LT1 Hot Cam Conversion
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3
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LT1 Hot Cam Conversion
I have a 1996 LT1. Recently read an article in Vette Magazine about a new LT1/LT4 "Hot Cam" conversion kit from GM. Article talked on how they had ignition problems but solved them, and that GM advertises 425hp, up from standart LT1 300hp, but they only got 408hp. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Also, recently blew up top of my engine with a nitrous backfire running 100hp jets. Any adivice on that would be helpful too.
Mark
Also, recently blew up top of my engine with a nitrous backfire running 100hp jets. Any adivice on that would be helpful too.
Mark
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
Originally Posted by mark76039
I have a 1996 LT1. Recently read an article in Vette Magazine about a new LT1/LT4 "Hot Cam" conversion kit from GM. Article talked on how they had ignition problems but solved them, and that GM advertises 425hp, up from standart LT1 300hp, but they only got 408hp. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 0
From: RI
I think PCMforless.com has a chip that is compatible with the hotcam kit. I haven't started my car yet since I added the hotcam kit, electric waterpump, longtubes, RT cats and 3" exhaust. It would be nice to see 415 HP. But then again, I'd probably be replacing the stock clutch I replaced.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
Originally Posted by James93LT1
That article was done by one of our fellow forum member, and his Vette. He was running his stock exhaust manifolds, and stock throtlebody. I think if he had long tubes, and a 52mm throtlebody, he would have been there. Great guy, I'm sure he would chime in soon.
IMO: Ported LT1 pieces and a custom cam would provide a better hp to $$$$ ratio.
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
Originally Posted by aboatguy
I agree the 425HP advertisements have fine print with list of supporting mods. Seems like its the little things that drive the costs up.
IMO: Ported LT1 pieces and a custom cam would provide a better hp to $$$$ ratio.
Mike
IMO: Ported LT1 pieces and a custom cam would provide a better hp to $$$$ ratio.
Mike
Now as for flow rates, the LT4 heads, on average, flow just under MOST ported LT1's...in a lot of cases they are almost identicle. It's hard to get LT1 heads (stock castings, not aftermarket) to flow much over 275 CFM on the intake side...whereas the LT4 stock casting flow a little over 250CFM right out of the box. The LT4 heads just provide a better platform to start doing mods from depending on how much power you want.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: crystal lake IL
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 4
From: Severna Park MD
My engine only made 311 rwhp with the Hotcam and ported LT1 heads, but still using the cast iron manifolds. I was running 13.5 ETs on stock tires.
This conversion really needs long tube headers and a good open cat back to produce power. After adding those that I'm running 350-360 rwhp (depends on day and dyno) and pulls 12.9 Ets with stock Goodyear street tires. 12.5s with Drs..
Later going to a 52 mm throttle body gave me about 10 rwhp and negligable Et change.
I have a 6 speed that can't beat 1.9x 60 foot with the abuse I'm willing to dish out.
This conversion really needs long tube headers and a good open cat back to produce power. After adding those that I'm running 350-360 rwhp (depends on day and dyno) and pulls 12.9 Ets with stock Goodyear street tires. 12.5s with Drs..
Later going to a 52 mm throttle body gave me about 10 rwhp and negligable Et change.
I have a 6 speed that can't beat 1.9x 60 foot with the abuse I'm willing to dish out.
Last edited by FELNGR8; Jan 30, 2006 at 11:36 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
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Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
The GM H.O.T. cam is not really "new". I'm not entirely certain, but wasn't this cam developed during the mid-1990's?
