Re: [Amc-list] regrinding 196 cam?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Lunati in Tennessee reground a 196 cam for me years ago (before bought by Holley). They added 20 degrees duration and 0.10" lift. Got about 20 hp in mid range, so it had speed holding/hill pulling/passing power. Nothing you can do to make it get up to speed faster, the long stroke/small bore just won't do it! But once you get up to 40-45 with that regrind you think you're in a newer car!! Crane or Comp will regrind the cam, no problem, just call first. 

The lifters have to come out if you change the cam. The bottoms need to be surface ground flat so the old lifters can be used with the new cam. Unless the heads of the lifters are worn bad that's common for old solid lifters. 

To keep the lifters from falling out remove the side covers and the pushrods. Put rubber bands around pairs of lifters to hold them in. You'll have to take the pan off to get the lifters out, so this isn't a problem when removing the cam (let them fall in pan), just when reinstalling. Cam bearings get very little wear, it's common to change cams without changing bearings, but do look at them. If you have a bar the bearings can be changed without removing the engine, provided you can get to the welch plug in the rear of the block...

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Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:04:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: d stohler <das24rules@xxxxxxxxx>

while im messin with cams... i decided to yank the cam out of the 196 i tore out of my 63 american. it really looks GREAT. very very little wear. if any at all actually. 

anyway, was wondering if anyone knows if you can send them in to comp/crane for a regrind?? i think they can be shaved down. being they are solid lifters? if it can be reground, what might be a good grind # for it to be a little peppier? ya, i know, that long stroke not going to get alot, but maybe make it for more torque, and a little more hp. cant really hurt. now that i got a 2bbl intake plate to use on one of the 196's i have, could maybe be worth it? 

if i was to get it reground and all, is there a way to get that cam changed while IN the car? them lifters come out from the bottom, so how would a guy do it in the car? was easy for this motor, had it on the engine stand, flipped it over, pushed the lifters up, er, down, er to the top of the block... lol. and pulled it out. how would it happen in the car? or CAN it even  happen in the car? thats gay if it cant.... 

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
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