6SSPD

Hey guys, I have this cam I got from a friend a few years ago, and it was in a LT-1 396 combination behind a 6-speed. Here are the specs, I was pondering using it with my 383 SUPER-RAM/ ported AFR 190 head combination behind my T-56, and 3.73 gear rearend. I was considering this or the LPE 219 cam that I already have as well. These are exactly what was on the cam card that came with the cam ZZ409-15 SPECS:



TPIS ZZ409-15
1987-97 SBC HYDRAULIC ROLLER CAM
CAM CARD
Engine: 1987-97 SB Chevy
Grind #: ZZ409-15
Core: 4714 ym sadi
Lobe size /HT IN: 1.075 EX: 1.075
Lobe size for SMALL BASE CIRCLE 396 cams ground on a 1.050" base circle, which is about a .050" reduction.

Cam advance = (+ 4 degrees)
Intake & Exhaust
Lobe Separation = 115.1 cam degrees
Valve overlap = -4.9 crank degrees

INTAKE
Valve Opening = 1.3 degrees BTDC
Lobe centerline = 111.1 degrees ATDC
Valve closure = 44 ABDC
Duration @ .050 = 225.3 Crank Degrees
Cam lobe lift = .34591 Inches
Net valve lift = .51886 Inches @ 1.5:1 ratio
Net valve lift = .55345 Inches @ 1.6:1 ratio
lobe area = 26.98 IN Degrees

EXHAUST
Valve Opening = 51.3 degrees BBDC
Lobe centerline = 119.1 degrees BTDC
Valve closure = -6.2 degrees ATDC
Duration @ .050 = 225.1 Crank Degrees
Cam lobe lift = .34583 INCHES
Net valve lift = .51874 Inches @ 1.5:1 ratio
Net valve lift = .55333 Inches @ 1.6:1 ratio
lobe area = 27.02 IN Degrees


All comments on this cam and its feasibility in NA 383 SR combination. What I really want to know is how the larger 115 LSA would work in a NORMALLY ASPIRATED setup, will it hurt any, or help any? Am I just better off running the PROVEN LPE 219 cam, and just be done? Another reason for considering this ZZ409-15 cam is I want to be able to MAKE POWER and shift up in the 62-6400 RPM range. Thanks for all responses Gents. .

q2blaster@work

This is what I'm looking at for my 406, super ram project.http://www.compcams.com/Technical/Se...umber=12-702-8

GeosFun

The wide lobe separation should work. It should make the engine idle smoother. I read an article several months ago. Same cam stats in each alternative dyno pull, they just opened up the LSA to see the results. Lost some (small amount) low end power as the LSA widened but top end stayed pretty much the same. Wide LSA's are seen in nitrous and supercharging applications.

I am putting a 114 degree LSA cam in my NA 406. Your intake duration is quite a bit more than the LPE 219. Depending on what you want to achieve, the wide LSA coupled with the intake duration might work fine. Sometimes you just have to try it.

MBDiagMan

You provided lots of good information but we need more. What will you be using it for, street, strip, autox? How is it geared?

Good luck,

Alvin

If you wnat to make a car to pull to 6000 especially a 383 than the superram is not going to be your friend.

A hotcammed minirammed 383 usually starts falling at 5800rpm with good heads.

Steve85

A couple strong 406's and a strong 383 have run the TPIS 700-701. They are grinding one for me now, again. I forget his name, but he sometimes answers the phone, he is the one with the 500+ hp vette advertised in the cam section at TPIS.com and it is the cam he runs in his 406. These motors turn impressive #'s and behave very well on the street. Duration is 242@.05 and lift ~.580 w/1.5. It is a solid roller so may not be an option you like, not sure how far along on the build you are. Spring pressures for this cam are very street friendly as well.

Have you talked to TPIS about the zz409-15 in a 383? Its duration may be a bit short to rev a SR383 effectively to 62-6400. Of course that may be ultimately unnecessary. Give them a call if you haven't already, before you decide. If they give you HP #'s for a particular motor, ask them for specifics like comp ratio, heads and amount of port work, etc. to make sure it's relative to your application.

Just FYI, I think the LS series motors run cams with about 117LSA from the factory and do very well with it.

6SSPD

Thanks for the quick response guys, about the use of the car, it is strictly street, but I may run it at the track once of twice. This is my 88 Monte SS with SR/383/ported AFR190/1-3/4" LTH, T-56 and 8.5" G-80 3.73 rearend. You know, I also had a TPIS 700-701, but sold it a few months ago before using it. I bought it from "Wheels-up", IIRC.

Yeah, I was thinking that the extra 7 degree intake and exhaust duration, would help it rev a little higher than the UBIQUITOUS and PROVEN 219 cam. Thanks again guys .

6SSPD

I just spoke to Chris at TPIS, and he said that either cam would work fine, but the 219 cam would have a bit more mid-range, due to the tighter LSA, and the 409-15 cam would have a flatter curve, and a little smoother idle, like many of you mentioned. He suggested that I use the 219 cam, since it is well matched to the SR, that seems pretty objective coming from the competition . Thanks again Alvin and the rest of you Gent .

MBDiagMan

Yes I would use the lesser of the two cams for your purposes. It is always very easy to fall into the "more is better" mindset and when it comes to cams that is a bad practice.

The 383's prowess is mid range torque and I think with what you are using the 219 will lend itself to this application.

The key to a good engine is build is choosing that work together. It's the combination that counts.

Good luck,

85vet

As Alvin mentioned, you will be VERY hard pressed to run a SR above 5800rpm and expect power. It is a great intake for it's purpose, but will not go above into 6000+ making power. That is one of the main reasons that I changed my intake to a single plane.
Be sure you know what you want the engine to do!!!!!

Alvin

Especially in a 383.

I

d48mclain

Cam selection is a balance in what you expect and what your combination wants. Frankly both cams you’re talking about would probably drive very well but not give you the performance you would want. You really need a little more duration and duration below 240 on a looser lobe separation like a 114 will give you outstanding drivability and make more power.

If you really wanted to get into it cam selection, it’s weighted by drivability expectations, intended rpm (powerband), intake cc’s of heads, ci and percentage of intake flow to exhaust flow. Sounds like more than you want to get into.

With that said, I made very good power in a 383 combo (445rwhp) using stock ported heads and a hydraulic 235/242 cam (GTP 6) on 114. I also had a similar solid roller grind in a 396ci/GTP LT4 headed combo and made 450 rwhp/451 torque. The car had almost stock like drivability with either. I would not recommend solid roller cams for street driving as I galled one camshaft and broke at least a couple of lifters driving on the street which neccisitated a couple of complete rebuilds.

You do loose some torque when you widen the lobe separation, but the drivability really improves. The latest rage in cams are custom cams ground on lobe separations as tight as 106 but this obviously screws up drivability, increases your dynamic compression and makes the car harder to tune but sure kicks butt hp wise.

Personally I wouldn’t use either of the cams you mention and go with one with at least 230 duration as you’re leaving a lot on the table with anything less in a 396ci/AFR headed car.