how many cam shafts do lt1s have. one right? or am i thinking of the crank?

 

is this a serious question?

one cam
one crank...

 

The LT1 is what is known as an overhead valve (OHV) V-8. Take a look at your engine and you will see that the bbasic structure is a "V" shape. There are four cylinders in each limb of the V running front to back. Also running longitudinally in the "crotch" of the V, just above and parallel to the cranksahft is the camshaft, which is driven by a chain from the crank snout.

The valves, which sit on the top ("overhead") of the cylinder heads are actuated by pushrods, which form part of the valvetrain connecting the cam to the valves. Sitting on top of the cam are roller lifters. There are 16 lifters, 8 for the intake valves and 8 for the exhaust The 16 pushrods each sit in a little cup on the top of the lifter and articulate with the rocker arm, seen sitting at the very top of the diagram on the right. The rocker arm connects the pushrod to the valve. When the pushrod moves up, the tip of the rocker arm on top of the valve moves down, opening the valve. The valve srping sits outside the valve and the spring pressure keeps the valve closed until it is forced open by the action of the rocker arm.

The pros and cons of an OHV versus an overhead cam (OHC) makes for an interesting debate. There are advantages to each. Most modern engines have some type of an OHC arrangement. But the new GM small block LSx series of OHV engines has already been a great success. AFAIK, it's the only new OHV design in years. GM may be timid and inept in many ways. But they deserve kudos for being so sucessful bucking the OHC trend. Still, I bet the LSx (which will be with us a long time) is the last new OHV engine family we will see. if you have ever modified a dual OHC motor and had to spend an extra $1,000 on parts primarily due to the need to buy four versus a single camshaft, you will see one of the main advantages of an OHV design.

BTW - nearly all OHV designs (including all Chevys) have two valves per cylinder. But there have been 4-valve OHV designs. I had a very interesting motorcycle in the early 80's, a Honda 650 Turbo. VERY advanced for the time with electronic fuel injection, a turbo, and a 4-valve OHV design. Wish I still had that bike.

Rich

 

thanks rich and to the other guy i knew there was one cam but my buddy wouldnt beleive me worth a **** so i had to prove him wrong