LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Cam opinions

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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 04:15 PM
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OK I am doing some upgrades to my car and have decided to replace the hotcam. The car made 343 rwhp and 358 rwtq with that cam and stock heads and 1.6 RR. I just ordered the Dart Pro LT1 200cc heads and am going to run them as cast. I will also be adding a ported intake mani, 58mm TB, ported maf, AFPR, and 36lb injectors. Currently it has Pacesetter longtubes, ORY, and an EWP.

Now in a cam, I want idle/driveability (my DD) similar or not much more aggressive than the hotcam but obviously more power. What I had looked at was the Comp 268 XFI but in searches, people said it eats springs. So I was hoping to get some educated opinions on which cam to go with and why. 268 XFI, 280 XFI, CC305, CC503. Which will make the most power? Which for driveability?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I am running 3.23s and plan on keeping them so I will need a cam that makes good low and mid range power even if I sacrifice some top end.

Last edited by 97HawkLT1; Feb 20, 2009 at 04:50 PM.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 97HawkLT1
OK I am doing some upgrades to my car and have decided to replace the hotcam. The car made 343 rwhp and 358 rwtq with that cam and stock heads and 1.6 RR. I just ordered the Dart Pro LT1 200cc heads and am going to run them as cast. I will also be adding a ported intake mani, 58mm TB, ported maf, AFPR, and 36lb injectors. Currently it has Pacesetter longtubes, ORY, and an EWP.

Now in a cam, I want idle/driveability (my DD) similar or not much more aggressive than the hotcam but obviously more power. What I had looked at was the Comp 268 XFI but in searches, people said it eats springs. So I was hoping to get some educated opinions on which cam to go with and why. 268 XFI, 280 XFI, CC305, CC503. Which will make the most power? Which for driveability?

Thanks in advance.
I'd say get the CC503. That's what I have. Perfectly drivable.

But for one not on the list, I would look into getting an Ai 226/234 or 230/238 cam. Both should have good street manners and provide great power and sound. My preference would be the 230/238 cam since you are a M6. Get some 4.10 gears too.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by ss.slp.ls1
I'd say get the CC503. That's what I have. Perfectly drivable.

But for one not on the list, I would look into getting an Ai 226/234 or 230/238 cam. Both should have good street manners and provide great power and sound. My preference would be the 230/238 cam since you are a M6. Get some 4.10 gears too.
OK I will check into those as well. We can add those to the list of possibles.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 04:57 PM
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Overall I would suggest a custom grind from Lloyd Elliot or Advanced Induction. In terms of off-the shelf I would suggest the cc503 in your case. You could figure another 10+hp/tq, more choppy idle, and very similar drivability with that however you could go custom and do one up on the cc503 with something that is the same duration and exhibits equal drivability. Custom is really the way to go for most people these days.

Off-the shelf Comp Cam = $260 + shipping
Lloyd Elliot Custom Grind = $300 shipped
Ai Custom Grind = $350 + shipping

The difference in price of a custom grind vs. off-the shelf is well worth the gains.
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Old Feb 24, 2009 | 07:34 AM
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Originally Posted by StealthFormula
Overall I would suggest a custom grind from Lloyd Elliot or Advanced Induction. In terms of off-the shelf I would suggest the cc503 in your case. You could figure another 10+hp/tq, more choppy idle, and very similar drivability with that however you could go custom and do one up on the cc503 with something that is the same duration and exhibits equal drivability. Custom is really the way to go for most people these days.

Off-the shelf Comp Cam = $260 + shipping
Lloyd Elliot Custom Grind = $300 shipped
Ai Custom Grind = $350 + shipping

The difference in price of a custom grind vs. off-the shelf is well worth the gains.
Thanks in large part to your comments, I have decided to go custom. It was going to cost me $260-270 to do an off the shelf Comp so I called Lloyd Elliot. We went through my set-up and he recommended the specs that would work well for me. And at $300 shipped, the price seems like a steal to me for what I am getting (professional knowledge). Thanks for the advice and I will post numbers once I get it all in and tuned. Until then, I am keeping the cam specs to myself
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