LT4 Hot Cam Questions...Again....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
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From: Green Valley Arizona
LT4 Hot Cam Questions...Again....
Have read many postings and threads...but still not sure, so here are my questions:
To install an LT4 Hot Cam into an LT4 engine, is only the cam needed or is the Hot Cam kit (springs, rockers, etc) required??
Car has just over 58k miles on it.
And I assume it would be good to install the LT4 Extreme Duty timing set at the same time?? If so, is the Kent Tool required to remove and install the water pump drive?
Thanks in advance to everyone.
To install an LT4 Hot Cam into an LT4 engine, is only the cam needed or is the Hot Cam kit (springs, rockers, etc) required??
Car has just over 58k miles on it.
And I assume it would be good to install the LT4 Extreme Duty timing set at the same time?? If so, is the Kent Tool required to remove and install the water pump drive?
Thanks in advance to everyone.
Last edited by LannyL81; Mar 11, 2013 at 11:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
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The only thing that is required are the springs. The stock springs cannot handle the increased lift. Everything else is more of a "while I'm in there" type of thing.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
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From: Green Valley Arizona
So if the cam kit contains the LT4 springs and I already have an LT4 engine, then the comment about the stock springs not able to handle the increased lift is incorrect...???
I edit'ed my original posting to add the mileage: just over 58k miles.
But I guess it is still...."as long as I'm there" I should replace the springs...and that is a new problem ...getting a spring compressor that will work with the heads on the engine and the engine in the car. Any suggestions on this one?
I edit'ed my original posting to add the mileage: just over 58k miles.
But I guess it is still...."as long as I'm there" I should replace the springs...and that is a new problem ...getting a spring compressor that will work with the heads on the engine and the engine in the car. Any suggestions on this one?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: O'Fallon Missouri
Yes, start with a fresh set of valve springs.
Valve spring compressor.
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...80521/10002/-1
Valve spring compressor.
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...80521/10002/-1
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: H-Town Texas
The Hotcam will work with all of the factory installed components on the LT4 engine. The Hotcam kit is designed for converting an LT1 engine.
At 58K you shouldn't really have any issues w/ the springs, but that's up to you. I would go ahead and get new LS7 lifters though. Timing gear set may not be a bad idea, but the one that's in there from the factory will handle the cam easy enough. It might even be the same one they'll sell you. The Hotcam is not really that radical of a cam.
At 58K you shouldn't really have any issues w/ the springs, but that's up to you. I would go ahead and get new LS7 lifters though. Timing gear set may not be a bad idea, but the one that's in there from the factory will handle the cam easy enough. It might even be the same one they'll sell you. The Hotcam is not really that radical of a cam.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Akron Ohio
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So if the cam kit contains the LT4 springs and I already have an LT4 engine, then the comment about the stock springs not able to handle the increased lift is incorrect...???
I edit'ed my original posting to add the mileage: just over 58k miles.
But I guess it is still...."as long as I'm there" I should replace the springs...and that is a new problem ...getting a spring compressor that will work with the heads on the engine and the engine in the car. Any suggestions on this one?
I edit'ed my original posting to add the mileage: just over 58k miles.
But I guess it is still...."as long as I'm there" I should replace the springs...and that is a new problem ...getting a spring compressor that will work with the heads on the engine and the engine in the car. Any suggestions on this one?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
Typical street driven Vette. Put the cam in and move on with life.
Use it on the race track/regularly beat on it...upgrade the timing chain and replace the springs.
To maximize power, you will need a tune regardless.
Use it on the race track/regularly beat on it...upgrade the timing chain and replace the springs.
To maximize power, you will need a tune regardless.
Le Mans Master
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From: Manassas VA
Personally I would replace the springs. When new they are marginal for the hotcam. I know you only have 58000 miles, but they are 17 years old. They loose tension over time. They are cheap insurance.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Green Valley Arizona
I agree with the rationale for spring replacement....they are 17 yrs old, at least.
