I have a 1993 Corvette LT1. Everything in the engine is stock. I was wanting to cam it, so with that being said, what do you guys suggest I buy that would work efficiently with the Comp Cam cam I want to purchase because I don't want to buy something I don't need - some part that my stock part can handle. Is buying rockers, lifters, springs, retainers, rods, locks, and seals all necessary, and if not what do you guys believe I really need for this project? What are some of the main parts that would be ideal and can handle a cam for my LT1?

Thanks,
Ray

 

First off, what cam are you wanting to run? There are HUGE differences in required parts with different cams. I would suggest doing a little more research regarding a cam swap to see if you are ready. No offense but if you are asking if you need to change any of the valvetrain parts to handle a bigger cam then I would assume you don't know too much about doing a cam swap. Maybe start with bolt ons before openeing the motor up? Just a thought...

 

No, I know very well I need to change up the valve train of my car even though I have never done a cam swap and was wanting help - that's the whole point of this thread lmfao.. I was just wanting to get an opinion from someone who has swapped a cam into what I need and what I don't need. Like lets say as an example my rods can handle a bigger cam, I don't want to have to go out and buy new rods if my stock rods are good enough - just an example. I just don't know what parts I need that would go best with what I want. I was looking into a Comp Cam XFI Xtreme Fuel Injection for an LT1.

This is the Cam:
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Code=LTCAMSXFI

And this is it's specs:
http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...csid=1110&sb=0

I do realize that it mentions all the recommended components for the camshaft, but my question is what out of all those parts should I buy first to just start this project up before I go into a more advanced cam set up?

 

I'm with v8vette84. I don't get a "warm fuzzy" feeling from your query you understand what all is involved in a cam upgrade. Once you get to the cam selection phase, as you seem to have done, all those answers to you questions should have been answered in your research.

We aren't scoffing, or trying to impress you by baffling you with BS; just the opposite! I've been doing SBC buildups since the late 60s, and picking a cam is a comprehensive endeavor which doesn't suffer fools well, speaking from experience!

Case in point: That cam you linked to is designed for low/mid rpm (even lists the TPI motors as the targeted app.) The LT1 would be a less than ideal matchup: a "square peg in a round hole", i.e., the intake runner length is ALL WRONG for a TPI optimized cam...is my point.

A cam alone, speaking from experience, is not the way to go, unless it is a close fit to begin with, OR is part of a stepped approach to a specific plan (goal). With an end-game plan, ALL of the satellite components including lifters, springs, headers, rockers, etc, etc., come into focus.

SO! You see where v8vette84 and I are coming from: if you're only contemplating a cam swap and are simply inexperienced in such endeavors, no big deal (we all start somewhere - welcome to the hobby!). But, to select a cam and then ask "what else" throws a handful of red flags up! (Flags I have personal experience with, in my miss-spent youth!) Course we could be totally misunderstanding your question, I suppose. But, as it is, it seems (from your question alone) you may have the cart before the horse, and we'd hate to see that happen.

You have roller tappets already, AND a short runner (LT1) intake motor. After choosing a goal, what else will be determined by the cam chosen to get you there (e.g., headers, springs, porting, etc, etc, etc...).

Lloyd Elliot has a package using the GM Hot Cam which will bring the LT1 up into the 400+ hp range, as one example. But, that is predicated on one goal. Your goal may be different. See where we're coming from?

P.

 

Agree with v8vette84, you should go with bolt ons. You will need them later to get full potential out of what ever cam you choose anyway.

If you are dead set on a cam I would suggest the LT4 hot cam KIT. It comes with everything you need. It is a great proven street cam.

 

Yeah, I understand! Ad thank you! See, this is my research; I wasn't sure which cam would go good with my can and what other mods I would need to make that can handle that cam. That's why i thought that posting up in the forum would give an idea and help me out since this is my first time doing something like this. ch@0s mentioned an LT4 hot cam. I have heard some good stuff about it. Do you think that this would be a good cam to start off with?

Thank you!

 

Scratch that Auto or stick?

 

I'll give you some information from my experience. My car is a 1985 Corvette. I have a Miniram (similar to LT1 intake), 58mm throttle body, AFR 195 Eliminator Heads, Hooker 1 3/4" long tune headers, Corsa true dual 2 1/2" exhaust, 3.75:1 rear gears, MSD 6AL2 ignition box, D.U.I. Distributor, Comp Cams 1.6 roller rockers, and some other small modifications. I have 10:1 compression.

With the cam that I have (224*/224* @ 0.050", 0.528"/0.528" w/ 1.6 RR, 112* LSA) the car pulls very, very hard. Even though this is a flat tappet cam, this might relate to your selection some. This cam has a ton of low end torque, and a ton more of high end. This cam doesn't really start to give its full power until 4000 RPMs, although you can really feel it pick up at 3000 RPMs. This combination is very consistent all across the RPM band from 3000-6000 in regards to the way it pulls. Doesn't drop off and puts a big smile on my face. If I did not have my MSD ignition box with the rev limiter, the motor would probably blow because this thing just wants to keep going passed 6000.

This combination is very streetable, however it does have it's nasty side in some aspects. As far as the cam goes, I'd say it's perfect for a street car.

From some research that I have done online about rocker arm ratios, people have claimed that 1.6 rocker arms will be the equivalent of a cam that has to 2-4 degrees more of duration @ 0.050" lobe lift. I don't know how true that is, but it would put set up in the equivalency range of a 226*/226* - 228*/228* @ 0.050" camshaft.

