GM Hot cam bad rap
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 397
Likes: 13
From: Pittston PA
GM Hot cam bad rap
I have been doing lots of web research on mods for the LS1, it seems the GM Hot cam gets lots of negative reviews. It sounds very aggressive, but appently it dosn't deliver what you would expect based on its sound. Is there any good feedback on this cam? Assume stock heads, and just a cam swap, headers and maybe a LS6 intake (trying to keep costs down) what cam would be most suitable (increase power, limited loss of drivability) and what kind of HP numbers would be expected. Current mods include a B&B catback and a cold air intake,
Car info: 2000 cp 6sp
Thanks
Car info: 2000 cp 6sp
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 34
From: King George Virginia
What exactly are you trying to accomplish with the mods to the car? More RWHP/RWT acceleration. You need to have a plan. If you just throw parts at the car you will spend a lot of money and accomplish nothing. Take a look at the cams from CRANE. They have some great proven performance packages that deliver power without sacrificing drive-ability. You will also need to have the car tuned to take advantage of the cam and the other parts you use. I have a LS1 in my car so I have been where you are now. I did my homework and am very happy with the way it turned out. I have lost no drive-ability and have a fast fun car to drive.
Just incase you were wondering if I had actuly done any mods to my car, see my signature.
Just incase you were wondering if I had actuly done any mods to my car, see my signature.
Last edited by 08 ATOMIC-Z; Oct 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM. Reason: new info
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Newport NC
A custom grind. Any off the shelf cam is going to lack in power in one area or another. There is NO perfect off the shelf cam....everycar is different. You can get a custom grind for $450 and make way better power, have it set up for how you drive, the mods that you have, ect. ect.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 18,666
Likes: 395
From: Tampa FL
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12'-'13-'14-'15
You can get a custom grind from Patriot performance for about $350. There are some proven cams out there that are off the shelf grinds. A 224/228 or 228/228, 228/232 are just a few that have been proven to provide excellent power with great driveability.
Cajun
Cajun
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
I ran the GM hotcam on my LS1 Camaro.
It did sound nasty...and smelled nasty too! I think that was due to exhaust leaks and a lack of tuning though.
Given the advancement in dependable valve springs since the hotcam was introduced (and I believe the hotcam specs are just carry over from the LT1 days!!) a higher lift cam can now be run that will net you more power than the hotcam will.
I liked my hotcam, at the time. But now that I'm doing a H/C package on the Vette and there are better valve springs that are now available, I've gone a different and higher lift route.
You may want to at least spend $500 on a cheap set of used ported heads when you do the cam since so much of the car will already be apart. That would probably net you an additional 30-rwhp.
It did sound nasty...and smelled nasty too! I think that was due to exhaust leaks and a lack of tuning though.
Given the advancement in dependable valve springs since the hotcam was introduced (and I believe the hotcam specs are just carry over from the LT1 days!!) a higher lift cam can now be run that will net you more power than the hotcam will.
I liked my hotcam, at the time. But now that I'm doing a H/C package on the Vette and there are better valve springs that are now available, I've gone a different and higher lift route.
You may want to at least spend $500 on a cheap set of used ported heads when you do the cam since so much of the car will already be apart. That would probably net you an additional 30-rwhp.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Newport NC
I ran the GM hotcam on my LS1 Camaro.
It did sound nasty...and smelled nasty too! I think that was due to exhaust leaks and a lack of tuning though.
Given the advancement in dependable valve springs since the hotcam was introduced (and I believe the hotcam specs are just carry over from the LT1 days!!) a higher lift cam can now be run that will net you more power than the hotcam will.
I liked my hotcam, at the time. But now that I'm doing a H/C package on the Vette and there are better valve springs that are now available, I've gone a different and higher lift route.
You may want to at least spend $500 on a cheap set of used ported heads when you do the cam since so much of the car will already be apart. That would probably net you an additional 30-rwhp.
It did sound nasty...and smelled nasty too! I think that was due to exhaust leaks and a lack of tuning though.
