for a set of nicer Stahl step headers (best 4 into 1 header there is) to $3600 or so for a set of Calvin Elston tri-y headers. For the 4 into 1 headers, a set of SPD or Performance Welding merge collectors is a wise investment. You do not need them with Calvin's stuff. You can run the same header with the 4/7-2/3 swap as you do the stock firing order. But the 4/7 swap is a combination all its own. Stahl has a set of collectors for his headers to work with the 4/7 swap. A lot of people will tell you there is nothing to be had with firing order swaps power wise. But few will argue that they help harmonics. The new LSX engines use the 4/7-2/3 swap firing order. I've found that the NitroPlate coating can be worth 2% on the dyno, and it protects the headers very well, not to mention they pay contingency money. Jere Stahl can help you with steps, tubing sizes and lengths, with Hedman you get what they have.

Re: 396/375 camshaft questions
 

Thanks again Alan,,, I'm not sure what the budget for headers will be for them. I like the idea of the Stahl headers myself. We'll be doing a lot of brain picking at the Mission B.C. divisional race next month.
I appreciate your input...............................Danny Durham