GM Hot Cam
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
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From: New Jersey
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St. Jude Donor '25
GM Hot Cam
OK, I know you saw the title and you may have already formulated your opinion, but before you judge me, let me walk you through my thought process. Then I will happily solicit your opinion 
So, I was sure that I would want to cam my '03 C5. Since I put my ARH on, I have been very happy with noise/note/performance, but I think I want more (don't we all!). Anyway, after listening to some C5 cams at cruise nights and videos on YouTube/Insta, I think I want to go with a cam this spring. So far, the cam note that has stuck with me the most has been the GM Hot Cam. FWIW, it sounds kinda like my '65 cam'd 350, if that's even possible...I do want drivability, but I like the chop, chop drumming rhythm. I will not be tracking the car. Video below of what helped me get here. This takes me further down the rabbit hole, and the observed opinion on the forum is that the GM Hot Cam is no bueno when comparing to the likes of BTR, among others.
So, is the GM Hot Cam really that bad if it is close to the sound I am looking for?
So, I was sure that I would want to cam my '03 C5. Since I put my ARH on, I have been very happy with noise/note/performance, but I think I want more (don't we all!). Anyway, after listening to some C5 cams at cruise nights and videos on YouTube/Insta, I think I want to go with a cam this spring. So far, the cam note that has stuck with me the most has been the GM Hot Cam. FWIW, it sounds kinda like my '65 cam'd 350, if that's even possible...I do want drivability, but I like the chop, chop drumming rhythm. I will not be tracking the car. Video below of what helped me get here. This takes me further down the rabbit hole, and the observed opinion on the forum is that the GM Hot Cam is no bueno when comparing to the likes of BTR, among others.
So, is the GM Hot Cam really that bad if it is close to the sound I am looking for?
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,718
Likes: 7,326
From: CT
@Markolc1981 is a great one to ask as he just did this swap this year on his LG long tubed 99 FRC.
He also tuned it himself and can offer insight.
The car drives very calmly and has a notably improvement in top end. It is a mild cam, but the term mild does not apply to something which wakes the car up nicely. It pulled really strongly to redline vs factory and definitely made its presence felt.
I know Mark experienced a specific rpm where the cam was hard to tune and smooth out for a while, but repeated effort showed progress.
He also tuned it himself and can offer insight.
The car drives very calmly and has a notably improvement in top end. It is a mild cam, but the term mild does not apply to something which wakes the car up nicely. It pulled really strongly to redline vs factory and definitely made its presence felt.
I know Mark experienced a specific rpm where the cam was hard to tune and smooth out for a while, but repeated effort showed progress.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Akron Ohio
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Isnt the GM Hot Cam just the old ASA Road Race cam?
If yes, then yeah it sounds mean and cool! The lobes are lazy and gentle on valvetrain. There are better options for making power, but it still makes decent power and if it has the sound you want, I dont see a downside.
If yes, then yeah it sounds mean and cool! The lobes are lazy and gentle on valvetrain. There are better options for making power, but it still makes decent power and if it has the sound you want, I dont see a downside.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 140
Likes: 45
Seems like a great cam for stock valvetrain. I pulled a 218/224 .525 lift cam out of my car due to damage but it did pull really well. The video you posted does sound good and if that is important, I say go with it. I don't think you will be disappointed.
These are the general specs?
These are the general specs?
- Duration @ .050" Lift( Deg): Intake: 219 / Exhaust: 228
- Maximum Lift (in) W/ 1.7 Rocker: Intake: .525 / Exhaust: .525
- Lobe Centerline ( deg): 112
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
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Thats very close to my Cam Motion (218/226, .587). Really amazing midrange, starts/drives easy, but the lifter rattle is annoying.
Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Nov 29, 2024 at 03:33 AM.
