Slammed97dime

Ok ive got a few questions ive got a jasper crate engine and it came with the roller set up can i just use the roller lifters and pushrods with the lt1 cam or do i have to get the ones for the lt1 also ive got the jet stage 2 chip is that good enough of a tune to handle that cam or will i have to get a custom one thanks in advance

ShiftyCapone

iTrader: (7)

You can re-use the stock LO3 lifters and pushrods (assuming they are in good shape). The Jet chip is a waste of time and money. To properly tune your new cam it will require you to burn chips yourself. Fear not, there is plenty of info on this site to help get you started. No off the shelf chip will suffice.

Slammed97dime

Well that sucks tuning looks kinda complicated can anyone simplify it for me lol and were can i buy a cheaper cable ive got the money just dont want to spend 60$ on a cable

BOSS 357

iTrader: (1)

Back once again..

Shifty, this is a GREAT article. This will be my first cam swap too and I was a bit nervous until I saw how simple you made it seem.

You didn't mention anything about degreeing the cam. I run TPI and a non-LT1 cam but I'm betting whether to degree or not is the same answer. So, is it necessary? If so, do you have another article on how to do that?

Thank you...
Eric

ownor

iTrader: (5)

one more question, are you guys using any kind of cam button on this installation?

graebz28

iTrader: (5)

If you have a 87+ roller motor, they incorporate a retaining plate that eliminates the need for a cam button.

ownor

iTrader: (5)

thanks for clearing that up, i wasn't aware of the fact that the retainer plate eliminates the need for a cam button. great article btw *****

Gordiggz

A quick question I think I know the answer to:

I am building a 350 LO5 TBI for my 89 Formula. In your opinion, would it behoove me to install the LT1 cam now, and try to tune for it later, or get the 350 in the car stock and running, then add the LT1 cam later on with the motor in the car.

Obviously, it's easier to install a cam while a motor is basically ripped apart (at this point it's only the balancer and behind to remove). But would it just create a headache when trying to get the car started and running well after the 305-350 tbi swap? (all this based on the assumptions that 1- I've read the 305-350 swap sticky in the tbi forum and 2- I have no tuning experience)

Your thoughts are valued.

ownor

iTrader: (5)

i would say it all depends on whether you have time to fart around with tuning it or not. if you need to swap it and then drive to work after the weekend the lt1 cam should go in later of course
i would really put it in with the engine apart.. about the tuning part, you might want to consider these two opportunities: if you say i'll throw in that lt1 cam (which is pretty mild for a 350 anyway), tune it and leave it like that for some years, you would probably want to burn a chip and leave it.
you wouldn't want something like the EBL (dynamicefi.com) then, because you will never need to re-programm anything -- on the other hand, even if you choose the fully assembled EBL Flash version, it's like 400 bucks, reprogrammable and has a lot more nice sh*t put into it than prolly any of the stock tbi ecms, and if you have to buy all the prom burning stuff you won't get away much cheaper anyways (but you could still borrow it or have someone tune it?)
just some thoughts hth, ownor

Gordiggz

thanks, ebl seems like an option to consider. Really though, I plan on doing the motor in affordable steps, tuning and learning as I go. Start with just the stock 350 and cam, then go from there.

Thanks for the advice, I don't want to hijack the thread though. Just figured my question would be relevent for many considering the LT1 cam as an option while building a motor.

Jono4820

iTrader: (1)

New post to old thread..... I have done the 305 to 350 swap. I am pulling the motor this week to 'freshen up'. I have a 350 tbi (9C1) my engine guy tells me that I can increase the cam size slightly and the computer will make up the difference. I already have the bigger fuel pump and the 65 lb./hr injectors. Is this true or MUST I burn a new chip?

xNJ92RSx

kind of an old post, but whats the idle like? choppy, lopey etc....

Gordiggz

I'm in the process of the 305-350 tbi swap myself and have done hours upon hours of research (mainly here, thanks again smart people )

From what I gather, you COULD run the LT1 cam without tuning, but the gains from the cam would be minimal if any. It could even take you down a notch.

It seems to me that more power could be made by tuning alone than doing the LT1 cam swap without tuning at all. Obviously if you're going to tune and you're already "freshening" might as well toss the bad boy in there (can't argue w/ it's price!) since it's tried and true and with some advice from the tuning gurus here you could get it running very strong.

These are basic assumptions I've made based on using an LO5 truck 350... not a 9C1. Assuming you are using the 9C1 ECM, things might also be different. Chances are though, you would really want to get into tuning it. I'm not at those stages yet myself, but it seems to me that if you have a computer, an ALDL cable and a dream you can pull it off (with some serious effort).

TA-Rocks

I have a stock L03 engine and want to add better heads and a streetable cam. I must have read it many times on third gen site but I get lost sometimes and cant refind the info. I would like to know which heads I can buy used and which cam is recommended. Please steer me to the sticky on my car and heads. Thanks

Robert

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

TA, check out my cardomain for all the answers you need. Go the the 3rd page and read on.

