Cam-aro

The engine is out of the BlueZ and going into the shop in the morning to be 'tuned up'(new rings, bearings, maybe pistons, etc), but once it's out, I've been going through several thought process's here for the car. Whether to sell it and get another Camaro, sell it for good, keep it and build it up, etc.

I'm not wanting to put too much more money into it, all that's left is primarily heads and a cam, but I don't want to go as far as spending $600+ for new heads, so a new cam is about my only option I'm willing to go forth with. And no, I'm not interested in porting my heads or or doing any type of head work.

Like I said, I'm not going to put in new heads(unless someone wants to sell me new Aluminum ZZ4 heads for like $200 or something). Matchin up specs between the stock L98 heads and a new cam, what is a worthwhile-mild upgrade cam? It's not a drag car, but I do want to be able to have a little fun with it from time to time. I don't have a brand preference but want to spend $150 and under... I'm just looking into what would be the best suited cams for my engine. Or honestly, do you even think it's worth doing a cam upgrade with stock L98 heads? Give me ideas, links, information, fill me in the best you can. The sooner the better! I'm hoping to start the reinstallation process of the engine next week. I've been hearing things such as LT4 Hot Cam, cc306 cam, ZZ4 cam, what you think?

Right now, I'm running on stock cam, Crane Cam 1.5 Roller-Rocker Arms, scoggin dickey z28 performance springs, stock lifters...

Kevin91Z

You have to stay under .470" lift with the stock heads (if they havent been machined) so any of the Crane CompuCam brands will work. The other ones you listed have lifts that are too high. Whatever you choose, make sure the LSA is 112 or higher.

Marc 85Z28

While the engine is out have the heads modified to accept a larger spring and cut for more lift - its not too expensive. Valve job too?

GMs HotCam would work very well, as would a CC305. You've got the HSR which will allow a much better cam than the CompuCam offerings. And with your requirements and a 2400 stall torque converter, a CC306 is just a little too aggressive IMO.

Damon

Yeah, .470 lift is about it before the retainers hit the stock guide seals. You could have the guides cut down for more clearance while the engine is apart if you feel like spending a few more bucks. With the Stealth Ram intake you might well like the HotCam- definitely hotter than stock, but without going overboard. It was built to work with 1.6 rockers and give you .525" lift on both intake and exhaust. I have one friend using it with 1.5s and a set of valve springs like you've got with good results, but it will still have .490" lift even with the lower ratio rockers, requiring the guides be cut down a little.

89_Irocz

I was also thinking about a cam for my stock 89 L98 heads. I was looking at the link below. Wouldn't the 96 LT4 cam be a good upgrade without having to do anything to the heads. http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/cam.html

LesPaulGoth

I would say you could benefit from the cam upgrade, since you have the HSR intake on there already. Just realize that you are missing out with the lack of head work here too.

Damon

The stock LT4 cam (not the HotCam which is a totally different animal) isn't all that much more aggressive than a stock LT1 cam, which itself is not that much more aggressive than a stock L98 cam. The difference is almost entirely in the amount of peak valve lift. If more lift is what you're after a set of 1.6 rocker arms will get you there more quickly and inexpensively than swapping out for an LT4 cam. It would get your lift up into the .450/.460 range and add a smidge more "effective" duration to the cam, making it act slightly larger than it is.

Now if you look a little further down the page on that link you posted you'll find this interesting little tidbit:

One that is not recommended often is the 216, also for modified TPI systems, that does not require valve guide machining.
216/219 @050", Lift-.462/.470, 112 LSA

I added the bold part. I know nothing about that cam but it certainly looks like about the limit of what you could use without valve guide modifications. And it is certainly much more aggressive than any stock L98, LT1 or LT4 cam.

Cam-aro

I got it all taken care of. I was looking to stay around .500 lift.

Just installed a LT4 hot cam with LT4 springs as well as new lifters. Running the seutp off Heddman Longtubes(arrived today ) into x-pipe and dumped Bullet mufflers. I'll have to get a sound clip to ya guys when I get it all goin end of week!

Marc 85Z28

Good choice. That cam is a proven performer and will not disappoint

Cam-aro

I didn't want anything too 'extreme', but I know the Hot Cam will be a nice upgrade over the stock cam but nothing extreme.

89_Irocz

did you have to get a chip burned for the LT4 hotcam or did it work with the stock one?

Marc 85Z28

I hate to speak for someone else, but the engine isn't in the car yet. And he has a 91, so its a speed density setup... OF COURSE IT WILL NEED A TUNE!

Cam-aro

My car already has a PCMForLess tune, but of course I'll need to have it RE-tuned now. The car will function with my current tune but of course it's not going to run nearly as efficient as it should.

Kevin91Z

I absolutely needed to start tuning my own computer chips when I put the LT4 hot cam in. However, its not just a speed density thing, a MAF car will need a custom tune with an LT4 hot cam, too.

Cam-aro

My new tune from PCMForLess is on it's way ... I'm just going to wait to start the car up when I already have the new tune installed.