I have a 1968, Z-28 that I a'm restoring. When I bought the car the motor had been changed out so I have had to start from square 1 to try and peice an engine together. I have already puchased all the correct numbered parts that can be visualy seen. My question is on a numbers matching car , do you have to go back with the same size crankshaft and camshaft? I have had a machinest tell me it doesn,t matter, "no one is going to look on the inside of the engine anyway". Can a different manufactered crank be used (eagle , scat, ect...). A different profile on the camshaft? Different stroke crankshaft ?

 

Oh heck yah, manufacturers have been using some of the same parts on multiple vehicles for years. one recent example, Not many people know this but you can use a new traverse crankshaft in a new 2010 camaro v6, hell even the whole engine is a perfect fit but you would suffer lower HP

 

You don't need to use a "numbers matching" crank. As your mechanist said, nobody is going to see it. And if you're putting together a 302, you aren't going to change from the stock stroke specs.

 

yeah you could go with a different cam or get a cam from any cam grinder. if you have went through all the trouble though getting correct parts then get comp cam that is the same grind as a 68 Z28. also im pretty sure the 68s were solid lifters. i know 69's were. the crank is the same as a 283 but you can go with a different brand just ge one that is for the 302.