Given the advancement in dependable valve springs since the hotcam was introduced (and I believe the hotcam specs are just carry over from the LT1 days!!) a higher lift cam can now be run that will net you more power than the hotcam will.
I liked my hotcam, at the time. But now that I'm doing a H/C package on the Vette and there are better valve springs that are now available, I've gone a different and higher lift route.
You may want to at least spend $500 on a cheap set of used ported heads when you do the cam since so much of the car will already be apart. That would probably net you an additional 30-rwhp.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Newport NC
I understand completly, but you will not find an off the shelef cam that will provide the power everywhere. That is what custom grinds are for. With the Patriot cams, do you have to tell them the specs?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
I found a good deal on LS1tech for essentially new Patriot 5.3L stage 2 heads for $500 shipped.
I was looking for a used set of AFRs in the $1,500 range, but after several months of looking/waiting I still hadn't found any. This opportunity came up so I jumped on it. They won't be as good as the AFRs, but the price is worth it.
I was looking for a used set of AFRs in the $1,500 range, but after several months of looking/waiting I still hadn't found any. This opportunity came up so I jumped on it. They won't be as good as the AFRs, but the price is worth it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
There are plenty of people who have shown excellent gains going with just a cam and bolt ons. Lots of people with 400+ rwhp. Bang for the buck a cam is one of the best upgrades you can do. Yes, you will see better gains with a set of heads, but do not in any way negate the gains from a healthy cam.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
I used a Crane grind- "Z" cam @228/232@112+5 on my Z with TFS heads milled to 61cc. It is no problem to drive in heavy traffic, but even with cats, it smells. The price you pay for overlap. Fantastic mid-range, with no apparent end on top, 477/428 SAE corrected, and 27 mpg highway.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 13
From: Akron Ohio
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...rent=011-1.flv
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 397
Likes: 13
From: Pittston PA
[QUOTE=OhioC5;1567417678]Nothing wrong with a cam only set-up. Build as your budget permits..... heres cam only.....
Sounds great, any idea of performance gains you realized from this uograde? Have you noticed a significant gain in power?
Leo
Sounds great, any idea of performance gains you realized from this uograde? Have you noticed a significant gain in power?
Leo
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 40
From: Edmonton Alberta
There are plenty of people who have shown excellent gains going with just a cam and bolt ons. Lots of people with 400+ rwhp. Bang for the buck a cam is one of the best upgrades you can do. Yes, you will see better gains with a set of heads, but do not in any way negate the gains from a healthy cam.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 18,666
Likes: 395
From: Tampa FL
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12'-'13-'14-'15
Cam only is fine. Hell I got 75whp with TPIS headers and 228/228 cam on my 2000 A4. Heads only get you another 30-40whp but cost alot more than a cam kit. IMO I would NEVER buy a used cam. New ones are too cheap if you find the right place. PM me for info on deals on cams, springs, etc
Cajun
Cajun
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 13
From: Akron Ohio
[/QUOTE]Sounds great, any idea of performance gains you realized from this uograde? Have you noticed a significant gain in power?
Leo[/QUOTE]
Leo,
I didnt run it prior to the cam swap, but It runs 12.30 @ 112 mph,
1200' above sea level.
Leo[/QUOTE]
Leo,
I didnt run it prior to the cam swap, but It runs 12.30 @ 112 mph,
1200' above sea level.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22,185
Likes: 65
From: NJ
Nothing wrong with a cam only set-up. Build as your budget permits..... heres cam only.....
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...rent=011-1.flv
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...rent=011-1.flv
Your car sounds awesome!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,700
Likes: 60
From: Springfield IL
Cam only is fine. Hell I got 75whp with TPIS headers and 228/228 cam on my 2000 A4. Heads only get you another 30-40whp but cost alot more than a cam kit. IMO I would NEVER buy a used cam. New ones are too cheap if you find the right place. PM me for info on deals on cams, springs, etc
Cajun
Cajun