brian89transam

Would anyone like to help me out with picking heads and a cam to go with an LT1 intake? It's hard to know where to start. I don't want a very big cam. I don't suppose the vortech heads will fit will they? Sorry, I know it's a pretty broad question. Please point me in the right direction. Thanks, -Brian.

BuckeyeROC

Personally, I'd get some AFR 190's or similar heads fully ported and a BIG cam with the LT1 intake, such as the Comp Cams 306 (230/244 w/ .510/.540 lift). The LT1 intakes like to make power by revving, and you need a larger cam for that. I'm not saying you HAVE to rev high for good power, but the potential is there and the LT1 is great between 5000-7000 rpm.

The HOT cam is a popular choice and if you want to stay on the smaller side, I'd go with that. But if I had an LT1 intake, I'd get a bigger cam and use the intake where it shines.

gmgod

I'm planning on pro lightning 180's and LT4 hot cam.

Chris Etemadi

I Have the CC305 cam in my motor (not finished yet) the stats are 220/230 .544/.544 w/ 1.6's with a 114 LSA Its a pretty popular cam. slightly larger than the hot cam but with a 114 LSA instead of the 112 on the hot cam. In LT1's the Hot cam cars normally run high 12's while many CC305 cam cars are in low 12s. I kind of wish I would have went with the CC306 or equivalent. But I guess I will see how it goes if not good then I will have a weekend of fun
Also I will be running fully ported Iron L98's. If they do good then I will likely keep them for awhile but if not I have been looking into the AFR 190's and the Pro Lightning heads.

Der91Z

iTrader: (1)

I agree with BuckeyeROC, the AFR heads all the way. The CC306 cam would be a great cam if emissions is not an issue. If it is, I know for a fact that the LT4 hot cam can pass emissions with a little tuning.

ctandc

I know you asked about using the LT1 intake, but then you mentioned you didn't want a "big" cam? The LT1 ( and it's aftermarket counterparts ) like to REV. So you're actually giving away HP by not taking advantage of that with a stronger cam. A good engine is a match of all the components....heads, intake, exhaust, cam and induction.

If you want TORQUE, and this is what rules on street / strip cars, I'd get the modified Vortec heads from Scoggin-Dickey ( $630 ) the Vortec TPI intake ( @$399 ) use the stock GM TB, etc with maybe some cleaning up of the plenum, runners etc. Use a ZZ4 take off cam and you're looking at a MONSTER torque motor with decent HP numbers, even in a 350 config. EVEN better with a 383 or 400 starting point. It would be fairly easy on gas ( TUNING is the key hear, I'm new to tuning TPI, but not carbs )


I don't really know how the TPI compares, as I said I'm fairly new to modifying and tuning TPI, but I built a similar engine for a friend. '89 L98 short block, 3.750" stroke crank ( 383), Vortec heads, ZZ4 cam, Edelbrock Vortec performer, and a tuned Q-Jet. With headers, a decent exhaust and some patience, this thing ran 13.20's in a fairly hefty '80's Regal with 3.42 gears.


If going LT1, follow the advice given, TAKE ADVANTAGE of the LT1 intake rev range. The heads are the key here.... buy the BEST you can afford...but we all can't drop $1500 on heads.


HTH
Chris

CHRISMAN2000

iTrader: (1)

On the TPIS FAQ page some one was saying they were having problems with the LT4 hot cam in they're set up.
Check it out before you decide.
www.tpis.com
I'm going with the zz-409 cam and AFR 195 heads myself.

Markolc

As a big follower of what goes on in the LT1 world, I have seen some very good combos. If you're looking for 400 RWHP, get a good set of AFR 190s (similar to fully ported LT1 heads), and a very nice cam. The three most popular cams I have seen are the GTP-6 cam, CC306, and the CCXE 230/236. Pretty much all these cams are guaranteed not to pass emmissions, lol. You'd want valvesprings good to handle .600 lift with pretty much each of these cams except the CCXE (which you'd want springs good for .575, but .600 will be fine). Each of these cams will have a great powerband from 2500-6500/7000. That's the range the LT1 LOVES! Couple that combo with 3.73 or 4.11 gears (4.11 if you have a T56 only) and a good stall if you have an auto, you're definately knocking on the 11's door. Plus our cars are lighter than 4th gens so high 11's is VERY realistic.

If you absolutely need to pass emmissions, do the same as above, except get a CC305 cam or a hot cam. The powerband peaks in the 5600-6000 range and gives very decent power when properly tuned (around the 350-360 RWHP range). Just think, you can have more power than GMHTP's high priced motor build up in the Magnum TPI for a lot less, and a very well matched combo. And please don't complain about torque loss, because if you ask LT1 owners about low low-end torque, they won't know what you're talking about. It's better to get a good jump and kill in the midrange, then sit there with a torque monster frying tires, shifting at 4500-5000 RPM getting beat in the long run. The LS1 took it a step further by giving a flat torque curve throughout the entire range, but the LT1 (motor or intake) is as close as you will get to a super combo like an LS1.

brian89transam

I'm really not worried about emmissions. A nice idle and good drivability is what I'm looking for, but it will probably take a lot of computer tuning.

92superram

Ok, here's some things you need to think about.
1. How much rpm can your bottom end handle?
If you go with a stock l98, the factory redline is 5500, but they can be safely reved up too 6000 or so without worry. I'm not sure after that. and our computers can only be programmed up to 6400rpm. So if you want to rev higher, look at spending lots more money on a custom computer, and stronger engine parts.

2. Idle
If you get really big cam and heads, you can't expect a great idle. I wouldn't go past .55 lift, and 230'duration at .05. also, a 112' lobe sep would be good for the street setup. 190 heads are good, and will match the cam and intake. 2.02/1.6 valves are also good for the street. much more that that, and you will get a rough idle, and poor low end power.

3. Drivetrain. If you are going with this kind of high rpm power setup, you will need a tc to take advantage of it. 3400rpm or so would be great. and gears to match.

If you are going with a stock l98 bottom end, look into 58cc chambers on the heads. This will give you a higher compression ratio, and both more low and high rpm power.

Last, buy all the prom burning stuff. It will help

ninety1TAgta

Personally if your going for idle quality and good street driveability I wouldnt go with the LT1. It sounds to me that everyone is agreeing to a relatively close setup, but the fact is that its a high rev setup that would require a decently wild cam, high TC and low gears to have good results. This all amounts to bad mileage, lots of heat, and a big cam usually means higher idle rpm and rougher. Not that those LT1 setups arnt amazing, it just doesnt sound like what you want. Just make sure you keep an open mind and look into a LTR and SR setups before spending the money. Thats just my opinion and the lt1 intake might just be your cup of tea.
Would someone be able to post an url for scoggin-dickey pls?
-greg

alloy

iTrader: (16)

Greg, Here you go.

http://www.sdpc2000.com/