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

upgrade cam

Old Jun 13, 2011 | 10:10 AM
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Default upgrade cam

I am having the TPI engine from my '87 conv. freshened up. Everything will be stock except for the camshaft. How far can I go without screwing with the computer or injectors? Thanks.
Chuck
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 10:27 AM
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When I got my 85 it was stock with the exception of the cam. The previous owner installed a Competition Cam 260 grind (212/218) and roller rockers. It had the original chip. Anything larger will likely reduce your low end power with no upper end gain. I ended up running that cam with a Super Ram intake, AFR heads and TPiS headers. It made good power with lots of low end torque.
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 11:04 AM
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If you're keeping the stock intake, there's not a lot to be gained with a cam. I'd say someting in the 210-212 duration, .440-.450 lift range.
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 11:44 AM
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Something with specs like the TPiS ZZ9 will boost performance with TPI.
Since you have it apart why not drop in a cam. Even with a MAF car you should get a tune.
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 12:39 PM
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How perfect on tune do you want to be? BADDUK is correct but your TPI system will accept some substantial mods without a tune being essential. Yes there will be ponies on the table but not as many as you might think.
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 09:24 PM
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I agree with the previous comments.....a cam is not the best choice for engine modifications with the TPI system intake...the intake is done at 4500 RPM anyway.....
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Old Jun 13, 2011 | 09:38 PM
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ZZ4 Cam
Duration @.050 208/221
Lift: .474/.510
112 LSA
1500-5500 rpm range
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Calderone
ZZ4 Cam
Duration @.050 208/221
Lift: .474/.510
112 LSA
1500-5500 rpm range
I agree, works well with a stock tune but the lift is too much for stock valve springs.
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 08:25 AM
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Change the valve springs out and put in a ZZ9 or 211 camshaft, then have someone like PCMforless or Ed Wright do your chip. You can do other things later to improve from there.

Chips are really needed when you start messing with the cam. Other intake and exhaust mods don't necessarily require it but the cam will want a custom tune.
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Calderone
ZZ4 Cam
Duration @.050 208/221
Lift: .474/.510
112 LSA
1500-5500 rpm range
This seems to be in the ballpark of what I am looking for: a nice sounding cam, a slight boost in power for not a lot of money. I am the type of guy who has never put anything back together in stock condition. I am kind of new to Corvettes and not really up on all the equipment. Who carries the ZZ4 or ZZ9 cams? Thanks again.
Chuck
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 06:38 PM
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ZZ4 is a GM performance parts piece, can be had anywhere.

ZZ9 is a TPiS cam, only get it from them.

You need to change springs no matter what, and yes you will want a chip for a ZZ9.
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Old Jun 15, 2011 | 02:48 AM
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Originally Posted by vader86
Chips are really needed when you start messing with the cam. Other intake and exhaust mods don't necessarily require it but the cam will want a custom tune.
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Old Jun 16, 2011 | 12:45 AM
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crane comp-u-cam for TPI. comes in at 1600 and keeps going till 5000
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