Has anyone done an lt4 hot cam kit together with a mini-ram on an otherwise stock motor ? If so , how did it work out ? Did you run into any valvetrain problems ? Have you got any dyno numbers or track times ? THANKS

 

LT4 hot cam lift is too high for stock valve springs. if you do an LT4 hot cam, mini-ram, and Ported/Polished and upgraded L98 heads with a 3000 stall and of course, exhaust, you could see 11s if you get traction. A guy I know is running a 13 flat with just an LT4 hot cam and ported and polished Vette L98 heads, stock converter, stock TPI unit, stock gears and drag radials. he's also got some 1 5/8" headers and a flowmaster catback.

 

THANKS . I plan on using the hot cam springs and rockers etc . However I don't plan on doing aything else with the heads until next year . I realize this is NOT the optimum combination (I need a bigger wallet) . But I'm forced to give it a shot . Just wanted to make sure the hot cam kit would work with the stock heads , and if anyone had any experience with this combo . THANKS again

 

Hey Z91Z,
I didn't reply in the other thread because it got a bit hostile

I just completed my miniram/LT4HC swap weekend before last. I am still running my stock L98 heads which of course are now my restriction but we'll take care of that next year.

Anyway, I used the Z28 springs and comp 1.6 RR's. We also installed screw in studs. We milled down the bosses on one side but didn't have the machining tools necessary to reduce the overall base diameter... bottom line - the positive seals would no longer fit. Without the seals on there, no need to do any more milling since -seals = plenty of clearance. So for now, I am just running with O rings on the valves. It did take care of my 'chevy salute' but who knows for how long.

Since I just got her back together I don't have track or dyno times yet. I should be able to get to the track by the end of June and dyno possibly late summer. I am on a three year plan (if I can restrain myself that long) and the intake cam swap was year one. Next year are afr's or pro-topline heads. Third year is a new shortblock.

I will be putting my n2o kit back on this weekend so here's hoping that the L98 bottom end is as strong as the examples I have read about. If not, year 3 comes early ;-)

Another thing that you should consider is putting on a new timing chain. My car is a 124k daily driver with several bottles of juice and hard driving. The chain was a bit stretched. Since you are going to be in there, might as well - especially if you will be turning the R's that this combo likes.

Head restriction noted, it is still a fun ride. I swapped in a five speed (TKO) this winter and the new combo loves the manual trans. Where the stock tpi would run out of air (the tpi 'wall' as i usually refer to it) this combo starts pulling hard. It will be interesting to see the before and after specs on this combo between the stock heads and aftermarket. Stay tuned!



HTH

-Schultzy

 

THANKS , Just the answer I was looking for . I will use a new timing chain and gears . Perhaps a balancer as well . Your engine bay looks awesome as does the rest of your car ! Oh , by the way , did you lose alot of bottom end torque with the miniram ?

 

That cam is a good match for the miniram. It does carry more of a flat torque line with a miniram compared to TPI but it will roll on till valve float making good power. Gets some good flow the rest of the way from the heads to the end of the tail pipes and maybe some prom help and join the 12 second club.

 

I've got a vortec based miniram on my 363, I haven't noticed any problems with getting out of the hole. I've managed a 1.8 second '60 before, and the motor I've got it a high RPM motor. Just remember, you've got match parts well, on a towing motor or a large vehicle that needs a lot of low end grunt, the mini-ram isn't a good intake, but on a racing application, it is perfect. Schultzy, thats a nice looking engine!

 

Good to hear I wont lose all my grunt down low . I would love to hit the 12s one day . Anyone think the zz4 would be a better choice than the hot cam kit ?

 

not a chance in hell!!! a ZZ4 IS an L98 with a ZZ4 cam basically. an L98 with a hot cam is FAR superior and a lot cheaper! ZZ4 is WAY overpriced IMO, it's an uncorked L98, so... uncork you L98, save a couple thousand