I want to order the Hot Cam kit this week, but I am not sure if I need anything else besides what comes with the kit.

My motor currently has 103k on it, does not use oil (atleast not more than 1/4 quart over 7k miles).

I plan to do the work myself since I have another car to drive and can take my time. This will be my first cam swap. Should I get a new set of lifters, or just inspect the ones I have?

I have read that main bearings are something to consider replacing, but I have never done this either. Is that a big job, or not a big deal?

I am also going to be getting a pair of long tubes as well. I should definately invest in TunerCat, since I will probably need to tweak some things that my little Hypertech programmer cannot do.

If anyone could point me to a website where someone has documented their swap, that would be great. It sounds like there are a lot that have joint the "Hot Cam Club" and one must have taken some notes!

Here is the kit list as promised: (Would this come any cheaper from Jeff Kopp? Seems like a killer deal)

12480002 350 Hot Cam Kit

This off-highway camshaft kit has the major valve train component to convert production LT1 engine for showroom stock racing, or hop up your small block Chevrolet V8 that was originally equipped with a roller tappet camshaft. The 1.6 roller rockers, light weight valve spring caps, special designed valve springs and hot camshaft offers a significant gain in horsepower at a reasonable price. This kit includes the following items: one camshaft P/N 24502586, 16 roller rocker arms kit P/N 12370839, 16 valve springs P/N 12551483, 16 valve caps P/N 10212808, 16 valve keys P/N 24503856, 16 valve spring shims P/N 10212809.



price: 451.54 (gmpartsdirect.com)

Thanks for any advise!

Mike

 

At 103k miles I would replace the timing chain set with the extreem duty LT4 setup. Do't worry about replacing the main bearings. They have nothing to do with the cam swap.

 

You will also either need LT4 valve covers or you have ot grind the drip tabs down on your current ones....

 

GMPartsDirect will hit you with a handleing charge & a shipping charge. I ordered once & ONLY once from them. The cost endded up being higher than my local wholesale price. CALL JEFF !!!!

Neal

 

I agree that changing to the extreme duty timing setup will be a good addition.

I plan to grind my valve covers. I have access to a machine shop here at work, so I can make quick work out of those tabs!

As for the shipping and handling charge from gmpartsdirect, that is pretty bunk to lure people with cheap prices, just to gouge them on shipping and handling. I guess they have to make their money somewhere.

Mike

 

You have to do your research on prices.. some things are cheaper through jeff, and some are cheaper through gmpartsdirect.com even after their ridiculous shipping charges.

 

Try a search under this Forum. I posted the same exact question 3 or 4 months ago. I replaced opti, water pump, valve covers, timing chain set when my hot cam kit was installed. I got my kit from Scoggin dickey for under five bills. One, hindsight suggestion: I wish I would have had my heads ported and polished while the engine was apart. I also wish I would have dynoed the car before the install.

 

With 103K miles - I would do a complete overhaul to the main and rod bearings as well as oil pump etc. The increased HP will put an extra strain on the old parts. Do it now or do it later...
:seeya


[Modified by red-y, 8:28 PM 10/9/2002]

 

Might as well freshen up the rings and main/rod/cam bearings (with a nice glaze breaking hone tossed in as well).

As far as GM Parts Direct .vs Superior Chevrolet (Jeff Kopp)... I'd bet Jeff would be a lot more personable to deal with.. but a delivered to my door LT1 to LT4 swap (number to number identical with Superior's) would be about $100 cheaper than the advertised price at Superior's site ( which doesn't include shipping, making the difference greater).

This is just from "net" numbers... the guys at Superior may price match... so shop around.

Also, if you read at GM Parts Direct site, they very clearly explain why their shipping/handling costs are such and even with that added in they have very competitive pricing. There's no deception involved. I've had good experiences with GM Parts Direct (fast shipping, excellent communication, etc.) But remember.. it's point and shoot. Know what you're ordering 'cause you'll get it.

If you need more helpful, personable service then (from Forum references) I'd go with Jeff (who I'm sure will also give you competitive pricing plus good advice).

 

You should be able to install the cam and new timing chain and be okay. Lifters are optional. Bearings etc is a bit over kill IMHO. Get a new waterpump drive piece and have the waterpump gear that comes with the HD timing set pressed on it. I have heard the waterpump drive is available with the gear on it but I have never checked into this. A head porting or LT4 heads and intake are need for maximum performance.

 

Could anyone breif me on this cam. I would like some specs on this cam please. Is it that big of one, or more as a mild manner one?? Big Lope?
I was thinking of going with one from crane or comp it is on lift 509/528 I think thats it. Seems kind'a wild for Stock head w/ ported and polished and manifold that the same has been done to and matched to the heads too with a 52 or 58 MM TB. I have some spec on a LT-1 motor that I am building. I would I some you guy advise on a "horsepower estimates".

 

218/228 / .525/.525 @.5 LSA: 112 w/ 1.6 rockers



[Modified by GlockLT4, 9:38 AM 10/10/2002]

 

Here is the run down on the motor: LT-1 Bored .020 over forged flat top pistons with I beam rods from lunat, forged, stoker crank. 230/244 @ .050 and .510/.540 lift. or this cam 222/230 @ .050 .509/528 lift. Roller rockers as in the LT-4s. (what the differance between Self-aliging and non??) With stock heads that have been ported and polished, manifold is the same and match to the heads. 52 or 58 MM TB with 30 or 28# injectors. I think the cams are too wild for the heads, anyone else agree?? need some input please on this combo and also I'm going with a 100-300 adjustable shot of N20.

 

I think you'll like the bigger cam better. The 218/228 .525/.525 112 LSA is kinda mild for a stroker.