Cam for 401M

[Michael S. Wilson]

I need a cam for a 401M. Would a cam from the other v6's would work or would the profiles not be correct?

[bigblockv6]

A cam from any Magnum V6 be correct that would include the 351E, 351M, 432 and 478M V6 engines, or a custom ground cam which I can give you the specs for. There are a few members on this site using the custom grind that I have:upyes:

[Michael S. Wilson]

I'm interested in the custom design cam. Where can I get more info on it?

[bigblockv6]

I can send you the specs, you will still need a cam as a core.

[Michael S. Wilson]

Unfortunately my cam has rust damage in the worm gear area so I don't think it would be a good core. Would a core from a 305A work? I would like to see the profile on the custom cam you mentioned.

[bigblockv6]

The 305A cam should be fine fore a core, I am also including the cam specs

[Michael S. Wilson]

Thanks. I contacted them and they can help me.

[bigblockv6]

You mean that phone number is still good?

[Michael S. Wilson]

No. I looked them up on the web and Paul's Empire Head Shop is in Santa Rosa and I talked to Paul.

[bigblockv6]

Real interesting!:ahhhh: Paul is the one that did all the machine work on my 478M and sent the cam out to have it reground. What did Paul have to say to you?

[Michael S. Wilson]

He said if I get the cam to him along with the spec he should be able to grind it for me. He uses an outside source.

[bigblockv6]

I think Cal Cams is no longer in business, Paul had the Cam ground for me back in 1996.

[Michael S. Wilson]

He wants me to send him the cam along with the specs you gave me and he would have his grinder look at it and they would get back with me.

[bigblockv6]

Does Paul know you got the cam specs from me?

[Michael S. Wilson]

He didn't say...1996...been a lot of cams since then LOL. Are you the one who actually decided on the spec number's?

[bigblockv6]

1996, sure a lot of cams since but I can definitely say there's only been one GMC truck V6 cam that's went through Paul's shop for a performance grind. A lot of people thought this was a crazy idea including Paul's nephew that worked for him at the time. To me it was a childhood dream come true to put a 478 V6 into a pickup truck as well as being a GMC purist:teehee: As far as the cam specs I just told Paul I wanted a performance grind cam and he told me just to give him the stock cam as well as the solid lifters that were refaced and he can take care of it. When he did the 478 heads he used longer valve springs from Comp Cams because of the longer lift of the new cam. I will get you the valve spring part number:upyes:

[Michael S. Wilson]

That would be great. Do you think I would need to bump the compression due to the late closing of the intake valve. I know it isn't real late but we are talking about 7.5 to 1.

[bigblockv6]

I'm running 7.5 to 1 compression ratio and that doesn't seem to be a problem with this cam

[massey478]

Some years ago Crane Cams re-ground a 401 cam for my son. Crane had specs already on file for motors used in pulling. He liked the improved HP and torque. I most likely cannot find the grind card for it anymore. A friend of his also ordered one from them, re-ground on his cam. This has been 10 to 15 years ago. A call to them might be successful.