New top end, "minor" details questions.
 

I'm putting a set of LE2 heads on top of my stock bottom end + LT4 Hotcam.

Lloyd said the heads were milled .030 and he suggested using Impala Head Gaskets. Anyone have opinions on those gaskets and/or have a bit higher end alternative of with the same thickness?

Any issues with reusing the rocker arm studs that are currently on my stock heads? I'll be reusing the 1.65 rockers that are already on there, I have about 30k on that valvetrain.

How about head bolts, any recommendations? Purchase new stockers? Go get a set from ARP?

Thanks in advance.

Impy head gaskets are a very popular choice, ditch the current cam, and get ARP head bolts.

ARP rocker studs.

Thanks for the advice on the Impy gasket and head bolts. I just don't get the Hotcam hate! :)

I want a 12.3 ish street car (no cage) that can pass emissions. The cam I installed 10 years ago will get me there, why change it?

I is teh hot cam haterzzz... :)

The heads will be useless on top of that cam, might as well go bigger...

That cam on stock heads through stock manifolds ran 13.0 @ 107 on Comp T/As. I'm hoping the Hooker LTs, LE2s, and a set of DRs will get me somewhere between a 12.0 and 12.5. We shall see...

Still curious why the hate? I know everyone hates it these days, back in the day it was this or a CC306!

Agreed. Using LE2 heads with the hotcam is a bit of a waste. I'd step it up a bit. :)

The hotcam has low lift and lazy lobes. There are much better grinds available. :)

Ok... so the hotcam sucks. Go with the Impy gaskets and ARP studs all around.

:)

Yes, and what timing set are you running?

Lifters?

Springs?

Pushrods?

Rockers?

And Lloyd can spec you a cam that would make the most out of the heads while passing emissions.

Comp "R" lifters
Bullet VS574 springs
Stock pushrods
Crane 1.65 rockers
LT4 Extreme Duty Timing Chain

Lloyd already tried to sell me on a cam, so did Josh at JS Performance. I'm fine with the cam... way too low on my priority list.

The car has been driven 7k miles in the last 6 years, with a 4 year old, 2 year old, a mortgage, timeshare in FL, two 529 plans, a 401k, etc... I'll give up the 10-15 horse or so and keep the extra couple hundred bucks. :)

Seriously, I'm targeting mid 12s on a car my kids like to ride around in (catted y-pipe, closed up exhaust through the Borla, etc). THe hotcam does me just fine.

How the f did this thread get hijacked into this conversation so quickly anyway? :lol:

you will most likely need new pushrods with the milled heads.

Its constructive conversation! :)

I just don't see that cam helping you get mid 12s. And as stated above, you will def need new pushrods due to the heads being milled.

Forgot to ask, is this a manual or auto car?

It's keeping us entertained if nothing else!

It's a stick, what does that have to do with head gaskets? :rofl:

I hadn't thought of the pushrods, any suggestions on where to source those?

Chris

If you dont want a new cam then buy a low mile used cam for once i actually agree with matt that an lt4 hot cam will make a small difference even under LE2 heads you have the clearance and flow might as well take advantage of it.

You'll have to measure while assembling the motor, then order the proper length.
As for the Hot cam, stick to your guns. You'll see mid 12s easily. These guys have no clue about real life responsibilities. They'll learn though...someday. :wink:

How about this, if I don't hit 12.5 on the new setup... I'll put a new cam in there just for you guys.

:moon:

Everyone happy now?
Chris

High five John.

:nod:

Sounds like a deal! :lol:

Good luck with it

By the way, when I first started talking to Lloyd about my setup and goals, the exact quote from him was:

"I have had a few people make 390-400 RWHP with the Hot Cam although it will be about about 12-15 HP less than my 223/230 .565/.565 112 LSA "emissions" cam."

So in his own words Lloyd's "most" would be about a tenth faster than my current setup.

Just a datapoint for now, I'll post my dyno and track results in a few months.

Chris

Well there ya go, I am just a crazy fool it seems. :rofl:

he left out with a t76.....:lol:



i understand where you are coming from with the hotcam. look at it this way, when the kids grow up you can swap the cam for something bigger and not have to worry about the heads! planning a-head!!

The impala gaskets are actually a very popular choice and is a good quality part. There is really no need to go with high end gaskets for what your running.

With milled heads and imp gaskets you will need to check two things. 1) already mentioned is the push rods. 2) is you want to make sure the intake is sitting down flush against the heads as the gap may change. This can result in vacuum leaks or worst yet sucking oil into the intake runners. You'll want to put some modeling clay around the ports and test fit the intake. You want to look for a nice even thickness of clay ( not thin at the top, thick at the bottom) and the gap between the front/back of the intake to the block.n If this gaop is bad you will need to have the intake milled. There isn't any real rule-of-thumb on this either, some need it, some don't.

And I am still a big fan of the hot cam. Yes it's not the biggest or badest but it does add a few HPs throughtout the entire RPM range. I ran the slightly bigger Lingenfelter 211/219 cam from 1995 to 2000 and the car passed the PA sniffer test actually CLEANER then stock, and was deadly consistent at the track!