Hey guys. I picked up an LT4 Hotcam and am getting ready to do the swap. I was just wondering from those who have done it what you would recomend. I know i need to put a new timing chain on. Should i get a whole timing set or would just the chain be fine. And what is the best one to get, and where to get it? Also, does the cam need to be degreed in or should i just line it up. I've heard from people that it's a bitch to deree a cam in an LT1. What about springs, i was thinking just picking up the springs that come with the LT4 kit, are those fine or would you recomend something else? I don't want to have the heads machined though so the O.D. has to fit the stock pockets. That's about all the questions I can think of for now. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

As far as the chain goes, it depends on what you want, many choose a beefy set which costs 300 bucks, I think some places sell them for just over 200, but its the only one that will fit without going with a true double roller and electric waterpump. ITs the LT4 heavy duty set. Some go with the stocker which is 100 bucks. But with these you aare limited to RPM, some actually rev to 6500rpm with the stocker without problems for a while, but its not ment to go this high and your taking risks. I went with just a chain, as my gears looked pretty good, and I would like to upgrade to a better chain set one day, but I must either stay at a lower rpm and run slower times or rev and take my chances. Some will tell you to replace the chain and gears as the gears will be worn, this is prefered, but if your like me-POOR then sometimes ya gotta wait. Combination Motorsport told me to buy just the chain unless the gears were real worn also, and they seem to know these cars pretty well. THe Springs are marginal, but will work for this cam, going with more lift would be bad with them. ITs up to you, some people upgrade while others don't. I know CM above sells springs good for 600 lift, without having to having to get your heads machined, I have them and they seem to work well. If you don't have the springs I would get something else better. You don't need to degree in the cam, I've never done it on this engine so I can't say if its hard or not. Don't forget to order gaskets (intake, timing, waterpump, I would do all new seals for timing cover, valve cover are reusable) I might be forgeting a gasket, make sure you've got all the tools like valve spring compressor THis place has cheap prices that can't be beat http://samtaylor.com/html/parts.html