Wanting to put a solid cam in my lt-1...
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Teching In
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7
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From: Texas
Wanting to put a solid cam in my lt-1... Was wondering how many people have done this, and what performance gains they have had over a hydraulic roller cam? Also, would anyone recommend a good solid cam for a 383, ported heads, and the dope. Thanks for any help.
TECH Regular
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 444
Likes: 1
From: Bahrain
Solid cams have the power advantage over hydraulic cams after 6500 rpm the more the rpm the more power difference between hyd and solid. The thing is with the stock computer is that it stops at 7000 rpm so there is no point in running a solid with a stock PCM. Another issue with solid is that they don't like low rpm operation because of lubrication problems, maybe the sloted lifters are better at that. Also mechanical cams require frequant lash adjustments and valve spring changes.
The hyd roller cams have come a long way and they are making good power at higher rpms, mind you that with a 383 you may not need to wind her that high, considering the high piston speeds.
The hyd roller cams have come a long way and they are making good power at higher rpms, mind you that with a 383 you may not need to wind her that high, considering the high piston speeds.
I would NOT say that there is no use in having a solid cam with a stock PCM. Do you have or have you had one in the past or is this information that you've read about that others have done?
That being said, the solid cam is louder, valvetrain parts like springs and retainers are slightly more expensive since you need higher quality parts there, and you replace them more often. The up side is that you make more torque and power with an equal grind compared to a hydraulic because the lobes are more aggressive in most cases and driveability is usually slightly better with the solid.
These are generalities, but I currently run a solid in my car. The old grind was a 248/254 duration at .050, the new grind that just got installed is a 252/262 at .050 and I still run the stock PCM. This cam should peak at 6800-6900 in my 383 and make good torque throughout the powerband. We'll see in the next week or so when it goes on the dyno.
I would not recommend the solid roller for a daily driver even though some guys use it as such and it can be done. If you have maxed out all the other components on the car and want to squeeze a few more HP out of the setup, then it may be a good idea and worth the cost.
That being said, the solid cam is louder, valvetrain parts like springs and retainers are slightly more expensive since you need higher quality parts there, and you replace them more often. The up side is that you make more torque and power with an equal grind compared to a hydraulic because the lobes are more aggressive in most cases and driveability is usually slightly better with the solid.
These are generalities, but I currently run a solid in my car. The old grind was a 248/254 duration at .050, the new grind that just got installed is a 252/262 at .050 and I still run the stock PCM. This cam should peak at 6800-6900 in my 383 and make good torque throughout the powerband. We'll see in the next week or so when it goes on the dyno.
I would not recommend the solid roller for a daily driver even though some guys use it as such and it can be done. If you have maxed out all the other components on the car and want to squeeze a few more HP out of the setup, then it may be a good idea and worth the cost.
