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Camshaft upgrade

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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 02:28 AM
  #1  
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From: Slyter Guam
Default Camshaft upgrade

I have a 86 L98, I want to install a cam that will maintain the low end torque but give me a lopey idle.. Can anyone help me and provide camshaft specs to get the results I'm looking for??

Thanks much in advance for any advice...

Catman
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 03:09 AM
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keep it stock and keep your sanity
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 06:18 AM
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Thanks slick, but that's not what I desire to do...
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 07:16 AM
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Check out comp cams 08-503-8.

Last edited by MDstar2; Feb 4, 2012 at 07:23 AM. Reason: wrong number
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Guamcatman
that's not what I desire to do...
give me a lopey idle..
Lumpy idle cam and EFI computer don't work together real well
Just throwing a cam in with no other mod on a L98 will achieve little.
L98 need exh mods and intake mods to make power
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 08:46 AM
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Originally Posted by MDstar2
Check out comp cams 08-503-8.
That is a short runner intake LT1 cam .
At adv 5800 max is about 1300 rpm over what a L98 peaks at stock with the long tube runners
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by rodj
That is a short runner intake LT1 cam .
At adv 5800 max is about 1300 rpm over what a L98 peaks at stock with the long tube runners
It's actually for a tpi setup according to the email they sent me. It was the suggested cam for my tpi 383 build.
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by MDstar2
It's actually for a tpi setup according to the email they sent me. It was the suggested cam for my tpi 383 build.
That cam is too big for stock heads and no other mods. I wouldn't do a cam without supporting mods.
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 06:50 PM
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I agree 100%. He won't get what he's looking for without other supporting mods. By searching that part number, he will get the info he needs.

Last edited by MDstar2; Feb 4, 2012 at 07:16 PM.
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 08:29 PM
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You might check out the Lingenfelter 74211 cam.
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Old Feb 4, 2012 | 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by John A. Marker
You might check out the Lingenfelter 74211 cam.
work with stock heads
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Old Feb 5, 2012 | 12:57 AM
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Originally Posted by MDstar2
It was the suggested cam for my tpi 383 build.
Exactly
OP has stock L98
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Old Feb 5, 2012 | 01:43 AM
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I wouldn't do just the cam. L98s are picky and you will cause more problems than you would think. They can even end up throwing codes. If you want a really nice idle sound, get a new exhaust with some headers and maybe even do an idke relearn and drop the idle RPM down 10 to 30. cheaper, easier and you don't have to pick the motor to do it.
If you are doing a bunch of motor work with upgrades, go for it, but not worth the PITA just for an idle grumble.
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Old Feb 5, 2012 | 02:50 AM
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Originally Posted by John A. Marker
You might check out the Lingenfelter 74211 cam.
Stock heads can't take much more than .500 lift w/o machining the guides.

TPIS makes a couple of options for the stock L98s. And, many people consider the hotcam a retrofit to L98s as well.

Doesn't make much sense to go far above .500" lift when the heads don't flow more than that.

Tuning WILL be required with a new cam.

Pull the heads, you might as well port/replace them. Pull the heads, you might as well upgrade the exhaust manifolds. Pull the heads, you might as well do a better flowing intake.

You can do a cam w/o pulling the heads, but you still need to pull the intake. Pull the intake, you might as well install one that's better flowing. Upgrade the intake and cam, you might as well improve the manifolds and exhaust.

Upgrade the intake, cam, heads, and/or exhaust, you might as well upgrade the bottom-end. Cause you'll hit blow-by much faster.

Did I miss anything?
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Old Feb 5, 2012 | 03:31 AM
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Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
Stock heads can't take much more than .500 lift w/o machining the guides.

TPIS makes a couple of options for the stock L98s. And, many people consider the hotcam a retrofit to L98s as well.

Doesn't make much sense to go far above .500" lift when the heads don't flow more than that.

Tuning WILL be required with a new cam.

Pull the heads, you might as well port/replace them. Pull the heads, you might as well upgrade the exhaust manifolds. Pull the heads, you might as well do a better flowing intake.

You can do a cam w/o pulling the heads, but you still need to pull the intake. Pull the intake, you might as well install one that's better flowing. Upgrade the intake and cam, you might as well improve the manifolds and exhaust.

Upgrade the intake, cam, heads, and/or exhaust, you might as well upgrade the bottom-end. Cause you'll hit blow-by much faster.

Did I miss anything?
you guys are great ALL OF YOU, thanks for the heads up and eye opener.. i will further review my plans, my engine had some upgrades early in its life and im not 100 percent sure of those mods, there is a tag on the lower side of the block indicating .005 oversize bore and .015 oversize crank.. obviously a distruction in it early life, i have had the car for 12 years and i didnt distruct it.. but i will say its more than 215 horse, or 235 or whatever its suppose to be..

there was 2 magna flow mufflers hanging on the back when i bought it but i removed those and running straight through the cats.. sound is course but awsome, i get alot of compliments on the sound and the looks.. i posted some pics over in the custome wheels thread.. check it out.. I love my car, its a weekend car and not my daily driver so if i need to pull the engine and do a complete OH and upgrade I will...

i m the service Manager for the local CAT dealer hence my tag name... so I have access to our shop anytime..

thanks again for your help GUYS....


Guamcatman.
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