Cams for a L98?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 60
From: USA
I have the GM LT4 HOT cam in my '90 IROC L98 daily driver and like it very much (several years now, using 1.5 RR). I'm going to try the GM ZZ4 cam for the '91 C4 L98, it should be "just a touch" milder. I get to re-use the lifters, but put in new pushrods since i change to non-aligned roller rockers with guide plates.
I use the GM cams since they're a whole lot cheaper than anybody else's hydraulic roller cams. yup, unfortunately, regrettably, for me "CHEAPER" is a critical decision factor.
I'm sure there's aftermarket cams that are probably more specific exact just right, but they cost almost twice as much (or more). Heck, even Summit sells these GM hyd roller cams (just over $200).
I use the GM cams since they're a whole lot cheaper than anybody else's hydraulic roller cams. yup, unfortunately, regrettably, for me "CHEAPER" is a critical decision factor.
I'm sure there's aftermarket cams that are probably more specific exact just right, but they cost almost twice as much (or more). Heck, even Summit sells these GM hyd roller cams (just over $200).
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
If you are still using the stock TPI intake, I would probably do 1.6 roller rockers instead of a cam. The intake is what's holding you back, not the cam. The 1.6 rockers will imitate a slightly bigger cam, and you'll be able to re-use them when you eventually change out the intake manifold. If you put a cam in it now, you'll end up putting a different cam in the car once you swap out the intake.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I agree, with the RR's. If you go with full 1.6 RR's. You also might look at porting and cleaning up your TPI and aluminum UD pulley set. These 3 small steps will equal a cam and you can do the work yourself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
What sort of goals do you have for the car? I went high 12's pretty consistently in my 91 with the stock cam/heads/intake and went into the 11's on the bottle. Depending on what you want the car to do, the cam will change - or maybe not be necessary at all.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 60
From: USA
previous post knowledgably opined that the LT4 HOT cam was too much for a L98, and that the ZZ4 cam is too mild.
the Lingenfelter 219 cam being "just right" (context to which cuisinartvette replied).
also mentioned the LPE cam coming up on eBay every now and then (so I created a search for that). and suggested intake mods (everybody knows the TPI was sized for 305ci, not 350).
all good info.
I'm using 1.5RR (vice 1.6RR) on my L98 TPI with the LT4 HOT cam so maybe that detuned it a little.
the Lingenfelter 219 cam being "just right" (context to which cuisinartvette replied).
also mentioned the LPE cam coming up on eBay every now and then (so I created a search for that). and suggested intake mods (everybody knows the TPI was sized for 305ci, not 350).
all good info.
I'm using 1.5RR (vice 1.6RR) on my L98 TPI with the LT4 HOT cam so maybe that detuned it a little.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 150
Likes: 2
previous post knowledgably opined that the LT4 HOT cam was too much for a L98, and that the ZZ4 cam is too mild.
the Lingenfelter 219 cam being "just right" (context to which cuisinartvette replied).
also mentioned the LPE cam coming up on eBay every now and then (so I created a search for that). and suggested intake mods (everybody knows the TPI was sized for 305ci, not 350).
all good info.
I'm using 1.5RR (vice 1.6RR) on my L98 TPI with the LT4 HOT cam so maybe that detuned it a little.
the Lingenfelter 219 cam being "just right" (context to which cuisinartvette replied).
also mentioned the LPE cam coming up on eBay every now and then (so I created a search for that). and suggested intake mods (everybody knows the TPI was sized for 305ci, not 350).
all good info.
I'm using 1.5RR (vice 1.6RR) on my L98 TPI with the LT4 HOT cam so maybe that detuned it a little.
That was my post.
I'm a big fan of the LPE 219. My post got deleted.
Most likely because I plugged my website......
Do a search. There are established set-ups that you can copy depending on how fast you want to go and how much day-to-day driveability your willing to give up. Like I said "219" !!!!!!!
-Mike
Last edited by Zoomin1; Jul 5, 2009 at 01:30 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh PA
219 is a nice cam but its better suited for a heads/intake swapped car, meaning some heads that flow over .500 lift and intake components swapped for bigger tube runners/big mouth type base, or different short runner intake like miniram/superram/etc.
219 I feel is on par with the LT4 hotcam as far as performance goes, with edge to the 219 with its higher lifts with 1.6 rockers.
219 is too much for stock tpi/stock heads but can work, same as the LT4. If you do different TPI stuff, then a cam like the above would be ok.
You can gain alot of performance with other bolt ons too. Good tune, 1.6 rockers, underdrive pullies etc can give some good gains in ET, almost equivalent to a cam swap and nothing else done. SO weigh your options there and price/ease of install. I'd do all the bolt ons before doing a cam.
219 I feel is on par with the LT4 hotcam as far as performance goes, with edge to the 219 with its higher lifts with 1.6 rockers.
219 is too much for stock tpi/stock heads but can work, same as the LT4. If you do different TPI stuff, then a cam like the above would be ok.
You can gain alot of performance with other bolt ons too. Good tune, 1.6 rockers, underdrive pullies etc can give some good gains in ET, almost equivalent to a cam swap and nothing else done. SO weigh your options there and price/ease of install. I'd do all the bolt ons before doing a cam.