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

custom cam question

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Old Jun 24, 2004 | 08:06 AM
  #21  
Nathan Plemons's Avatar
Nathan Plemons
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Default Re: custom cam question (devilfish)

If you're planning on running the TPI intake that cam is going to try and make power where you won't be able to use it, all the while killing your low end torque.

EDIT,
I see now that you're planning on running an LT1 intake. That will help a lot but I still think that's way too much cam for a 350. The driveability will be terrible and emissions would pretty much be out of the question.


[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 7:08 AM 6/24/2004]
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 01:47 AM
  #22  
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Default Re: custom cam question (devilfish)

If you really want a custom cam (which is the way I'd go) you need to get a CompCams catalog. Go to the back of the book - skip the off-the-shelf-grinds- and find the hydraulic rollers lobes that have CRC - Constant Radius of Curvature. These are the hot ticket for a streeable hydraulic roller.

Basically what you'd be getting are the very latest design in aggressive ramps and lots of valve lift without having to resort to long duration to get it. There are two series, 3100 and 3300; the 3100's are more aggressive over the nose and give more valve lift.

Custom grinds don't cost any more and mine was shipped in 48 hours. For you engine my recommendation would be 218/224@.050 for all-around best performance. A longer duration cam may, and I emphasize MAY, give you more maximum HP, but you lose so much down low and the driveability suffers so badly that it's hardly the best choice.

It's been my experience that most guys over-cam their engines - you know, the "bigger is better" syndrome.

Think about it; how often is your engine taken to max RPMs as compared to how often it's in the 2000 range.

Just my thoughts.

Jake
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 08:18 AM
  #23  
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Default Re: custom cam question (JAKE)

Give Joe Overton a call (do a search on camaroz28.com) His cams make the most power with the best driveability. (how about 11 sec 1/4miles with just a cam) He has a Firebird with a 388ci LT1 that runs 9's naturally asperated.

As soon as I get a new set of heads I know who I'm calling!
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 08:26 AM
  #24  
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Default Re: custom cam question (devilfish)

That's very, very close to the COMP custon cam I run, even the 1.5 rockers.
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 09:54 AM
  #25  
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Default Re: custom cam question (JAKE)

Their 3100 series lobes are among the most aggressive CompCams offers for a street engine.
Yep, and you better have an excellent valvetrain. I "was" running 33xx series lobes.
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 01:32 PM
  #26  
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Default Re: custom cam question (LT4POWR)

Their 3100 series lobes are among the most aggressive CompCams offers for a street engine.

Yep, and you better have an excellent valvetrain. I "was" running 33xx series lobes.
Well... those are the lobes in my new cam. I am using the HD valves, titanium retainers, locks, etc, with the 977 springs. How "excellent" does it have to be and what are the consequences?

Mike
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 03:45 PM
  #27  
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Default Re: custom cam question (luvmy92)

Their 3100 series lobes are among the most aggressive CompCams offers for a street engine.

Yep, and you better have an excellent valvetrain. I "was" running 33xx series lobes.

Well... those are the lobes in my new cam. I am using the HD valves, titanium retainers, locks, etc, with the 977 springs. How "excellent" does it have to be and what are the consequences?

Mike
In addition to what you have listed I'd run some good...
- non-self aligning, 7/16 stud size, rocker arms
- ARP 7/16 rocker arm studs
- guide plates
- one piece chromemoly pushrods
- CompCams #875 lifters
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 05:39 PM
  #28  
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Default Re: custom cam question (LT4POWR)

In addition to what you have listed I'd run some good...
- non-self aligning, 7/16 stud size, rocker arms
- ARP 7/16 rocker arm studs
- guide plates
- one piece chromemoly pushrods
- CompCams #875 lifters
Thanks! I forgot to mention I have all of the those as well. Are the 875 lifters the high revving (R) series lifters? If so, those are the ones I have.