TA-Rocks

I see you noted that you hate the locker rear. I was planning on changing my gear set in my car soon and was wondering what you would suggest. Thanx
Rockmann007@yahoo.com

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

An Eaton posi all day everyday. I would skip out on the 3.23's and go to the 3.42's instead. Trust me you'll love it.

SMOKIN92RS

So I realize this is an EXTREMELY old thread, but I too have a question. I have lots of plans for my LO3 this winter while the car is in hibernation. I'm definitely looking into the LT1 cam and I have other ideas (such as Ebelbrock Performer TBI intake, Hooker Headers, Proform full roller rockers, and some machining to the heads.) I am already running a Hypertech Stage 2 chip on stock motor and the gain was actually unreal in my application. Much more throttle response, and better fuel economy while running 93 octane pump gas. Also was able to achieve 140 MPH with stock 3.08 rear and T-5 trans. (speedlimiter bypass switch on the dash, of course)

To my actual question regarding chip burning, would the chip I currently have handle the cam? General consensus is absolutely not, but I have no idea who near me knows how to burn a chip. Any help would be great!

And awesome article btw. I've been doing mechanical work for a few years now, but this is my first attempt at internal engine work, and I'm doing it in my personal ride!

89Formula50

Im running the hypertec stage 2 in my firebird and the car runs good with it but to benefit from everything the tuning is the way to go. I had a guy near me do a chip for me and it runs a little better but i need better gears and more tuning.

Their is a section on here for chip burning a lot of great info.

SMOKIN92RS

Thanks for the info. I did see the threads on that, and have read up on it a bit. Sounds like something I can do. I may give it a shot. But just to clarify, you are running the Hypertech chip with the LT1 cam? Just wanted to make sure that is what you meant. If that's the case, I may go ahead with the build, and have the chip done/do the chip myself at a later date

89Formula50

yes i am running the lt1 cam and a lot of extras. and before the chip burning the car ran good with just the hypertech chip.

The swap is very very simple just remember to grind down the dowel pin.

SMOKIN92RS

Excellent! Thanks a ton for the information. I appreciate it. I'm going to go ahead and do it. And yea, I read earlier in this thread about the pin. I'll cut it down, and smooth the tip over on the bench grinder. I have a few more mods planned, that I mentioned in the first post. I hope this works well. Not looking for a 400 HP monster yet, just want to have a little more *** on the street.

Thank you again!

freaky

this is a great thread , i to am going to put a lt1 in my 305 this spring i would like to know if this will be a good cam for a turbo also i plan on adding that later in the summer . plus is there any vids of a lt1 cam in a 305 sbc ?

SMOKIN92RS

I don't know what to tell you on the turbo issue, but it should work if your willing to put the time and money into doing it right. And as far as the vids, there are a few on youtube if you search it, but nothing great that I found. Maybe some members will post some videos on here for us to see if they have done this?

89Formula50

Im not sure on the turbo.

I got a couple of vids of the car when the cam swap was done but not the best quality.

freaky

89formula 50 do you have any track times or dyno numbers for your car ?
your motors kinda what i got in mind except i'm gonna top mine off with a t70 turbo .

ownor

iTrader: (5)

do you guys consider a t70 a bolt-on or what?

89formula50 gotta love that baby blue (maui blue?) of your formula sounds good except for a bit high idle.. did you do any tuning? also what rpm does it idle at with the lt1 cam, did you adjust it manually?

freaky

i don't consider any turbo a bolt on unlless the car came from the factory with a turbo ( like my 05 srt4 did ) i have experience with turbo cars so i'm not blind to what it takes to do it . so no i don't consider this a bolt on .lol

89Formula50

freaky - I have no dyno numbers. The car went 10.8 in the 1/8th mile. But come to find out my front calipers where locked up and causing a drag. SSo after replacing the lines and new calipers i havent taken her down the track again. Bit will have 3.73's this year so will get some new numbers.

ownor - Yeah the color is what made me fall in love with her. Plus the no rust factor. lol. The high idle was because i just had it all put together and pulled it out of the garage so i didnt get fumed out. The second vid is the first initial start. No tuning yet. this year thats getting done. And yes i adjusted the idle manually. And it idles perfectly smooth at around 800 rpm's.

RT66DAVE

Mr Capone, you are the man! waht a great write up!!

rattbird1989

mine drives fine

rattbird1989

guess i got lucky

rattbird1989

lo3 is the replacment for displacment

rattbird1989

mines running 13.9 with lt1 cam

Sttn89

Should the motor be at TDC on the#1 intake or exhaust upon startup?

ShiftyCapone

iTrader: (7)

Technically it doesn't matter. However most people rotate their engine another 180 deg after they align the cam dot to dot. Thats puts #1 TDC at firing which helps initial stat up.

