Good afternoon,

Looking for some help to determine what the application is for this particular camshaft.

Thanks in advance,
Sam

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You have casting # 401348, and the shape on its end is consistent with this. This casting was used for a number of non-high-performance cams in 1970 and 1971. I'm sure it was used in other years as well, but I don't have detailed information for other years.

The "520" stamped on the end could be the last 3 digits of its part number. But it doesn't match any part number in 1970 or '71. If I get a chance, I'll look up part numbers in an Olds parts catalog and get back to you (if someone doesn't beat me to it).

What do you see for paint stripes? I think I see one green stripe in one of your pictures. Are there any others? Use a bright light to shine through the oil and varnish. It's possible that the "520" has nothing to do with the part number, in which case we really need to know the number and color of any stripes.

 

I checked Olds parts catalog listings for the '60s, '70s, and '80s and didn't find a single Olds cam part number that ends in "520." Again, if you tell us what color paint stripes you see, someone might be able to identify the cam. But even then, it's possible the cam was reground; in fact, that may be why it's stamped with the 520 number.

 

Brian if you note the weep holes that if the cam is turned so the dowel pin is at 12 noon, the holes are 3 & 9. The 'V' & 'L' notches match a standard Olds, but the weep holes don't, I wonder possibly Buick...I don't recall seeing any Olds with holes as such.
Brett

 

I'll go get the camshaft from storage and post pictures.
I did notice that there is some faint stamping/writing at the 9'o clock position(last picture).
Cheers,

Sam

 

Ok, I have the camshaft here now. It has 2 green stripes and has a julian date code of 171.
The stamping at the 9o' clock position are faint but I think I can make out the last 2 letters - "RY".

Sam

 

That is interesting that the weep holes are rotated 90 degrees from Olds. But I find it hard to believe that Buick or any other make would use the same casting. That would mean their bearing and lobe locations were the same as Olds. Anyone an expert on that?

Interestingly, two green stripes designated a W-30 manual trans cam in both 1970 and 1971 -- despite this being two different grinds (402569 in '70, 409759 in '71). I don't what two green stripes might have been in other years, though it would make sense to keep it the same (W-30 SM).

Problem is, in both 1970 and '71, the W-30 SM cam was ground from a 389410 casting, not the 401348 casting pictured. The latter was used for cams of .440" lift or less, the former up to .475" I assume this means the 401348 casting actually had less meat. This would make sense. Why start with way more iron than you need for the cams you're grinding for 90% of the cars you sell?

Ultimately, the only way to know exactly what this cam is is to put it on a cam doctor and measure it.

 

With the cutouts in the front of the cam, it looks like a bone stock cam, nothing to do with performance.

Look in the '68 shop manual and there is some "ID" charts

Gene

 

It isn't a Buick cam there is no distributor gear on the front.

 

i took two cames out of two 403 moters that have the 401348 stamped on them one was out of a 78 olds wagon. i am building the 403 for a 74 omega .i was searching for all the specs on this cam ,no luck yet.

 

I show it as a 1968 thru 1971 455cid ex. Toronado & 442 also 1972 455cid ex. MT & W-30.

 

Measuring the intake and exhaust lobe lift with a caliper may help identify it.

 

these two cams were originaly from these 1978 403 moters .they must of still been using them.

 

I have the same cam took it out of a 350 ????