Which cam should make the most power at peak and which one would be the best all around cam for my setup. Car is a 97 SS M6 with a set of ported LT1 cylinder heads w/larger valves - 2.00/1.55 - (flow approx 270/190 @ .600), SLP short tube headers, Random Tech dual cat y-pipe, SLP 2OTL catback, 52mm t/b, 30# injectors, 1.6 roller rockers, good tuning, and all the bolt-ons. I am interested in what the general concensus is on these four cams because I have to remain emissions legal and car is a daily driver. These 4 cams seem like the biggest that should still pass emissions. I have already purchased the XE503 but it has not been installed yet so I can sell it and go with something else if I want to. Feedback is appreciated.

Here are the specs on the cams:

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Hotcam

advertised dur 279/287
dur @ .050 218/228
lift w/1.6rockers .525/.525
lsa 112

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CC305

advertised dur 276/290
dur @ .050 220/230
lift w/1.6rockers .544/.544
lsa 114

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XE503

advertised dur 276/281
dur @ .050 224/230
lift w/1.6rockers .536/.544
lsa 112

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GM846

advertised dur 284/292
dur @ .050 222/230
lift w/1.6rockers .543/.563
lsa 112

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Thanks

 

Id go with the GM846 of those 4. I actually own the XE503 but there are better cams out there. IMO the 846 should make just as much power if not more b/c of the higher lift but the lobe characteristics will be easier on the valvetrain.

I bet theyd all pass emissions with the right touch.

 

224/230 would have the strongest powerband and will work great with your modifications. You still need some gear though. 4.10 for best performance. Computer tuning is going to be critical for driveability and getting it to pass emmissions. If you have a tailpipe test, you can probably forget looking at either of these cams. I run this cam in my personal car (91Z) and love it. 11.62 at 118mph, NA 355ci using factory T5 trans and stock rearend. Be careful on your valvesprings. We recommend using the Crane 10308-1 spring and retainer kit for use with this camshaft.

 

Do you guys have dyno results for all these LT1 cams like you do for the LS1 guys?

 

It's a good group of cams you've selected, but if it was my ***,
I'd take the cc305 just to be sure I pass emissions. I spray, so
I can find power other ways

Really what you ought to do is look into a custom grind for your specific application
If you do a search for true emissions legal cams, it's tough to get peak #'s, so if I were you, I'd be looking for nice #'s for your AVERAGE power output.

Or look into having a seperate tune for emssions testing only,
OR finding a "friendly" testing center

 

Having spoke to a few cam makers and endless long time N/A LT1 guys none of them like the XE lobe design. If your doing off the shelf go with the GM 846, if you have money for a custom cam, call Bret Bauer.

-Dustin-

 

I'm happy with my 846. I'm sure I would pick up some more with true duals, a dyno tune, and an e-waterpump ect..., but for what I have done it puts out decent #'s.
Here's the dyno graph
http://www.lifeinwidescreen.com/siihp/dyno%2062005.jpg I love the powerband of this cam, and how the hp is completly flat from 5800-6400.
The best pull was in my sig, but they didn't get the tach signal to pick up for that run, this is the only one with RPM's.

 

and what ICL or advance do the cams have? I rarely see that discussed on the LTx forums

 

I think they are all LSA+4 standard for LT1 cams.

 

I'm sure we have dynoed all of these cams before in some sort of form, sorry don't have graphs like the LS1 stuff. My car put down 385rwhp and 416rwtq corrected. My combo is really basic, Ported Accel SuperRam, GTP ported AFR 190's, Hooker LT, 3.5" exhaust, etc. I'm sure with a shorter runner intake such as a MiniRam it would put down 400rwhp corrected. From what I have seen the Hotcam isn't very good at all(no offense to the guys using them). Just haven't seen the performance as the aftermarket cams give and I see these cams all the time. The GM 846 cam seems to work pretty well, but the XE cam will give a much stronger powerband which will make for a more fun car to drive as well as work at the track. I do remember the owner (Geoff) using the 222/230 cam in his 95LT1 and with CNC LT4 heads in an auto it put down 370 rwhp(corrected). He stepped up to an XE custom and power jumped another 25rwhp. This was right before he sold the car. As for the 305 camshaft, it works pretty well also. Pretty tame as far as ramp rates, makes decent power and easier to tune then all 3 other cams.

 

thanks just curious I've been out of the LTx stuff for a while and don't see it discussed often.

 

what about the cc306 how does it compare to these?

 

You'll probably make more peak power, but it will be made at much higher rpm's and your drivibility will go down hill. Shoot Bret Bauer and email, he'll help you out.

-Dustin-