Ticeblue

So after I install the new cam would it be a good idea to have the heads ported and polished? Or just leave them alone?

tchampton

ik this is a old thread but I did the lt1 cam swap with my lo3 I have it advanced 4 degrees at the crank new double roller timing kit z28 springs 1.6 roller rockers new valves tbi 1" spacer ported tbi shorty headers I ran out of time on my bulid and I don't have the time or money to tune my ecm but should the car start im just wondering I got 2 weeks to get it done before I go to college it tried to start yesterday when I was messing with it but I kept catching my tbi on fire so I came to the conclusion my timing is off but when I get it to start will it run decent I did a full rebuild with out machining the crank and boreing but let me know some responses plz

tchampton

I did the dot to dot on the crank I read today I had it 180* off so I set it back im still no having progress if you have any suggestions plz chime in its all new but intake and block and crank I would enjoy some of you experienced guys feed back tomorrow im gonna pull number one plug again and try again from scratch

gmc2fst4u

i didnt see or read anything about new push rods...with the stronger valve springs should i run stronger push rods or not didnt see that any where, im doing the lt1 cam swap on my 305 sometime this summer

gearheadotaku

iTrader: (1)

I used my original pushrods, lifters, and rockers with no problem. Just make sure they all got back in the same place they came from.

TexasFormula

Shifty I'm planning on purchasing the crate 305 tbi roller from oreillys and was wondering does this lt1 setup I found online would be good or is all the extras unnecessary I know you mentioned gettin timing chain, gaskets, and springs but this motor will be remanufactured through oreillys what do you think? Here's the link

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...LXO4-7ogSRy7dw

3505spdconvert

If you're buying a new engine and planning on an LT1 cam, then you will HAVE to tune it.
At that point, why not just buy an L31 and tune that instead? It already has all the good stuff in it (B/D body LT1 cam, Vortec heads, 4.00" bore, 45 more cubes) and is ready for upgrades more so than a small bore LO3 is. Price is probably really close too.

TexasFormula

Well the car originally came with a 305 and I'm trying to keep it original while adding power I'm not looking to do track time I just want the car to have a little more kick than stock cause those 305 stock sure are sluggish especially with the stock rear end

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

But it won't be original. If originality is your concern then don't change anything, rebuild what is there and do not modify.

If you drop the L31 in there, you get the LT1 cam, and you also get the much better Vortec heads which will provide you with a big boost in performance. From there you should only need the Vortec intake and most everything else should bolt-up. The car will run better, make more power, and get better fuel economy. All major pluses.

82355

I have an LT1 cam in my L05 swap. It keeps eating distributor gears. Is this a common problem? Has anyone else ran into this issue?

I originally had a flat tappet camshaft. I then swapped to an LT4 Hot Cam, and used the same distributor I had with the flat tappet. I had no problems with this setup. I then switched to an LT1 camshaft, thinking the LT4 Hot Cam was too big for my application. I again used the same distributor. It ate that cam gear in a few thousands miles. I assumed it was because it was for a flat tappet camshaft (even though it worked fine with the LT4 roller cam). So I replaced it with a distributor out of a 1992 Camaro with an LO3. It ate that distributor gear in short order as well. I replaced that distributor with an MSD (PN 8366) It has been in there for maybe a couple thousand miles. I pulled it out the other day to check it, and it is starting to eat that gear as well.



Martin

89-S-dime

iTrader: (3)

ShiftyCapone, did you ever tune your car after you did the the LT1 cam swap? if so how does it run, any noticeable gains?

cosmick

I've had a '94 LT1 Z28, a '91 RS LO3, and an '84 L69. The LT1 pulled 6200 just fine, on a Hypertech tune, and the specs on its cam are, except for lift, the same as the old L69 cam. My L69 would also pull 6000 RPM.
I once made my LO3 turn 6200, in first gear, but it is all done before 5500. Then I replaced the timing set and lost 500 RPM, suggesting the stock chain had stretched at least 5*
Replacing the timing set gained me no lower-RPM torque, either. I nearly went for another chain that could be delayed 4*.
The LO3 heads being swirl-port, they are all done at a much lower RPM than the LT1 cam, so this is not a good match. Better to try the RamJet 350 cam, #14097395, IIRC.
And aside from the heads, even if you do headers, cat-back, and a dual-snorkel, the cost of an Edelbrock Performer TBI intake manifold, the only legal upgrade, is as high as a GMPP Vortec TBI intake manifold, so why dink around with the LO3 at that point?
I'm currently buying a '91 Firebird LO3 / T5, and I had no thoughts of the LT1 cam in the LO3, so I started reading this thread. It makes no sense. Just because you can get the cam cheap and it pulls enough vacuum for the TBI is no reason to run such a mismatch.
If I do try the RJ cam, and I'm more likely to try milled L31 heads first, with the ZZ4 cam, but either way, I expect better results than this clustercluck.

cosmick

No L31 ever left GM with any LT1 cam installed.

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

Actually it got what was called the Baby LT1 cam that cam in the 4.3 LT L99 engines. It's just a kiss larger than a stock L03 cam.