I was wonering if going with hogged out heads like the LE3's and putting in a smaller cam to pass emissions would still give gains. The cam I was thinking was either a CC305 or 503. anyone know what would happen?

 

My guess would be a signifigant loss in TQ in the low to mid range area and then when the heads want to shine up top, you would run out of camshaft. It'd probablly do ok from 4500-6500 though.

 

Likely the LE1 heads would suffice for what you want to do. Best to ask Lloyd directly and he'll set you up with what you want. First thing he's gonna ask is what are your goals i.e. HP and ET's or just driveability.

 

I have the 503 cam, and Lloyd had recommended to me his LE1 heads. I dont think the cc305 or 503 make much power past 6200 - 6300 rpms..and id expect LE3 heads to make power way over that. I'd agree with the poster above that you would probably lose some low-end..and then not have enough RPM with the cam to make up the power using gearing.

 

It lot rather run LE3 heads with that cam than LE1 if you ask me. People get too complicated with crap on this board anymore. You want the best flowing head possible to make the most power.

 

With either one of those cams I'd go with the LE2 heads. Better components than the LE1 heads and will still work with the milder cams and RPM.

 

Get the lift right for your flow and it will gain a bunch

Big heads=smaller cam=same HP as reversed.

 

WORD!!

 

Do a custom grind with lets say.....

.590 lift on both sides
very little overlap
with duration something like 21x, 22x.

 

Read my sig. I am running the LE2 heads and comp 503 in a 96 Impala SS. Car runs low 12's all day long.
HVY SS

 

Agree 100%. Port volume isn't nearly as critical in low-end torque production as most people think. You could put AFR 227's on there and not lose more than 10 ft-lb down low. I had an 8.5/1, 350 cid motor with AFR 210's, the GM 847 cam, and a Victor Jr intake. Sound like it would be a pig down low? Nope, it had very decent low-end torque and ran pretty good too. 11.96 at 114.5 on 87 octane.

 

Take a look at the LS7. Big heads, little cam and lots of power! I don't think GM wanted a 4000+ rpm engine with no bottom end

 

There are some guys floating around with cams that most would balk at running damn good....small cams can make very good power.

 

not that mine's "small" or even emissions legal, but it certainly isn't "large" compared to many others around here. DavesLT1 - Why not just get some LE2 heads and a custom smog legal cam from LE?

 

I've had a lot of fun with "great" heads and small cam.

I've won alot of races and even a little money with "great" heads and big cam.

All in all, I prefer to have the "right" heads for the combination.

-Mindgame