Can somebody help with L88 camshaft part number?

[SolidLifters]

I need the GM part number OR the Crane blueprint part number for the SECOND DESIGN L88 camshaft, which is the same as the ZL1 and LS7. I've bought this camshaft from Crane before, but after trying several different guys on their tech line gave up. Their records show the L88 as being 435 horsepower, which is of course wrong, but a copy of the last several years of GM Performance Parts description in their catalogue, which is wrong also. They have the early L88 camshaft listed, but that's not the one I'm looking for either. Anyway, this gets the Crane guys confused between the smaller camshaft from the 375/396, 425/427 & 435/427. One of the tech line guys even told me the L88/ZL1/LS7 camshaft I'm looking for is the same as a 360 horse hydraulic (whatever that is:confused). I shouldn't be this hard.:eyerole

 

[JohnZ]

'67 L-88: 3925535
'68 L-88: 3928909
'69 L-88: 3929809
'69 ZL-1: 3959180

 

[SolidLifters]

Hi John. Thanks for the response, but since it contradicts the research I did when I was doing the engine in my EARLY '69 L88, I've gotta' ask a question or 3.

First, I'm under the impression and have never heard differently that there were ONLY 2 L88 camshafts. The early one that ran from '67 through the plant strike in '69, after which the L88 evolved to the open chamber motor with 12:1 compression and the second design camshaft, which was also used in the ZL1. I've also always been of the opinion based on the information I could gather back then that the second design L88 & ZL1 camshaft was also used in the LS7 crate motors.

The camshaft I used in my early '69 L88 was the 3925535 and I've never seen a suggestion that the first design '69 L88 was different from the '67 or '68. The only thing in all this that I'm ABSOLUTELY certain of is that there were in fact two different part number camshafts used in the '69 L88's with the open chamber version coming with the more radical camshaft.

I'm not saying the information you posted is incorrect, only that it's not the same as what I've always believed after fairly thorough research long enough ago that my notes are long gone and my memory is foggy. What are the sources of those part numbers? Thanks

 

[Evolution1980]

I'm not saying the information you posted is incorrect, only that it's not the same as what I've always believed after fairly thorough research long enough ago that my notes are long gone and my memory is foggy. What are the sources of those part numbers? Thanks

Even experts can find new info every now and then, but it's a rare occurrence...

Click here and then click on the About Me tab. :cool

 

[JohnZ]

Hi John. Thanks for the response, but since it contradicts the research I did when I was doing the engine in my EARLY '69 L88, I've gotta' ask a question or 3.

First, I'm under the impression and have never heard differently that there were ONLY 2 L88 camshafts. The early one that ran from '67 through the plant strike in '69, after which the L88 evolved to the open chamber motor with 12:1 compression and the second design camshaft, which was also used in the ZL1. I've also always been of the opinion based on the information I could gather back then that the second design L88 & ZL1 camshaft was also used in the LS7 crate motors.

The camshaft I used in my early '69 L88 was the 3925535 and I've never seen a suggestion that the first design '69 L88 was different from the '67 or '68. The only thing in all this that I'm ABSOLUTELY certain of is that there were in fact two different part number camshafts used in the '69 L88's with the open chamber version coming with the more radical camshaft.

I'm not saying the information you posted is incorrect, only that it's not the same as what I've always believed after fairly thorough research long enough ago that my notes are long gone and my memory is foggy. What are the sources of those part numbers? Thanks

That camshaft part number info is from Alan Colvin ("Corvette By The Numbers"); I'm not a big-block guy to the depth that you probably need, but you might contact member "Ironcross" (Wally Knoch) - he has owned LOTS of L-88's, and is much more familiar with them than I am.

 

[SolidLifters]

Thank you for the replies.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Here is some info that may be helpful. I never threw anything away back in my parts manager days.

Source: Chevrolet Parts and Accessories Dept. "hotline" Bullitin 73-53
date: 12/7/1973

396-427-454CID Camshafts

part number: 3925535 (Chain drive) L-88 (1st design)
3925533 (Gear drive) L-88 (note 4)
3959180 (chain drive) ZL-1 (2nd design)
3994094 (chain drive) (3rd design)
340282 (chain drive) 4th design)

(Note 4:ball bearing distributor and thrust bearing unit 3887871 should be used)

I recall that the gear drive was reverse rotation and was referred to as a marine cam in the day. John's numbers for '68 and '68 are most likely original and may have been superceeded to the 2nd design number on this list. I have some parts history books and could research them when I get time if you want.

The 3959180 (2nd design cam) was also used in the ZL1 as listed above and in the LS7 crate engine assembly as listed in this publication:

Again I refer to the "hotline" bullitin. This time issue number 73-32 dated 7/25/73. The subject is LS7 Service List (parts) and Tune Up Specs.
On page 4 the camshaft listed is indeed 3959180. On the cover of the bullitin is a chart showing the camshaft specs as follows:

Lift (zero lash)

Inlet .579
exhaust .620

Valve Timing

Inlet:
opening BTC 62*
closing ABC 105*
duration: not listed
overlap: not listed
lash .022

Exhaust:
opening BBC 106*
closing ATC 73*
duration: not listed
overlap: not listed
lash .024

I hope this helps some but I can see that the numbers may cause some confusion.

Tom

 

[SolidLifters]

Thanks John Z and Tom. That's the information I was looking for. The 9180 is gonna be it.

 

[wallyknoch]

Thanks John Z and Tom. That's the information I was looking for. The 9180 is gonna be it.

The #180,

Thats the one I have been using in my LS7 over the counter engine as its a later edition but i`m not sure of its date of introduction.