Since I have the motor torn down to the long block, I am thinking about swapping cams on my 96 LT1 that I am installing in my 89 Formula.
Here are my options
1. Leave the stock cam in and be happy
2. LT4 cam (can I use stock springs?)
3. LT4 hot cam

Anyone done a Hot cam kit on a stock lt1?
Did you install the Extreme Duty LT4 timing chain? Is it really needed?

 

I've done the LT4 hotcam swap in mine, but I did not use the kit. When I first did the engine swap I left the LT1 cam in. Later I decided to get the LT4 Hotcam and stuck it in with stock springs and rockers. The lift on the LT4 Hotcam is .495 IIRC, while the LT4 cam is barely any larger than the stock cam. The Hotcam performs when you add 1.6 rockers as well, that bumps total lift to .525, which is pushing the stock springs past their limit. I swapped to GM LT4 heads a while back so they came with stronger valve springs for the Hotcam, but if I go to a larger cam I will have to swap those out as well. The Extreme Duty timing chain is not a necessity, I didn't swap it, but if I go with a larger cam this summer I will go ahead and put it on for peace of mind. After I did the heads and cam swap I started shifting at 6100 rpm. If I go with stonger valve springs and a higher lift cam I may shift a little higher, so I'd rather not have to worry about the stock timing chain.

So basically, if you are going to change cams, go for the Hotcam, you'll be much happier than if you swapped the LT4 cam and want more power later.

 

Thanks for the reply, I think you hit upon a good compromise that will take advantage of the motor being out of the car but keep costs from getting out of control.
How fast were you running with the just the hotcam in a stock motor?

 

Go 4 the GM hot cam kit. It's a great price and you get the springs.

 

well I never took my car to the track with just the cam, but I was beating my friends stock '95Z by about 1-2 lengths whereas before we were dead even. So I was probably 13.9's...or something like that.

 

I ordered a LT4 Hot cam kit from Sallee Chevrolet yesterday. I couldn't pass it up for the price $465.00. I also bought the LT4 extreme duty chain kit for $199.00. So much for doing this thing on a budget, hopefully the performance will be worth it. I bought my harness and 95 computer from Howell. I called them and told them I changed my mind about the cam I am using and they told me to send the computer back and they would reprogram it for free for use with the hot cam.
I guess since I have it all apart I might as well put a stroker crank in............

 

I know your pain. You are doing it the right way. Better to replace that stuff while its apart.