Change cam or no?

[Wayland McGary]

I have found a new used motor for my boat. It is out of a 1981 camaro. It is the 3.8l 229. My question is, do I HAVE to change the cam in the motor over to the cam out of my old cracked block 3.8? I have heard the motors in the chev trucks and the camaros have different cams to allow for more torque at around 3000 rpm instead of around 5000 like in the cars, namely malibu and caprice. Any advice and input is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Black as]

Re: Change cam or no?

I have found a new used motor for my boat. It is out of a 1981 camaro. It is the 3.8l 229. My question is, do I HAVE to change the cam in the motor over to the cam out of my old cracked block 3.8? I have heard the motors in the chev trucks and the camaros have different cams to allow for more torque at around 3000 rpm instead of around 5000 like in the cars, namely malibu and caprice. Any advice and input is appreciated! Thanks!

Heads and cams are set up for a completly different torque curve. A marine engine must develop most of its torque on the low end of throttle range. This allows for the ability to use a single gear transmition system. Think of it this way:
You get in your car
Start it up
Drive to the highway
Put your foot to the floor and hold it there for an hour
Its a little different, well for most of us.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Change cam or no?

I have found a new used motor for my boat. It is out of a 1981 camaro. It is the 3.8l 229. My question is, do I HAVE to change the cam in the motor over to the cam out of my old cracked block 3.8? I have heard the motors in the chev trucks and the camaros have different cams to allow for more torque at around 3000 rpm instead of around 5000 like in the cars, namely malibu and caprice. Any advice and input is appreciated! Thanks!

you need a marine cam. pull it from your cracked motor

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Change cam or no?

ditto. cam is radically different.
Edelbrock 2112 is the ticket if your old cam is not in good shape.

I have compared the heads and every other part in those motors - cam, core plugs and head gaskets are the only differences I can see in the long block.

I have heard the motors in the chev trucks and the camaros have different cams

that is incorrect about Camaro, and the 229 was never used in any trucks (Elcamino/GMC Sprint excepted)

 

[Wayland McGary]

Re: Change cam or no?

Howard you say long block. Can i still use that motor with my manifolds? or is it going to be too long? I haven't done much with these 3.8s so its a new ball game for me.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Change cam or no?

Long block simply means with heads and sometimes intake. There is no difference in block size.

Yes you need the marine cam, starter, alternator, distributor, any and ALL marine bolt ons concerning the electrical or fuel system.