There are some people that say they would choose more duration and more lift for my engine set up, and there are others that say I have a perfect combination. I would like to get a roller cam, but to be honest I'm sick and tired of working on it at this point lol.

For the RPMs that I'm shifting at (6000 RPMs), I think that this cam is perfect for my set up.

If you look at ZZ9 and ZZ409 cams, they are similar to mine in terms of duration, and they are used frequently in Miniram set ups with great success in terms of HP/torque output and 1/4 mile times.

I hope this helps with your cam selection.

 

This is my first Vette! have built a lot of hot rodz! 56,50,67,65,29, Chevys takes more then a cam to make a Chevy run tops! My opinion chip it K&N it octain boost it! Makes it hard for people to catch it!
Just saying bra!

 

What type of chip do you suggest? I was thinking about that as well!

 

That makes TWO of us suggesting the HOT CAM as an example of a streetable cam upgrade.

I suggested Lloyd Elliot (as one) for your HOT CAM because he is a reputable LTx builder (among others) who understands what it takes to get the LT1 to 400+ crank hp; e.g., porting the LT1 intake, throttle body, and some head work is required, headers, and 1.6:1 roller rockers (all of which Lloyd (and some others) can do.)

There are some per-programmed ("canned") chips out there for sure. And, there may be some "canned" tunes out there for a specific modification package, like the HOT CAM upgrade (having specific ancillary upgrades attendant to those specific upgrade requirements.)

However, even within the realm of specific ancillary modifications accompanying the particulars of the choice of cam, a custom tune is far better in terms of overall performance! It truly optimizes the engine performance, assuring the best fuel economy, optimizes both closed and open loop modes, by identifying specific timing and fueling, etc, and even some other features can be addressed such as cooling fan operation, anti-backfire, and smoothing out overall driveability. This is especially true when choosing a unique package of specific upgrade dimensions (e.g., porting dimensions, etc.).

I guess what I'm trying to say is, unless you are very cognoscente of all these particulars, the most expeditious and successful path is to let a reputable shop, ont that has done many mods like the one you are ultimately interested in, at least specify what needs to be done and will work with you so that you can gain first had experience with as much of the details as you're competent and equipped to handle and perform. Then let the shop do the rest as needed. (Speaking from many years of experience with this hobby.)

One of the biggest ah HA! moments that drove all of what I'm saying home for me happened back in the early 70s. A little (former classmate) gal with a 340 cid Mopar in a ratty Duster and a Torqueflite (3-speed auto) with a smooth idle would - more times than not whoop the azz of many local hot-rodders. With NO reflection on you, but they too often installed a cam with little or nothing but recommendations from friends, or whomever. That was about the extent of their "engineering" (except for the obligatory huge Holly Double-pumper and LT headers with 2-1/4" primaries; the "cool" must have prerequisites to join to the saturday night gearheads in the corner parking lot!)

The fact you're asking questions shows me your on the right path. We all start from somewhere, and the leaning never ends - always someone who has discovered something new! I question using the forum for such a comprehensive answer to your very good question. In the end, perhaps you'll realize that the first step is picking a performance level and use in mind, and then go shopping for the parts and identifying the mods needed to get you there. Not the other way around.

Well, that's my two cents. Your mileage may vary...

Paul.

 

Hello All,

I have the same 93 LT1 car with the 6 speed, except mine has a (mistake) 3" B&B catback exhaust, MSD Gen1 Opti and SLP claw cold air intake.

I had the same idea of doing a cam, but looking at the additional components involved, maybe it is a better idea to do all the bolt on stuff first. After all, this would have to be done anyway to let the motor breathe anyway.

What are the next steps before opening the motor? Headers? (best ones for the buck?), larger throttle body? at what point should the custom tune come in?

I have this illogical obsessional fantasy of 400hp at the crank, so that is my motivation. I do take the car to the strip two or three times a year, but at heart, I am more of a "driver's education day" at the track kind of guy.

If anyone thinks I am hijacking, please let me know and I will start a separate thread.

Arman

 

HI, I have a 1995 corvette with the stock LTI .I had a lifter go bad so I decided while it was down to changes cams.big mistake !! if you have some one who's done this before,and knows about the valve train parts and what you will need it might be ok.I decided on a comp cam #268 .jegs said it would work. they didn't say about the springs.i used 1.6 rockers, got about 500 miles on it broke a rocker arm stud.so now I ordered com cam beehive springs. then I had to changed the retainers and locks. to get the right seat height of 1.800. this is not easy to do if it is your first time.BUT IT SURE SOUNDS GOOD!!

 

There is absolutely NOTHING in Paul's post that I disagree with.

 

I suggest first deciding what RPM range you want. I imagine you'd choose mid to high RPM because of your LT1 intake.

There are different types of bolt on stuff that will affect how much HP and torque you make AND where you make it at (RPMs).

 

Is the Newb spawn thread?

 

I would look into what you want to do with your Vette ! I have yet to do this I am more then happy with the performance of my Vette at this time! But one thing about putting cams in a engine every action has a reaction if you put a big cam to make it worth it you should do heads to match and upgrade intake !

 

No doubt.

I especially enjoyed this little "gem" of advice....Yikes.

 

I had to leave that one alone.