So what springs are recommended that require no machine work to the heads or anything? And where to get them from?
Thanks again to everyone....
So what springs are recommended that require no machine work to the heads or anything? And where to get them from?
Thanks again to everyone....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
The LT4 springs will work just fine.
Race Director
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From: N. Alabama
Kubs is correct. However....... 
you may as well send the heads/intake off and have them ported, put in BETTER springs and rockers while you are in there. ....seriously. The HOT cam gives good numbers while providing decent gas mileage if a DD. Bigger cam, run more RPM, impress the dyno but pay at the pump.....
you may as well send the heads/intake off and have them ported, put in BETTER springs and rockers while you are in there. ....seriously. The HOT cam gives good numbers while providing decent gas mileage if a DD. Bigger cam, run more RPM, impress the dyno but pay at the pump.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: folsom california
When I did my LT4 hotcam conversion, I bought new LT4 springs; at $44 for the set from the dealer no less, I wouldn't think of doing the cam swap without them. One thing you didn't mention was valve stem seals ... get these from the dealer,,,aftermarket are a one size...or rather one material fits all; i.e. the intake and exhaust are identical; on LT4's the (more expensive) exhaust seals are made from a higher temperature resistant material (exhaust seals are red in color; intake seals are black).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: folsom california
No the kent moore tool is not required to remove the water pump drive. With the intake manifold off (which is the secret) its very easy to gently tap the water pump drive out of the block.
The Extreme Duty Timing chain set is a very impressive piece with it's oversize rollers and pins (looks like something out of a sawmill) just be prepared for sticker shock. It's good to remember that the stock LT4 timing chain is also a roller chain...lighter duty than the Extreme Duty set, but still a big improvement over earlier LT1 link and pin chains.
The Extreme Duty Timing chain set is a very impressive piece with it's oversize rollers and pins (looks like something out of a sawmill) just be prepared for sticker shock. It's good to remember that the stock LT4 timing chain is also a roller chain...lighter duty than the Extreme Duty set, but still a big improvement over earlier LT1 link and pin chains.
Last edited by mtwoolford; Mar 12, 2013 at 10:36 PM. Reason: eliminate confusion
Race Director
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From: N. Alabama
......
The Extreme Duty Timing chain set is a very impressive piece with it's oversize rollers and pins (looks like something out of a sawmill) just be prepared for sticker shock. It's good to remember that the stock LT4 timing chain is also a roller chain...lighter duty than the Extreme Duty set, but still a big improvement over earlier LT1 link and pin chains.
The Extreme Duty Timing chain set is a very impressive piece with it's oversize rollers and pins (looks like something out of a sawmill) just be prepared for sticker shock. It's good to remember that the stock LT4 timing chain is also a roller chain...lighter duty than the Extreme Duty set, but still a big improvement over earlier LT1 link and pin chains.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
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From: Green Valley Arizona
"...keep it for life.".....that is the problem. I really do not plan on keeping it. I have been thinking about getting an '04 Z06.
Perhaps I should put the '96 up for sale with the option for the buyer to select whatever parts they want to buy and I will install......think that would work???.....probably not...oh well....back to the garage to do more cleaning.
Perhaps I should put the '96 up for sale with the option for the buyer to select whatever parts they want to buy and I will install......think that would work???.....probably not...oh well....back to the garage to do more cleaning.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
"...keep it for life.".....that is the problem. I really do not plan on keeping it. I have been thinking about getting an '04 Z06.
Perhaps I should put the '96 up for sale with the option for the buyer to select whatever parts they want to buy and I will install......think that would work???.....probably not...oh well....back to the garage to do more cleaning.
Perhaps I should put the '96 up for sale with the option for the buyer to select whatever parts they want to buy and I will install......think that would work???.....probably not...oh well....back to the garage to do more cleaning.
If the buyer doesn't want the box of parts, the HotCam kits typically turn pretty fast in the For Sale section for a couple hundred dollars.