How can I find out the specifics of my camshaft?
 

I have a 66 Tempest 326 HO 4 speed and just noticed that the #6 intake isn't lifting as high as the others. I'm now feeling that I need a new cam and lifters. I'm quite sure that the PO installed a more aggressive cam than the original HO. I really liked the feel of the old cam and would like to match that. Any ideas how that could be done?

Remove the cam and look at the numbers stamped in it, usually aftermarket cams are stamped in the back end of the cam.

You’re going to be replacing it so removing it is best way to try to identify what you have.

The original 326 HO cam was the same cam used in all the 326 engines produced. The addition of high compression heads, a 4-barrel carb and dual exhaust is where the additional power of the HO option was derived.

If you can’t identify your current cam you could always install a factory 066 cam which is an upgrade over the original 326 cam, it was used in numerous 4-barrel applications throughout the years.

Thanks b-man. I was hoping that there was a way and you have provided the answer.

"...you could always install a factory 066 cam..."

I think the Melling SPC-4 & SPC-5 cams are very similar.

https://www.autozone.com/internal-en...07134_705944_0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123818219706

A Summit 2800 would be a performance upgrade.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...EaAixuEALw_wcB

It’s pretty much impossible to confirm exactly what cam you have without removing it and checking the numbers on it. Even an engine expert with all the equipment to degree and plot the cam profile wouldn’t be able to pinpoint the exact cam identity in the majority of instances.

Checking the stamped numbers isn’t always going to lead you to what cam you have but it’s all you have.

The reason I recommend using a factory cam is easy installation and not needing to upgrade any of the valve train components. Plus a factory cam such as the 066 (smoothest idle) or the 068 (nice rumble at idle) are very universal and work very well in a number of different engine displacements equipped with varying transmission types.