cam suggestions?

[SmokinJoe280]

I have done nothing to my engine other than improve induction and soon exhaust. But, lately I've been looking at all the different cams available for my '97 Z28 and I'm tempted to buy and maybe a set of 1.6 rocker arms. Any suggestions out there?

I've also started playing with Desktop Dyno 2000 and it seems like a cool program, but I don't think I have all the info on a stock LT1 that I need for a good baseline. Anyone have that info or know where to find it

[Black_97'Z]

I have looked all over for stock info for LT1's on dyno 2000 and have found nothing.

An aftermarket cam in an LT1 with stock heads, intake, is not going to help alot. LT1 heads just dont flow enough for anything larger than the stock cam to make much of a difference. Also get 1.6RR with a cam, more lift equals more power.

You will have to get aftermarket springs, locks, retainers, and hardened pushrods with 1.6RR because the greater lift will break the stock springs, and the stiffer aftermarket springs, over time will bend stock pushrods.

If want a cam get the LT4 Hot Cam kit from GM. It comes with everything you need except hardened pushrods.

218 / 228, .525 / .525 112 LSA Lift #'s w/1.6 Rockers.
GMPP 1.6 Roller Rockers
valve springs
retainers
valve locks & shims

I dont remember if the GM RR are self-aligning, if not you will also need pushrod guideplates.

The Hot Cam barley passses emissions here in Texas, and you will need computer tuning to take full advantage of the cam.

Your other choices are the CompCams 304, 305, or 306 cam, or something similar in lift.

IMO, you better off saving money and doing a heads, cam, intake swap all at the same time. AFR 210 heads, custom ground cam, LT4 intake, and Hooker LT's would make some mean power.

[SmokinJoe280]

Thanks for the advice. I didn't realize there was much of a difference between the LT1 and the LT4 intake. As far as heads go, the AFR 210 flow better than the LT4 heads? One more thing, when you say computer programming I assume you mean more than the HPP3 can provide. Thanks again!

[Black_97'Z]

There isn't musch difference between the LT1 and LT4 intakes other than the LT4 has taller intake runners.

Air Flow Research 210cc heads flow huge amounts of air compaired to the LT4 heads. You could get AFR 227cc heads.

HPP3 uses a set program for every car. Hypertech comes up with a program using a stock car on a dyno, and changes the computer for maxium power.

Lets say the car they used made 10 more hp with their tuning. the hypertech headquarters is at sealevel, so a car at 1K feet or higher elevation may not gain as much hp or nothing from their programming. Also internal engine tolerances are different, that why cars that are stock, and with the same mods dont make the same rwhp. Some people gain hp with HPP3, some lose hp with HPP3 and some get nothing from it. IMO HPP3 is useless, unless you have an 96-97 LT1 OBD2 car and get the power scan for the programmer so you can monitor all the cars sensors.

For computer tuning. Your car is strapped to a dyno, and the PCM is retuned with a laptop, then a pull is made and the tune is tweeked some for more rwhp, than another pull is made and so on till the most rwhp is made.

[SmokinJoe280]

I really appreciate all the info you're giving me. I just found out that the county that I live in is doing away with the emissions program starting next year Now I'm really looking into a set of Hooker LT's, O2 simulators and a catback exhaust. As far as altitude goes, I really noticed a difference in performance when I took the camaro down to Texas last month. Took it to an 1/8 mile strip they just built. That was my first time at any dragstrip and I had a hell of a good time.

[Gripenfelter]

I would recommend something from the XE series of cams. They feature aggressive ramps on the lobes to open and close the valves quicker.

I have an XE 230/236 cam in my 383 and it drives like stock until I mash the gas. Very nice lope on a 350.

470hp/510 lb ft of torque.

The XE 230/236 makes great midrange and top end power as opposed to something like the cc306 which is mostly peaky.