Hey guys, new at posting, but I have been reading your threads for months. I hope I don’t get blasted on my first try here. I like the site, it has been very useful. I want to start by thanking everyone who’s has posted in the past. I have not read them all, but I have searched and read many of your post, they are very helpful. I’m not new to cars, but I am new to the LT1 scene.

OK here is the situation, I apologize in advance for the length of the post, but I know you need details.

I bought a 97 SS, m6, 124K, seven months ago. It is not a DD, just for weekend fun. I have cleaned it up, changed the fluids, and tremendously enjoyed driving it. Since this purchase I have been reading and planning. I have gone through an opti (installed gm wp and opti) and a fuel pump (upgraded to the racetronics unit).

I have plans for a cam, TB, LT w/y, 4:10, and a tune of course. CAI may be needed, but I like the TOTL exhaust and plan on keeping it. My plan is to continue to build up the parts until I have it all together so I can drop the engine and do this all this at once. I know I can wait on the 4:10’s, but it is in the plans. When I get this accomplished I will decide where to go from there.

This is what’s on my shelf:
Hotcam kit (cam, springs, 1.6rr, and all the hardware)
All the gaskets for the install (per your previous post)
GMPP LT4 roller Timing chain
LT4 pressure plate, Mcleod disc, Kevlar bushing (per your previous post)

This is what will soon be on the shelf: (This is not an all inclusive detailed list, there is more but you get the idea)
Pacesetter LT, and Y
52mm TB

After all my reading, I have decided to post these questions. I found post that touched on them, but did not directly answer these questions for me. I would really like to stay on target, with these questions. I have based my choices on what I have read, budget, and my personal preference.

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:
Do I ditch the springs in the HC kit and use the cc26818 springs? I need your opinions; this has been covered in the past, but let’s gets some fresh thoughts.
If I do, can I use all the other hardware in the kit? This is my real question.
What about pushrods? Reuse stock, new, upgrade?
Do I ditch the HC and use a CC503? I understand the cost, but I would like input from people who actually have used these cams. I do not want to start another trash the hotcam post, that’s been covered, I like the cam, and obviously I bought it for the drivability and power output. I have researched other cams, but I think these are the best choice for me. I will soon drop the engine and install the cam, I am second guessing myself on this one, and would prefer to only do this once.
What is the difference in the numbers for these two cams? HP, torque, ¼ mile, etc.

Thanks again for all your help.

 

I would seriously consider heads. What you are planning doesn't require "dropping" the engine---even though things are easier if you do. But...if I was going to remove an engine, I would rebuild it, especially since you have the miles to do it.

The choice of a cam is usually based on what you plan to do with the car, i.e, DD, Steet and strip or strip only---however, whatever cam you choose, it will work much better with ported stock heads or after market heads that flow really well. Camming an engine and adding Lts is kind of a waste without improving the heads. JMHO

 

Good luck with everything,Depending on how much power you are looking for,did you even consider any of the LE cams.

 

I would go as 'extreme' as I thought I would ever want if it's not a daily driver (I sometimes wish I had gone a bit more radical with my cam). If you decide for another cam, have the heads re-worked (you're leaving alot of power on the table if you don't). Use new pushrods and maybe even replace the lifters since you have the car taken apart. LE can make you a good deal with his cam/heads package.

 

I would think you could make about 20-30hp more with the CC503 over the hotcam, and that's just ballpark guess. Custom cam will make more and of course any cam will benefit from headwork. If you're sticking with the hotcam, you really don't need to upgrade the springs. The beehives are great springs, but since you already have the LT4's, then just use them. If you're upgrading the cam, then you need the 918's.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the lt4 springs in the kit were at the max with the hotcam? I know I had a broken spring on my hotcammed motor.. been down for 16 months so far 383 is coming shortly, though

 

The choice is up to you on the camshaft and springs... However you will be much happier i feel with different camshaft and springs. Also you should change your PR's while your there... I would advise to... Also heads would be a good ideas as said above while your in there... Fell free to contact us if you have some questions or need some price quotes..

Thanks

 

Thanks for all your help. I know I don't need to drop the engine, but I have a lot of things to install and I think it is easier. I have considered heads, but I'm not sold on the cash spent vs. hp gained on that one. Anyone done the hotcam with the stock pushrods and lifters? How many miles since the install?
Anyone running these cams?

 

I didn't see valve stem seals on your list; I'd advise changing them while you're doing valve springs. The 52mm TB isn't going to gain you much; I'd put that money to better use elsewhere.

 

in 2000 i put a hot cam in with stock springs stock push rods stock rockers tune etc.
hooker LT's and rane the car 2-3 seasons that way...I wouldn't recomend this but i got great results from it....consistant lo 12's in a car with good susp. and #3100 I think it made a little over 300 at the wheels
I think the hot cam is great all around so go with it
when i was done with those valve springs they had #40 of seat pres.

 

The HC is a great cam for an all around driver with stock heads. That's what GM designed it for! It doesn't actually require much in the way of a "tune" either. A mass-air car like yours will probably run fine with the HC, but you will at least want to raise the rev limit to take advantage of it and a full tune would still be of some use. Also, the kit is a great value. If you want a different cam, you could make a few more hp with a different cam and springs. As far as off the shelf cams, the Comp XFI series look good, but I have not personally tested these on an LT1. We have had one in a Mustang on the dyno and I was impressed.

I agree with your plan to drop the motor, it will be easier in the long run and would absolutley do at least a valve job if the heads are going to be disassembled anyway. Pop on a set of new valve seals too, while you are there. If you are putting in a mild cam, stock pushrods will be fine but you need to verify that they are the right length, which the probably will be.

Rich

 

I didn't see any mention in your plans about the timing chain set. I wouldn't consider doing anything like you want without including a new timing set. You can either put in a stock replacement chain set, the LT4 timing chain set, or the Extreme Duty timing set without any other modifications to the engine. I went with the ED set; it's pretty much bullet proof IMO, and you can re-use it in the future if you want to do some more radical upgrades. If you do go with the ED set, don't try to get away with not changing water pump drive gear that comes with the set, even though it's a PITA to do.

 

Thanks for your replies. I have the GMPP HD Timming chain set on the shelf. I just didn't list it. I will be putting in a new set of lifters and pushrods. I am considering heads. I hate to do all this work and be right there at them and not go for that hp. There seems to be more in the heads than I thought. Correct me if I'm wrong here but what I am seing is that I'll be in the low 300hp mark with just a small cam and the bolt-ons. If I spend the additional coin and venture into the heads then I'll be getting into the high 300's. I can build it, who can tune it near the 42103 Zip code?