Most cam grinders can do a custom cam for not that much more money might be worth calling a few companies and getting some prices
Turbo buick 3.8 camshaft help
- Thread starter HAFROD
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You could probably find a decent running sbc or ls for a couple hundred dollars and have way more fun.
I've been around TBs for 18 years. Rebuilding the engine has always been more expensive just about any gm engine. There's a lot of support (parts) for the 86/87 but it drops off huge as you go back to earlier renditions. No way around them costing significantly more than the 109 block. Then you'll be lucky to make 150hp. It's like kissing your aunt. Cool, new engine but it's a turd. I saw your thread on TB.com and the hot air experts told you what to do. Quickest and easiest is the grooved bearings so you can use the only cam style available. The other choice was grove the block and use the stock bearings. There's your options if you want to use that block. Maybe tucked away in some old parts warehouse is a stock cam for that year but the chances of finding one is pretty poor.
I just looked up your car on rock auto and they list cams for that engine not sure If their correct but you might want to take a look
I put stock rebuild bearings in my 80 3.8 and an edelbrock 5487 and I have no idea if it oils the valve covers, but I have put probably 15k miles on and still runs like a champ!
I have been in the turbo buick world as a casual observer for like 9 years and this is the first I have heard the cam thing.
I have been in the turbo buick world as a casual observer for like 9 years and this is the first I have heard the cam thing.
This is all to get the oil to both sides of the engine. The early versions were notorious for bad oil circulation. Even the newer blocks need help. Another way is to add a tube connecting the oil galleries at the back of the engine. Not sure if thats as effective.
When I rebuilt my Series 2, I was aghast at how absolutely freaking huge the lifter supply holes were, and that was supposed to be an improvement. They're like 3/16x3/8" slots! It does have a crossover built into the rear cover if I recall correctly.
HAFROD, I get you're trying to keep costs down, but the cam bearings seem like a no-brainer to this casual observer, especially if it allows use of the newer roller cam. I am definitely a fan of design improvements.
HAFROD, I get you're trying to keep costs down, but the cam bearings seem like a no-brainer to this casual observer, especially if it allows use of the newer roller cam. I am definitely a fan of design improvements.
The more I thought about this overnight I think if the other cam bearings allow the use of a more modern roller cam or even better grinds that are more available ied spend the money there if you can use a roller cam you can use regular oil and also ramp open the valve quicker hold it open longer and shut it faster, all excellent things
I'm pretty sure that is what AMC people used to do (the guy who designed the AMC V8 was staring at a '60's Buick V6 when he did it). With a drill/tap and some tubing/fittings, the oiling issue might be cheap/easy/fun to solve.
I always find it amusing that no matter what brand we work on they all seem to have a oiling issue in some way
I too have messed with intercooled turbo Buicks since the early 1990s. I'm not putting a small block Chevy in a car that's this low of production. As I've stated in my other posts, I don't care if it's a 16 second car. The grooved cam bearings are not needed with a replacement style cam. They were going to be needed with a GN cam. I thought I had a stock 87 GN cam here somewhere but couldn't find it. Going with the Edelbrock 81Cutlass recommended.
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