C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Clearance for cam

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 6, 2008 | 01:03 AM
  #1  
Master__Shake_'s Avatar
Master__Shake_
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
Default Swapping for new intake.

Okay, I'm in plans for switching my current EFI intake for a carb and dual-plane manifold. I need to know the maximum amount of lift and duration I can have on a zz4 block with L98 heads and flat-topped pistons. Suggestions for a cam? Looking for a roller tappet with atleast .490-.510 lift and around 200-220 duration, but still with adequate low-end power.

Last edited by Master__Shake_; May 6, 2008 at 11:58 PM.
Reply
Old May 6, 2008 | 01:31 AM
  #2  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

that should fit with 0 issues. Always a good idea to check piston to valve clearance but honestly I wouldnt even bother checking with that cam and a crate shortblock. Make sure your springs are set up correctly.
(flamesuit on)
Reply
Old May 7, 2008 | 12:00 AM
  #3  
Master__Shake_'s Avatar
Master__Shake_
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
Default

Topic change, sort of. Stil need help with clearance.
Reply
Old May 7, 2008 | 03:35 AM
  #4  
Firevette's Avatar
Firevette
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,531
Likes: 1
From: Conroe TEXAS!
Cruise-In X Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by Master__Shake_
Looking for a roller tappet with atleast .490-.510 lift and around 200-220 duration, but still with adequate low-end power.


Sounds a lot like the cam you already have. Are you trying to keep from swaping springs and whatnot?
Reply
Old May 7, 2008 | 02:50 PM
  #5  
Master__Shake_'s Avatar
Master__Shake_
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
Default

Originally Posted by Firevette
Sounds a lot like the cam you already have. Are you trying to keep from swaping springs and whatnot?
I'm trying to get rid of that crappy .474 intake but keep the cam mild enough to work in the power range of the heads. I don't want to rip apart a new set of heads just to replace parts that aren't bad. That being said, and with the help of Doug, I've found a decent cam:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...4&autoview=sku

Going to call up summit and see if this will work with the stock heads and also a good carb to run it with.
Reply
Old May 7, 2008 | 03:13 PM
  #6  
Swift_Striker's Avatar
Swift_Striker
Drifting
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 20
From: Ontario
Default

eh??? I thought you wanted a roller tappet? the one you listed is mechanical flat tapper.

Also you know that cam is mechanical right? You know how to adjust valves? you would need to do it once or twice a season with mechanical lifters.

110 LSA will be harder to tune with the '86 computer (mine hated it), the overlap causes the O2 sensor to permanently read lean as intake air passes into the exhaust. The tune can be done though, just a word of warning.

Finally 248/248 at 0.05 duration is a lot, especially with L98 heads. On my 383 build with new ported Brodix 200cc heads I'm only running 230/238 and that'll pull me to 6000rpm. Yours will peak near 7000rpm, is your bottom end built for that?

just trying to help someone with the knowledge I gained from my mistakes.
Reply
Old May 7, 2008 | 03:29 PM
  #7  
Master__Shake_'s Avatar
Master__Shake_
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
Default

Originally Posted by Swift_Striker
eh??? I thought you wanted a roller tappet? the one you listed is mechanical flat tapper.

Also you know that cam is mechanical right? You know how to adjust valves? you would need to do it once or twice a season with mechanical lifters.

110 LSA will be harder to tune with the '86 computer (mine hated it), the overlap causes the O2 sensor to permanently read lean as intake air passes into the exhaust. The tune can be done though, just a word of warning.

Finally 248/248 at 0.05 duration is a lot, especially with L98 heads. On my 383 build with new ported Brodix 200cc heads I'm only running 230/238 and that'll pull me to 6000rpm. Yours will peak near 7000rpm, is your bottom end built for that?

just trying to help someone with the knowledge I gained from my mistakes.
The motor is balanced and I'm most likely putting a 700cfm+ carb ontop of it, so running to 6500-7k shouldn't be an issue, nor will the computer. The cam may be this one, as the cam I posted before said hydraulic in the catalog but the page says solid:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...4&autoview=sku

Just worried about the duration is all.
Reply
Old May 7, 2008 | 03:37 PM
  #8  
Swift_Striker's Avatar
Swift_Striker
Drifting
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 20
From: Ontario
Default

sounds like you have everything under control. Is it a forged balanced because I personally wouldn't run a cast balanced past 6200.

That's still some massive duration is right though, for a 350 with not the best heads I'd personally tone the duration down.

