I'm going with a new cam. I've heard a popular cam for these LT1s is the LT4 Hotcam. I'm looking to get some more info about them though. I was told they sound sweet, give good power and they're not that expensive. That sounds like what I'm looking for. However, I decided before buying it, I want some opinions from people who already have one (or at least know a lot about it). What are advantages/disadvantages? And What are some options to get me in between 350-375 HP? My car, so far, only has a CAI, Edelbrock shorties, cat delete and Flowmaster 40s.

 

Are you talking 350-375 at the wheels or at the flywheel? The hotcam won't get you there at the rear wheels. Is your car manual or automatic? To get near 350rwhp you'll really need some head porting and a better cam than the hotcam

 

You do not need to touch the heads to get 350hp. Get the biggest cam you can get for stock heads. Get good springs, RR's, some longtubes, and a good tune. Just remember the higher the lift, the higher you will have to spin it in the rpm to make max power. Talk to LLoyd Elliot they could get you set up with what will make the best power for stock heads. Because you dont want to buy a cam that is for aftermarket heads and not get everything out of it

 

to be honest i wouldn't waste your money on the lt4 hot cam, you can probably get away with a comp 503 cam with stock heads but to get the most out of any cam on those lt1's you should really get some sort of head work, like they mentioned above give lloyd elliot a call and tell him what you are wanting to get out of your car and he will lead you down the right path.

 

96LT1Z, do you think it's possible for a stock headed auto LT1 to reach 350rwhp with full bolt ons and cam only (depending on cam selection of course)?

 

The hotcam is a good cam. Dont let anyone tell you different. Friday I made a 12.4 pass @ 113 mph with a crappy 1.9 sixty spinning off the line in a full weight M6 Z28. I got the slips I can upload to prove it if anyone wants to argue it.

As far as sound? Look me up on youtube Harley1997Z28. I have some sound clips and my most recent video is me at the track beating a supercharged ss camaro.

Any more questions feel free to ask me.

 

350whp cam-only, while not common, has been done. If you're looking at MAX rwhp I would take a look at the AI 226/234.

The hotcam is nice but there are newer better grinds out there nowadays (no offense Harley).

 

Highly unlikely through a stalled auto cam only.

 

None taken ramair. I dont doubt there is better grinds, however it seems people make the hotcam out to be a complete piece of crap that isnt even worth looking at. My car is easily capable of high 11s. With a good hook. Not sure what kinda times this guy is wanting but low 12s high 11s is fast.

 

Valve lift has zero to go with power band RPM range. Duration does.

 

hotcam car here along with mods in sig. not sure how much HP/TQ im making as it has never been on the dyno. I DD mine and its not bad for that. If it wasn't a DD I would have changed the hotcam out years ago. If your going for HP though or you don't DD your car a custom grind or different cam would probably be better for you, plus more easily fall in your desired power range. If you do end up going with the hotcam, I recommend checking around as some good deals can be had for one. I personally would get a custom grind for a little more $ if I were you. As others have said talk to Lloyd Elliot.

 

I'm just curious why are you stuck on making 350 HP? You can have all the power in the world but that doesn't mean anything if you can't use it. What are you're intensions for your car?

 

Yes, with good supporting mods (not touching the heads) and good tuning

 

If your going to do the work of getting those heads ported, you might as well talk to LE and get a head and cam combo and really make good power

 

I like the hot cam, my dyno mule engine has a Hot Cam kit and makes 450hp/420tq on my Super Flow 902 engine dyno. The engine is a flat top 350 with stock fast burn heads and GMPP single plane intake. I use it for carburetor testing and developing. The engine has wide HP and TQ band and is very reliable with well over 3000 dyno pulls.

BTW, My cam only(& bolt on's) 3500lbs '95 m6 Formula went 11.70's @ 118mph back in the day at the 2002 Southern Shoot Out. So 350rwhp isn't that far out of reach with stock heads.

BrandonB

 

I'm another that agrees with the Hotcam being a good cam. Bought it in 98, installed it in 03 ran it up until this last build (started 2011). had a few different dynos # on different dynos. anywhere from 310 to 35x. But with gasket matched aluminum heads and all the boltons, 3000 stall, built tranny & 3.73s, it would run 8.1's in the 1/8th and 7.50's on a 100 shot.

It also got 24mpg Hwy.

Edit: this was also in a full weight, 4300lbs Impala SS.

 

Another Hotcam user here, its nice for a daily car and with gears and stall, it'll drag almost anything from a dig on the streets of mexico.

 

My 97 had the hotcam in it when I bought it, and it ran damn good. However, with cam only, the hotcam isn't going to get you 350+. I swapped to the cc503, LE1 heads, tune and was 350-360hp. Now I'm going LE2 and cc306 and should be somewhere in the 380-400 range. I have heard of cam only guys running the cc306 make around 350rwhp though. Like stated above, your best bet is to call or email Lloyd and tell him what your goals are, and he can get you there.

 

Btw if you still decide to go hotcam, I have one for sale

 

I have used the hotcam kit in a carbed engine with good results, I currently have one in a project vehicle with an LT1, but have not driven it yet. so I really cant advise on how they work with FI, but all I've heard and read is good. I have a second LT1 on the engine stand if I could pick up another hotcam for it I would. so if the OP doesnt take it, I probably will.