Need Cam Help for a 396 LT1
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 34
From: Spring Texas
Need Cam Help for a 396 LT1
Like stated its a 396ci, 11:1 C.R. Lt1.
Six Speed Trans, right now im running 3:73's But most likley will jump to the 4:11's.
As for heads, I running the New Trick Flows with a custom CNC port 'supposed to be lt4 specs even tho they are lt1 casted' so rasied runners etc. They have been benched flowed in the 320's. Full Ti parts, including valves. 1.6 rockers as well.
I will have the new Elderbrock ram style with short runner intake, 'should be here at the end of the month!' port matched to the heads of course.
Keeping in mind it is in a lighter car, i put the motor in my 69 camaro.
I know I know Camaro, but lt1 is an lt1.
With my 355 i was running the Comp 306 cam. From what iv learned and been told its also not a bad choice for my new setup..
Any help will be appreciated.
Six Speed Trans, right now im running 3:73's But most likley will jump to the 4:11's.
As for heads, I running the New Trick Flows with a custom CNC port 'supposed to be lt4 specs even tho they are lt1 casted' so rasied runners etc. They have been benched flowed in the 320's. Full Ti parts, including valves. 1.6 rockers as well.
I will have the new Elderbrock ram style with short runner intake, 'should be here at the end of the month!' port matched to the heads of course.
Keeping in mind it is in a lighter car, i put the motor in my 69 camaro.
I know I know Camaro, but lt1 is an lt1.
With my 355 i was running the Comp 306 cam. From what iv learned and been told its also not a bad choice for my new setup..
Any help will be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,939
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
You will get allot of responses here as this is a common question.
But my 396 LT1 has comp cams XE 230/236 cam with 114LS and 544 in and 555 ex with 1.6 RRs. Its a little lumpy for an auto, but a Six Speed would handle it very comfotably.
I wish I had gone with the higher lift version, but am satisfied nonetheless, as it makes 425 rwhp and 428 ft/lbs tq
Now I did have the Hot Cam in there for a while and liked it as it was much easier to drive, but I was somewhat criticised by other forums as being too small. Its all personal preference as dirveability is a important factor and many people have different views of what driveable is. I thinkt he older you get, the less camshaft lope yu want, not all people though, just some
But my 396 LT1 has comp cams XE 230/236 cam with 114LS and 544 in and 555 ex with 1.6 RRs. Its a little lumpy for an auto, but a Six Speed would handle it very comfotably.
I wish I had gone with the higher lift version, but am satisfied nonetheless, as it makes 425 rwhp and 428 ft/lbs tq
Now I did have the Hot Cam in there for a while and liked it as it was much easier to drive, but I was somewhat criticised by other forums as being too small. Its all personal preference as dirveability is a important factor and many people have different views of what driveable is. I thinkt he older you get, the less camshaft lope yu want, not all people though, just some
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: Toronto ONTARIO
I agree with vis but Cam companies know what they're doing too. in most cases they know much more than a builder. I have a VERY VERY similar cam as steve40th. I have a 388 and my car idles so smooth I wish I went a little bigger. my car is a 6 spd. Depending on your head work and combination of intake/exhaust and other bolt ons A lot of power can be had with that cam. Im at 473 rwhp on a Mustang dyno with that same cam. I'm not saying it would make more on a dynojet because who knows what correction factor they are really using.
I would suggest even a little more lift and duration than that since it is a 396. I also suggest staying with the 3.73s. I rev mine to almost 8k, and I;'m soo soo happy I swapped out my 4.09s for them. If I had 4.09s I would have no traction in 1st, 2nd and partway through 3rd. Right now 1st and 2nd are easy to light up. WIth more cubes and a little more torque I think 3.73s would be perfect for you.
I would suggest even a little more lift and duration than that since it is a 396. I also suggest staying with the 3.73s. I rev mine to almost 8k, and I;'m soo soo happy I swapped out my 4.09s for them. If I had 4.09s I would have no traction in 1st, 2nd and partway through 3rd. Right now 1st and 2nd are easy to light up. WIth more cubes and a little more torque I think 3.73s would be perfect for you.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 34
From: Spring Texas
thanks guys.
Yeah im hoping ill nail damn near 500 at the wheels. So seeing the 475's and etc is keeping my hopes up!
Id like a decent lope, it will no longer be my daily driver so that isnt AS important as it used to be. But defently dont want it to die at every full stop..
again thank you!
Yeah im hoping ill nail damn near 500 at the wheels. So seeing the 475's and etc is keeping my hopes up!
Id like a decent lope, it will no longer be my daily driver so that isnt AS important as it used to be. But defently dont want it to die at every full stop..
again thank you!
Last edited by Rickmd; Nov 3, 2006 at 04:34 PM.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 678
Likes: 2
From: Lengede
Originally Posted by Pete K
The cam that was selected for Beppe's (conv90) 396 is 230 and 236 @.050 with approx .580 lift on both. 112 lobe seperation. I suspect it will make good power.
Arnold
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 34
From: Spring Texas
Originally Posted by vettef6
My 396 LT1 has comp cams 230/236 cam with 114LS and 602 in and 608 ex with 1.6 RRs. Very happy with my idle (900 rpm) and I shift at about 6400 rpm. Further info in signature
Arnold
Arnold
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by Pete K
The cam that was selected for Beppe's (conv90) 396 is 230 and 236 @.050 with approx .580 lift on both. 112 lobe seperation. I suspect it will make good power.
any update on that build pete?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by 88BlackZ-51
any update on that build pete?
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by Pete K
Everything is here, including the custom length pushrods. Mock up has been done and it is disassembled. I have to do final assembly and crating. Should be done within the next week. I am also working on a trans for Beppe's friend Andrea. Because shipping is so expensive, we are going to ship Beppe's motor and trans, along with Andrea's trans as a package of three. That will hopefully save them money.
Is he using the Superram, and if so is it hooged out?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by 88BlackZ-51
Is he using the Superram, and if so is it hooged out?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 24
From: Charleston SC
I am running the 306 with a bit lower static CR on my 383 and think it is a good daily driver with a nice flat TQ curve. Here is the initial dyno run with only 500 miles on the motor and I reay should get it back and tune a little more.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,939
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Originally Posted by FD2BLK
I am running the 306 with a bit lower static CR on my 383 and think it is a good daily driver with a nice flat TQ curve. Here is the initial dyno run with only 500 miles on the motor and I reay should get it back and tune a little more.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by Pete K
The Brodix heads he settled on have a 200cc intake runner that requires a 1206 gasket. Beppe will have his super ram manifold welded up and ported to match the head. Car should run pretty good.
what do u mean welded? is this something that needs to be done?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Talk to Ron Iskendarian over at Isky, great guy.
UD Harold,(username at teamchevelle.com) he designs the new Voodoo line of Cams-Good stuff. I dont have his # but you can find him there. Guy really knows his stuff.
Any of the old bats at Crower cams. They are more on the conservative side but have a ton of know how.
Personally I wouldnt listen to a "cam consultant" who is reading you grind #s off a chart, we know who those are. I suspect a 396 SB Vette wont be listed there.
UD Harold,(username at teamchevelle.com) he designs the new Voodoo line of Cams-Good stuff. I dont have his # but you can find him there. Guy really knows his stuff.
Any of the old bats at Crower cams. They are more on the conservative side but have a ton of know how.
Personally I wouldnt listen to a "cam consultant" who is reading you grind #s off a chart, we know who those are. I suspect a 396 SB Vette wont be listed there.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by 88BlackZ-51
what do u mean welded? is this something that needs to be done?