Also still don't ZZ4s take roller cams? I thought the did, that'll get you better drivability with higher lift. (the one you listed is still only flat tappet though hydraulic)

Just trying to get a feel where you're going.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 7, 2008 | 04:28 PM
  #9  
Firevette's Avatar
Firevette
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,531
Likes: 1
From: Conroe TEXAS!
Cruise-In X Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by Swift_Striker

Also still don't ZZ4s take roller cams?
Yep.
Reply
Old May 7, 2008 | 05:42 PM
  #10  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

That cam is way too big for what youre using it for; youll hate it.

Even with 10.5:1- 11:1 and a good breathing head I wouldnt go bigger than 24X on the intake as far as a soild flat tappet goes.

Try Ron over at Isky cams, they have something that will work; some of them are older grinds but they sure do work well . Get those heads ported, too youll need it..
Reply
Old May 7, 2008 | 09:11 PM
  #11  
hobby0002000's Avatar
hobby0002000
Instructor
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

Do yourself a favor and do alot of research and ask a lot of questions, it will save you alot of money and headaches.
Reply
Old May 8, 2008 | 12:05 AM
  #12  
Master__Shake_'s Avatar
Master__Shake_
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
Default

Okay, I'll ask questions then. What do you guys suggest as a cam? The motor has around 500 miles on it so far and I can't afford new heads so trying to find a cam that will work with the current heads and a carb. I'm looking for a powerband somewhere between 2k-7k. 6k is still a nice max but I'm sure the motor will wind up higher at WOT. Oh, and a mean, lopey idle is a must.

The closest I've come across is a Lunati with 246/246 and .515/.515 @ 108 ls. I know I need lower duration, but I want atleast .510-520 lift.
Reply
Old May 8, 2008 | 12:26 AM
  #13  
Curveit's Avatar
Curveit
Drifting
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,976
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio Texas
Default

Neither of those Cams you listed were Roller Cams. Try Comp Cams site, or call Jegs or Summit for a good choise. I'd say 230 IN/ 236 EX @ .050 would be max Duration, and get all the lift you can. 110* Lobe Seperation (LSA) will give you a "lopey" idle. Later if you get some heads, all you'll have to do is add 1.6 rockers and you're good.


Reply
Old May 8, 2008 | 12:33 AM
  #14  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

With stock 113 heads they just arent going to flow enough. To crutch it youll have to run a tight lobe center like a 108 and less duration. Youre keeping the dual plane?
Reply
Old May 8, 2008 | 12:44 AM
  #15  
Firevette's Avatar
Firevette
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,531
Likes: 1
From: Conroe TEXAS!
Cruise-In X Veteran
Default

If your not willing to do anything to the heads, you cant go over .525 lift. Why not go with the hotcam?
Reply
Old May 8, 2008 | 12:57 AM
  #16  
Firevette's Avatar
Firevette
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,531
Likes: 1
From: Conroe TEXAS!
Cruise-In X Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by Master__Shake_

The closest I've come across is a Lunati with 246/246 and .515/.515 @ 108 ls. I know I need lower duration, but I want atleast .510-520 lift.
You need a roller cam.
Reply
Old May 8, 2008 | 01:25 AM
  #17  
rodj's Avatar
rodj
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Default

Originally Posted by Master__Shake_

The closest I've come across is a Lunati with 246/246 and .515/.515 @ 108 ls. I know I need lower duration, but I want atleast .510-520 lift.
Why reinvent the wheel?

The factory got 355Hp @5250 (405 ft/lb ) with the ZZ4 carb engine (113 heads )
BUT had to change to the Fastburn heads to step up to 385HP using the SAME zz4 cam.
Does that not tell you something about the flow capability of your heads.
Go figure.
You may get it to rev to 7000 but bet there is no usible power over 5500; the HP curve would go flat or even drop.

Even the GM ZZ383 (425Hp ) crate engine only has .509/.528 lift 222/230 dur with much better Fastburn heads

Last edited by rodj; May 8, 2008 at 01:40 AM.
Reply
Old May 8, 2008 | 01:32 PM
  #18  
hobby0002000's Avatar
hobby0002000
Instructor
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

Your valve springs will have to be able to handle your cam and then possibly piston to valve clearance will be a issue at a certain point. When you start going over 230 at .050 on duration with a 110 lobe sep angle vacuum for brakes starts to become a issue also,also will need a converter if its a auto, just a couple things to consider.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Clearance for cam





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:23 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE