Scroll down to the cliffnotes version if you like.

Anyway, one side of me wants to build a turbo motor. The other side wants to build a n/a mild monster. I have a good condition LT1 coming to me this weekend and I'm considering building it up. The heads are the iron versions which I am fine with. I know they will lower compression, that's cool. I know there are benefits of both, higher and lower compression. It's hot here in AZ and my friend has a 11.5:1 LT1 that he can't drive in the summer because of the heat and the ****ty 91 octane here. So I was thinking that the lower CR of the Iron heads might help with this scenario. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but if cop Caprices did it all summer long and ImpallaSS do it with those boats then why can't I. Like I said the heads will be worked on a bit. Nothing crazy or anything, but cleaned up and allowing of 1.7rr and better springs.

Before I was thinking of the GM847 or equivalent but this is my DD and gas mileage would be nice to maintain ( currently 15/27 and keeping the 3.23s ) and high RPMs isn't where I'm wanting to be. Thinking of 6300max shift points so I don't have to do internal modifications.

I have a Vig3k stall that will be put in, and I plan on keeping the 3.23 ratio as well. Which leaves me to my question. What cam should I go with?

Cliffnotes Version: Iron heads for lower compression ratio, keeping MPG similar, 3k stall, 3.23 rear, and 6300 shift points while maximizing power to keep all of this, so which cam?

 

Lingenfelter 211/217 or CC305

Or even better get SstrokerAce to custom grind you one... that's what I'ma do if/when I cam.

 

The iron heads at a lower compression will ping same as the aluminum heads at a higher compression......it shouldn't help anything at all.

 

Okay, no biggie. I've read up on them a bit more and I am still using them. I don't think they are that bad, they are just iron heads. The extra 50lbs might even lower the front end a bit more.

 

Your friend's LT1 is not at a stock compression ratio, that is most likely why he is experiencing the issues that he is. The GM847 will be a bit much in a DD. The CC305 and CC503s are a couple of good, mild street cams. You might also try a search of older posts, plenty of good ideas and info on this topic specifically.