mcm95403

I found a good LT-1 cam today that I can pick up for dirt cheap - like $30. I'm wondering who has used one in an L-98 and how it worked. Since I'm here in CA, I can't do much and pass smog. I also don't want anything wild, just something with more upper end. If I go this route I'd also get 1.6 rockers to get it up to the LT-4 lift range. I doubt I'd replace the heads, probably just do a set of springs during the swap and leave it at that.

I'm debating because it's a lot of work to swap the cam, but I also don't want something that compromises driveability. Right now I have the big port runners and base, Flowmasters and will be doing my LT-1 exhaust manifold swap soon. Aside form that, I'd do underdrive pulleys and that's about it. If I did do a head swap it would be Fastburn heads without a doubt - part of the reason I'm doing the LT-1 manifolds which fit the Fastburn exhaust ports.

I'd like to do a diff swap to a D44 with a ratio in the mid 3's (no 3.73's for me) and will eventually go to a 2000-2200 stall converter when I rebuild the trans, but again, nothing wild.

It's my only car and daily driver. I don't want a race car or anything like that I just want it to be fun and flexible, but still be able to "assert" myself if you know what I mean.

So, bottom line - does the LT-1 cam work well in an L-98 with minor mods?

cv67

Its a good stock replacement cam for the L98. It will idle as yours did stock smog no issue etc. Dont know the specs but I believe the LTx cam has more lift and a slight touch more duration. Not much like a few degrees.
Theres a Lunati 211/220 cam in the FS section that would rock in your car without needing a converter its pretty reasonable also but not $30. Gotta do what you gotta do.
Should be a good runner with fastburn heads and a good TPI setup.

not certain on the front of those cams theres some pin there for the opti???!!! Know the 3rd gen guys run those cams a lot and like them.

dan_t

I think if it was me I'd go with a larger than stock cam for the time and effort that goes into the swap. As your car is an automatic you can get away with most mild aftermarket cams without any driveability issues.

mcm95403

Yeah, I know what you mean. Maybe I'm getting old, but I want it to run smoothly and not sound like it's got a cam. And I want as little reason as possible for the state to stick theri noses in thinking that it might be illegal.

dan_t

Some stock cam specs (scroll down to GM)
http://www.ws6.com/faq/4_2.htm#ch4_2aw

dan_t

This is the idle of the LT4 Hotcam which has a nice spec and more cam than you may want. Comp Cams XFI also offer 2 Cams that are in between Stock LT1 and Hotcam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjZrmsh05zo

We've now gone from $30 to $300 though and you may need valve springs too (probably a good idea to think about new anyway as maintenance)

I personally think I'd pass on the stock LT1 cam if it was me.

cv67

Even a stockish type cam if you were limited on funds...will really wake up if you have a good head on there. It will make more across the board and carry it further up than if you had a factory head. Youll squeeze a tad more torque with the extra lift if anything. Adding another 10-12 deg you wont lose any manners really

doubt youd "hear" the cam at idle until you got up to the upper 2teens @ 050.

mcm95403

The one I really like is the Lunati with .507/.515 lift and 211/219 @ .050 on a 112 centerline. I'm really leery of having smog/driveability issues here in the DPRK.

Too many choices.

cv67

No problem passing with that one

mcm95403

You mean the Lunati or the LT-1?

cv67

Lunati both will easily pass though.

mcm95403

hhmmmmm........

dan_t

I agree - you should have no issues with that cam. In the world of cams these are pretty tame. More aggressive than stock sure but not close to radical.