Thinking Outloud.... Cams
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 148
Likes: 35
From: Virginia
Thinking Outloud.... Cams
OK guys a quick cam question, and yes, I know what the search function is before anyone comments, but my questions is a bit different. Everyone wants to change cams to get more horsepower, but what I would want is seeking HP. I have a stock L98 in a 1987. I'm tearing the top end down this winter to replace head gaskets, intake gaskets and EGR because of small leaks. What I was considering was a cam replacement and maybe 1.6 rockers. The cam I would want would be not for a large HP gain, but I want that loping, hard hitting sound from my C4 as I had in my 1967 427 4 speed vette. What would be the negatives, other than affecting vacuum, and any cam recommendations would be good so I can start my research and parts gathering.
I don't want a big radical cam that would involve a lot of head work, as I'm just planing on doing rockers, valve seals, have them surfaced for a good surface for the head gaskets and possibly LT1 ex. manifolds if I can find a set.
Thanks!
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I don't want a big radical cam that would involve a lot of head work, as I'm just planing on doing rockers, valve seals, have them surfaced for a good surface for the head gaskets and possibly LT1 ex. manifolds if I can find a set.
Thanks!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
The throaty overlap sound of the old school engines really isn't going to happen with TPI. Budget and tuning are major considerations. Most "hot rodding" norms cam heads Intake require tuning. Tuning can get expensive. If you focus on exhaust different manifolds or headers better true duel low restriction exhaust; you can get a little rumble without the expense of tuning. The improved exhaust will also support engine modifications if you have an additional few thousand to spend.
Last edited by Kevova; Jul 30, 2019 at 04:59 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 12
From: South Lyon, MI
I ran one of these for a few years in my 355 TPI before parting it out. It was not the original engine to the car but used TPI induction and electronics. Had a nice lope and sound. Car was a MAF system though and was able to run OK, but not optimal. Speed density will definitely need tuned.
The heads had ground down guides and studs put in, as well as stiffer springs as recommended by a machine shop.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...12-8/overview/
The heads had ground down guides and studs put in, as well as stiffer springs as recommended by a machine shop.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...12-8/overview/
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,154
Likes: 1,731
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
My cam can have the lope at idle when I bring the idle speed down. If you go larger with the right overlap, then you can achieve it. Would be difficult to go bigger with the TPI on there and do this however, TPI can only feed so much. You probably couldn't get enough air to it to even make it choppy. However, to make it do that, you suffer the likely consequence that I do, the thing will cut off on you at a stoplight at the worst time, especially if you need to brake hard. Just sucks the TB closed and chokes it, and it cuts off. Thus, I keep my idle speed higher and the choppy sound is all gone, but i'm not the loser with an old vette that cuts off at a stoplight either.
Last edited by vader86; Jul 30, 2019 at 02:54 PM.
