If I was to install one of these, what other parts would be necessary (besides intake, valve cover and timing chain cover gaskets)? The motor has about 25K miles on it, so I should probably replace the timing chain/gears as well. Any other problems I should be aware of with this swap?


I was playing with a 2001 ram air trans am last night, and he was just as fast (mebbe a bit faster) than me, and I figure the lt4 cam is a better match for my engine and components. gmpp also says that this cam kit added to a zz4 motor is good for another 40 hp as well

 

No help for Lee? Did you find your answers somewhere else? What have you decided?

 

if you're buying the kit, it should come with everything you need right....?

 

If you're installing this onto a stock L98 you'll be pulling the heads for machinework. Screw-in studs definitely, and I'm not sure if the LT4-HOT valvesprings will drop right in but this may be the case. Do some homework on the spring size versus stock.

You'll also want to upgrade your timing set with a Cloyes or similar true-roller kit. I like the Cloyes 3-way and they're available at Jegs or Summit for ~$70.

You'll also want to get into PROM tuning after you get done, especially if you're running Speed Density as the new cam will throw your VE tables off.

And finally, if you're running stock exhaust manifolds or stock TPI intake base, the HOT cam won't be very efficient for you. Leaving the valves open longer/farther with the low-volume intake and exhaust components won't do you any favors. In this case I'd go with the ZZ4 cam.

 

Lee's running a ZZ4 Crate motor if memory serves me right.

Timing chain would be nice to do.

I can't remember if your running the stock runners/plenum setup. if you are, your going to be running out of steam becaus of it now.
Upgrading the induction is now a must.

other than that.. chip burning baybe noo need to strenghten the trans up

 

Yeah, I am running a zz4 right now... Ron (ron84zz4) is going to lend me his super ram plenum (see sig for other mods), and since I already have the Super ram intake the swap should be fairly easy. I figured if I was going to swap out the plenum, I really need to do the cam as well, since the zz4 cam is not well matched to a tpi setup. We will see what this does for my 1/4 times

 

If I recall correctly, the ZZ4 uses the Vette style alum heads. The stock ZZ4 springs won't handle the .525" lift of the LT4 HOT cam. Also, the LT4 springs won't fit the heads without machine work as the LT4 springs are bigger than the heads will accept stock. I looked into all this myself when I still had my ZZ3/ H.O. 350 heads (same basic head). At least you already have the screw in rocker studs.

 

1 Camshaft (24502586)
16 Roller rocker arms (12370839)
<i>Technical Notes: When using a high lift camshaft, be sure to check for valve spring coil bind, retainer to seal clearance, and piston to valve clearance. When using valve covers with drippers, it may be necessary to remove them for proper rocker arm clearance. When using on cast iron head check for adequate pushrod clearance. Cannot be used on ZZ3 engines with orange valve springs.</i>
16 Valve springs (12551483) ZZ4 equipment
<i>Technical Notes: This high performance single valve spring has an outer diameter of 1.32". Not recommended for cam lift over .525".</i>
16 Valve caps (10212808)
16 Valve keys (24503856)
16 Valve spring shims (10212809)

 

The ZZ4 heads are machined for 1.25 valve springs. I don't know if .07" bigger diameter springs would fit or not. Also, if they won't accept over a .525" lift and the LT4 HOT cam was .525" lift, I, myself wouldn't feel comfortable pushing them to their very limit right off the bat. Imagine what'd happen when them springs started losing some of their pressure. I like more of a *safety cushion* than that.

 

LeeH-

The springs that come w/ ZZ4 engine are LT4 springs. I had to swap them out when I went to 1.6RR. This put the ZZ4 cam lift up to .506 in. And .544 exh.