Camshaft 3959180

[ko-lek-tor]

This cam is for a ZL1 & LS7 & 2nd design L88. I have always seen these cams with 9181 designation on the end.  i have one with 9181 on the end. I recently picked up another one of these cams, but on the end is the GM part number, 3959180, instead of 9181. Both cams have a light blue paint splash, as well.

I would like to know if this cam is legit? Has anyone seen this cam with the GM number stamped like this one? 1st picture is cam example 1 with 9181, rest are example 2.

[ko-lek-tor]

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[BillOhio]

Hi Bentley
I am thinking on the 140 cam in my motor, it had a number of 141 either on it or as a part number. some reason they were one different

[ko-lek-tor]

Hi Bentley
I am thinking on the 140 cam in my motor, it had a number of 141 either on it or as a part number. some reason they were one different

Bill, I know that. I know that a 3959180 cam has 9181 stamped on the cam. Not what I am asking. My question is, that every cam of this part number I have seen has 9181, like I show as an example on another cam I own. But I have not seen one with the full 3959180 stamped as this cam has. I am asking if this has ever been seen before? the cam looks new and appears to be real. I would like a confirmation that it is real. Maybe a later production over the counter?
So all you ZL1, LS7 & L88 guys, please reply.

[BillOhio]

Sorry I was just remarking and was curious why normally the numbers were different is all.

[ko-lek-tor]

Sorry I was just remarking and was curious why normally the numbers were different is all.

No need to apologize. I thought you did not understand the question? But addressing you question, at one time I knew the answer, but cannot remember now. But a lot, if not all, the old cams were stamped 1 digit higher than their respective part numbers.
Getting back to my cam. Maybe someone can ID the tube label as to when it was made by the font, color or narrow it down to a decade? Or, maybe someone has bought an over the counter cam that had the part number , like this one, on the cam. I want to verify that it is not a fraudulent stamp? Just like we verify VINs.

[z28z11]

Look in Chevrolet by the Numbers - cams had a "casting" number sometimes different than the part number if I remember correctly - also other identifying symbols. The cam I have as a spare '69 302 cam turned out to be a '70 350 LT1 Z camshaft by the casting numbers and codes -

Regards,
Steve

[jdv69z]

Yes, the casting number would have to be different than the finished part number. 2 different parts.

[Z28Project]

So all you ZL1, LS7 & L88 guys, please reply.

Hi Bentley.  I'm thinking that's a very small crowd of people!

[Stingr69]

The one digit different number is for the assembly. The cam drive gear pin was installed to finish it as an assembly.

[jdv69z]

Makes Sense.

[red69]

A book I have published by HP books in 1971 lists 3959180 as "Camshaft, mechanical. From 1969 427-CID RPO ZL1 and 1970 454-CID LS7 competition engines." Can't vouch for accuracy just because it's published. I also have a cam I took out of a crate LS-7 circa 1985 that is difficult to read the # but it appears to read 3959181?

[ko-lek-tor]

... it appears to read 3959181?

That's all I needed to hear. thanks.

[ban617]

Did you measure the lobes as far as lift ? On a side note back in the old days when you could buy an LS6 and LS7 crate engine over the counter ,did the LS6 come with the pancake intake , I think it was a 560 . Did the LS7 come with the 163 intake like a 396 375 would have had ?
 

Thanks

[69Z28-RS]

.....   On a side note back in the old days when you could buy an LS6 and LS7 crate engine over the counter ,did the LS6 come with the pancake intake , I think it was a 560 . Did the LS7 come with the 163 intake like a 396 375 would have had?     Thanks

The LS6 as installed in 1971 Corvettes came with a 'low rise' aluminum intake (3963569)... see photo attached.  I suspect Chevelles with the LS6 had the same intake.   

The LS7 was never installed by GM and was only available Over the Counter as a long block (sans manifolds)...