Thanks,
Mike
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 07:06 PM
  #29  
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Default Re: custom cam question (luvmy92)

In addition to what you have listed I'd run some good...
- non-self aligning, 7/16 stud size, rocker arms
- ARP 7/16 rocker arm studs
- guide plates
- one piece chromemoly pushrods
- CompCams #875 lifters

Thanks! I forgot to mention I have all of the those as well. Are the 875 lifters the high revving (R) series lifters? If so, those are the ones I have.

Thanks,
Mike
Sounds like you've got it covered then.

I'd just step back on the duration.

Use the 3313 for the intake and 3314 for the exhaust; that'll give you 218/224@.050

At MOST 3192 for the intake and either 3194 or 3315 for the exhaust; that'll give you 224/230@.050.

Jake



[Modified by JAKE, 6:11 PM 6/25/2004]
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 09:19 PM
  #30  
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Default Re: custom cam question (JAKE)

In addition to what you have listed I'd run some good...
- non-self aligning, 7/16 stud size, rocker arms
- ARP 7/16 rocker arm studs
- guide plates
- one piece chromemoly pushrods
- CompCams #875 lifters

Thanks! I forgot to mention I have all of the those as well. Are the 875 lifters the high revving (R) series lifters? If so, those are the ones I have.

Thanks,
Mike

Sounds like you've got it covered then.

I'd just step back on the duration.

Use the 3313 for the intake and 3314 for the exhaust; that'll give you 218/224@.050

At MOST 3192 for the intake and either 3194 or 3315 for the exhaust; that'll give you 224/230@.050.

Jake
Hi Jake,


I did go with the 3192 for the intake and the 3194 for the exhaust. And it does have 224/230 duration @.050. This is with a 113 lsa.

Still not done with the tune on the 383, but I am hoping for some good numbers. Will post them when I have them.

Mike
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Old Jun 25, 2004 | 10:19 PM
  #31  
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Default Re: custom cam question (devilfish)

I tell you what if your looking at this cam you may want to consider TPIS camshafts, I think you would be happier with one of their's over Comp Cams. TPIS is all about custom grind, big streetable power.
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 05:02 PM
  #32  
JAKE's Avatar
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From: Kempner Texas
Default Re: custom cam question (projectnightmare)

I tell you what if your looking at this cam you may want to consider TPIS camshafts, I think you would be happier with one of their's over Comp Cams. TPIS is all about custom grind, big streetable power.
One problem with them is quality control.

I had one of their ZZ9s and had it checked on a computerized cam checker at Dennis Wells' Racing and it was substantially off from the advertised specs. Duration was much shorter than advertised.

I've never had another TPIS cam checked though, but from years of using nothing but CompCams products, they always check right on the specs listed on the timing card.

There are really only two camshaft companies that I trust for grinding a cam: CompCams and Crane.

Jake
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 11:39 AM
  #33  
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89gta383
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Default Re: custom cam question (JAKE)

I've passed emissions with a custom grind comp 230-236 .604-.608 114 lsa with a cat and my tuning in a 383/miniram. Gonna try it with an even bigger cam with a 110 lsa soon, and I think it can be done. No visual test, only the sniffer. I have other pals who I have worked with that have passed without cats and decent sized cams. There are many tricks to pass the sniffer, remember, it's only once a year.
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 09:17 AM
  #34  
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Default Re: custom cam question (devilfish)


Hello Neighbor!

My friend has a Crane 234/242 at .05 hyd roller in a 355 sbc and it works just great! It has Pref. RPM heads and Accel Pro Ram in it.

Runs 12.1s in a quarter (volvo 240 )
Its a little rumpy at idle but after 3500 rpm it really flies...
He doesn't have to pass emissions though...

btw. what emission levels it needs to pass?

I used to have a 230/236 hyd.roller cam in my 420sbc C4 but it was too mild for the setup. I'm running solid roller now.

Jussi

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