SLOASC4

Hi Guys,
I am assembling the parts to build my L98 in my 1990 C4 Convertible. I love driving this car, and want to keep the drivability and reliability good, and perfectly streetable. I've got it narrowed down to either a TPIS ZZ409 camshaft, or a Comp Cams XR276HR. I like the specs on both as they are similar.

I am not being shallow, and just worring about the idle sound, but it is important to me.

I have all of the supporting parts to capitalize on either cam; strong bottom end, 9.5 : 1 compression. Ported 200CC intake heads with 2.02/160 valves, springs good to .650 Roller, Etc., 1.6 Comp Roller Rockers, ported Mini Ram 1206, 58MM TPIS TB, 30LB injectors, 2200 Stall converter, Long Tube headers, 3inch exhaust with X-pipe 3:07 gears.

TPIS blew me off when I asked about idle and sound clips and told me that if I went with the Comp Cam, that I would be leaving 50 HP on the table, and that the aggressive ramp profiles on the Comp Cam will be harder on the valvetrain and have more valvetrain noise.

There are only 3 videos on Youtube of a car with a ZZ409 Cam, 2 are of a beautiful red coupe, that sounds ok, but IMO, the exhaust has a funky sound and makes it hard to get a true sound of the idle. The other is a 15 second cip of a white convertibe that sounds horrible probaby due to the camera. There are a few videos of the Comp 276 and it sounds good.

If you guys have either of these cams, would you please take a video of it at idle, and if you want a rev or two. I would also like input on your experiences with these cams; drivability, tuning, etc. I was leaning towards the ZZ409, because I might have TPIS do the mail order tune for it, and with their induction, and cam, it might deliver better tuning results.....

Knowing what I am intending to do with the car, and the parts I am using, I would apprecieate any other cam recommendations.

TA

Not my car, but found on a youtube search.

SLOASC4

Thanks TA, this is one of them that I mentioned in my post. There is also one of that same car just after its first start. Those are the best two I could find. Is a nice car!

SLOASC4

Still hoping you guys can help me out. Thanks

TA

A little tamer than you're looking for, but here's my 91 with a 383, LPE 219 cam, long tubes, no cats with an X-pipe and Corsas.

84 4+3

I found this, it may be an lt1 f body but it'll still give you an idea.

SLOASC4

Hi TA,

That sounds nice! I will look into the LPE cams. How's the drive ability, and was it hard to tune? Are you running a stall converter?

cv67

try not to get too caught up in sound, and trendy sounding cams (super steep ramps)not worth it in the long run.

SLOASC4

I understand what you are saying cuisinartvette, that's why I was seriously considering the ZZ409. It has less aggressive ramp profiles which will be easier on the valve train and not as much valve train noise.

But, as a lifelong gearhead, former late model racer, and first time Corvette owner (WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?) I love a racy sounding small block.

I was originally considering the Comp Cams XFI 268, but wanted a little more rumpity rump or chop. I am going to take a look at LPE and Hawks and see what their offerings are.

So Cuisinartvete, What's your recommendation for camshafts?

Thanks

cv67

If youre open to regearing and more converter you can go bigger and get away with it. Sounds like youre used to tight lobe centers and lots of overlap

SLOASC4

Anyone else have any experience with the ZZ409 Cam? As seemingly popular as it is, I would think there would be more video / sound clips out there.

-=Jeff=-

89,, 355ci, Ported L98 heads, ZZ9 cam.. 1.6i and 1.5 rockers, long tubes and 3" exhaust..
rattling is the 6spd due tot he clutch setup
https://www.dropbox.com/s/za21tunhus...X6490.mov?dl=0

Same set up
https://www.dropbox.com/s/givld1ziqc...haust.wmv?dl=0

SLOASC4

Thanks Jeff, sounds good. It seems like TPIS is pushing more towards the ZZ409 than the ZZ9 cam these days.

88BlackZ-51

Whats up Tom and Ronny? Long time no hear! Hope all you guys are good.......

-=Jeff=-

Yeah, I had a ZZ409 ready to go in, butt he work to swap from the ZZ9 was not worth it. the ZZ9 with 1.6 rockers got me close to the lift, just not duration

409 is .520/.520 228/228 @ .050 right? ZZ9 with 1.6 brought me to .515 intake lift

SLOASC4

The ZZ-409 is 226 / 226 @050 .520 Lift int/Exh 112 LSA

ZZ-9 is Int. 212 / Exh. 226 @050 int lift .483 / Exhaust Lift .520 112 LSA

Very similar, appears to be dual pattern vs. Single pattern.

Do you still have that ZZ-409 Cam that you didn't install????

-=Jeff=-

No I sold the ZZ409 probably 12 years ago, the car it was for was sold on 2008

SLOASC4

That brings up another concern / question. The ZZ409 Cam, LT4 Hot Cam, LPE and others were engineered 20 years ago. I would think in the past 2 decades or so, that there would be newer designs and advanced technology in regards to designing a better camshaft for the L-98 / LT-1 engines.

84 4+3

I threw a cc503 in an l31 383 and its runs well. But that's also an old grind. I feel like there aren't any new new grinds for the sbc. I'm also not up to date on cam grinds so...

-=Jeff=-

I see your point, but at the same time technology marches on and companies move away from the older stuff..

My set-up was good for low 12's if I wanted to beat on the car to launch it.

It was fun until I swapped to a lightweight flywheel, then I hated driving the car on the street