Hey guys. Just got a vortec L31 roller motor.
trying to choose a cam. Hotcam or stock lt4. What work needs to be done to heads to use the hotcam. Motors New NOT a rebuilt!!!
Thanks guys

 

What are you wanting to achieve?

Search "hotcam" on here for a ton of information.

 

I searched alot on hotcam. I'm looking for around 350+ HP. But street use. If I read other posts right the basic Lt4 cam would get about what I want and its DROP IN? I was wonder if that's right. Also I want the fuel pump gear to run my mechanical pump...

 

I dont think you will get what you are wanting with the stock LT4 cam. The hotcam is popular, but there are other choices out there.

The factory springs suck. You will need to replace them with something matched to the cam you go with. You will also have to watch for the retainer to guide interference. But all of that can be found in multiple places on this site.

As far as the fuel pump LOBE (no gear), that I dont remember off top of my head.

 

Ok so hotcam is better way to go? IV read with beehive springs,retainers,locks and something else I need to read (can't remember) you don't need to machine head for the lift of the hotcam in stock vortec heads. I'm doing the work myself or want to. If machining heads is right way ill send them in!
I will be replacing everything necessary with big cam change. Just want to know I'm doing it right way
oh this will be street car mainly! !!!

Fuel pump will need to be changed to electric?

 

if you have a NEW L31 I don't think you can use a mechanical fuel pump . the hole for fuel pump was not cast into block . the mounting flange is there but no access opening to cam . (I also have a NEW L31 engine) search & ck. my thread "L31 ENGINE QUESTION ???" . good luck .

 

I got a stock lt4 cam motor made just under 300whp with it. it will be for sale soon hot cam on the way.

 

If you dont plan on going any bigger then the hotcam (if the hotcam is your choice), then yes you can get by without machining the heads. I went with LS6 springs, retainers, and different seals. Several people are using the Alex spring kits. I have no experience with them. Ive heard some people love them, some dont.

However, I will say that the hotcam was intended to be run with 1.6 rockers. After taking measurements, 1.6s would have put the retainer too close to the seal for my liking. So I stuck with the 1.5s.

 

LT4 HOTCAM LEAVES NO ROOM FOR GROWTH

 

There is always room for growth. What are you talking about?

 

the HOT cam kit with vortecs is a potent combination.. you need to do a little work to use it- mill down valve guide bosses, install proper springs, elongate pushrod holes, screw in studs are a good idea- but it is oh so worth it once you realize what you can do with an engine that idles and runs like a healthy stocker from idle to about 3000 rpm, then turns into a beast from there up to 7000 rpm... drive it nice, and 20+mpg is easily achieved, beat on it and you are running high 12 second e.t.'s at the track...