I want to put a flat tappet cam in my 89 L98/GTA/auto rather than a roller cam just because of money issues. I want a mild cam just to get this ol' boy running a little quicker. Any ideas? Also, would i have to change pushrods? What are you 85-86 TPI guys running? All ideas welcome

 

You can probably find a cheap, roller hydraulic cam for sale at Ebay for less that $100. You can also buy an LT4 HOT Cam for $190 brand new. Sorry, I have no suggestions for a flat tappet cam, I just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in.

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1987 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z
L98 TPI 350 (5.7L)
TH 700R-4 Transmission with 2.77:1 Rear End

Current Mods: Edelbrock TES 1 5/8" Headers, Hooker Aerochamber Cat-Back System, Performance Resource Chip with 160* Thermostat, Accel Ignition Components, K&N Filters, All Free Mods, Falken ZIEX Z-Rated Tires.

Best ET : 14.32 @ 97.7mph
(corrected for elevation)

Soon to come: LT4 HOT Cam, Air Flow Research 190cc or 195cc Heads, 2800 RPM Stall Converter and SLP 3.70 Rear End Gears.

 

Just to mention this, but when you swap out to a flat tappet, you are not going to be able to use your roller lifters, and I think the pushrod length changes.

 

the specs onmy cam are in my sig.

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Brandon
"ScreaminDeamin 360"
350 60 over, TRW forged 9.83:1 pistons, crane cam 216/228 .484/.512, crane 1.6 RR's, ported plenum, home made ram air, 19 lb SVO injectors, crane AFPR

 

Yes you would have to change the pushrods. I have a brand new crane compu cam kit #2050 216/228 454/480, 112. Its brand new still in the box, with lifters and assembly lube. I will sale it for 60.00 shipped if you are interested. I paid 140.00 for it thru summit, i went with a larger cam for the 406 IM building and could not return it.

It would be a good cam for a 350 TPI car.

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Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!

 

First thing is disconnecting the Knock Sensor, most all mech cams set them off.
Then you'll want to redo the chip with ver conservitive timing, since folks have grown so reliant on them.
Then remember you'll be adjusting them alot more oftem, and R+R the Valve Covers all the time.

 

Good advise...But I think he is asking about a hydraulic lifter flat tappet camshaft. Not a solid lifter camshaft.

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Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!

 

I agree with Dan....you should be able to pick up a cheap aftermarket roller cam that'll work with your existing lifters/pushrods, etc... Shop the various classifieds, over the last year I've paid anywhere from $75 to $150 for them. If you do indeed go for the flat tappet cam...Comp Cams makes an Extreme line of TPI computer compatible cams. I'll be trying one over the winter with my head swap. Good luck

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Tom
'88 Ragtop 379 SuperRam/Haltech EFI
'64 SS
http://home.sprynet.com/~ragtop88/main.htm

 

I don't see why a hydraulic cam would cause knock sensor problems. None of the 85-86 TPI f-bodies and corvettes seem to have a problem.

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The IROC Homepage
<A HREF="http://www.rit.edu/~jli4307/camaro" TARGET=_blank>
View the restoration of an 85 IROC</A>
"I didn't know a bored out Ford could go so slow" -Shenandoah

 

thanks guys. Ill keep my eyes open for a good used one. Or maybe ill have to bite the bullet and just spend the money for a new one But thx for the help

 

Jim...I think Grumpy Is refering to a solid lifter cam. They tend to have more valve train noise.

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Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!