cam suggestions - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

strick454 · 05-20-2015, 05:16 PM

So i figured before putting this new motor the car i might as well entertain the idea of a new cam. This will be my dd for awhile so im looking more to the mild side for a little more power and good sound. Not trying to cut corners by any means but at the same time realistically trying to stay in my sad budget for the time being.

Was thinking about the cc503 or something in the same area, any suggestions or thoughts are greatly appreciated since im fairly new to the build side of things. Thanks.

LTb1ow · 05-20-2015, 07:23 PM

What's your budget

strick454 · 05-20-2015, 07:33 PM

my check every couple weeks lol, but i have no problem waiting and doing it right so if it takes time to acquire parts its fine

redsoxsstink · 05-20-2015, 08:18 PM

i have the 503 in my car with a stealth ram. i like it. noticeable chop but no drive-ability issues. kiss MPGs away though, you will need to stall you car if you have an auto

strick454 · 05-20-2015, 08:31 PM

Already has a 2800 stall, edelbrock longtubes, full exhaust, cutouts

LTb1ow · 05-20-2015, 08:56 PM

IMO, with that stall, grab a hotcam. Its simple to get tuned (don't forget that cost) and will be easy on valve train.

Get some nice self aligning (SA) 1.6 ratio rockers, and realistically, you should do valve springs. Any cam past stock will be asking to much from stock springs hate to say it. So don't forget this part of the project.

strick454 · 05-20-2015, 09:07 PM

Luckily the heads i got from pampered-z are already ported and have new valves, seats, and 918 beehives

LTb1ow · 05-21-2015, 07:07 AM

Good to hear, thats much easier then.

The 503 will work will, but I would def suggest a larger converter. I used to run a 4k with a similar cam.

foxriderry · 05-21-2015, 07:36 AM

May wanna think about pushrods too? .... I guess it depends on what you have in there and the mileage, (someone correct me if im wrong) but the stock ones are pretty weak, and if your swapping heads you may wanna check the length, I actually have TWO length checkers if you want to borrow one. Lost one, bought a new one, found the old one lol

redsoxsstink · 05-21-2015, 08:03 AM

i also had a hot cam in my TPI that was a fun cam, again noticeable lump but had gobs of low end, good for romping around town with.

BonzoHansen · 05-21-2015, 09:53 AM

needs to pass sniffer inspection right? old john talked to you about a hot cam. nice cam. pass smog, good for a driver.

strick454 · 05-21-2015, 11:15 AM

@fox-thats probably not a bad idea

And sounds like everythings pointing toward hotcam lol, this is why i wanted opinions bc this is mostly new to me, block has i believe 65,000 on it btw

Pampered-Z · 05-21-2015, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

old john

REALLY? you had to go there? LOL!

If you need to pass the sniffer, I would go with either the hotcam or Lingenfelter 219/219 cam if you use a mail order tune. If you can get someone to dyno and tighten up the tune the 503 "should pass".

When I had the GTP stage 2 heads, Lingerfelter 211/219 ( manual trans version of the 219/219 ) and mac shorties with PCM4less tune my car was cleaner on the sniffer then stock. PA inspection. The cam made tons of torque thru the midrange, fell a little stort about 5K. Dyno 327HP 320Trq at the wheels around 5K then fell off. If you looking to play and not about ETs thats a great cam.

The 503 should better those numbers.

LTb1ow · 05-21-2015, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strick454

@fox-thats probably not a bad idea

And sounds like everythings pointing toward hotcam lol, this is why i wanted opinions bc this is mostly new to me, block has i believe 65,000 on it btw

Also gotta decide what you want, the 503 will want a lot more rpm than a hot cam will. And again, the 503 will want a lot more converter.

If you are shooting for a track car, the 503 will win, but the hotcam is easier on parts and simple.

strick454 · 05-21-2015, 02:27 PM

So with hotcam what accompanying parts should i def think about using, like i said, im new to this, so dont bite my head off here, i know pushrods and sa 1.6s were mentioned

foxriderry · 05-21-2015, 03:09 PM

The only other thing that really comes to mind for me is your timing chain, gaskets, and that's about it. Whats the motor like, miles etc?

strick454 · 05-21-2015, 03:15 PM

Block has 65000 on it, gaskets, timing chain, arp head bolts are already in my shopping cart for purchase tomorrow lol

redsoxsstink · 05-21-2015, 06:12 PM

that should be about it, your in those heads springs will handle that cam, if you want to bump it a bit more 1.6 rockers, but then you have to go through measuring push rods. double roller timing chain is a must.

LTb1ow · 05-21-2015, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsoxsstink

that should be about it, your in those heads springs will handle that cam, if you want to bump it a bit more 1.6 rockers, but then you have to go through measuring push rods. double roller timing chain is a must.

Says who?

I run a single roller on the current motor and on my past NA motor it also had a single. Both motors never had an issue with it and prob go faster than the OP is shooting for.

Double chain means EWP only, and potential clearancing of timing cover. Its not worth the effort for this kind of build. If stock timing set is not stupid sloppy, reuse it.

redsoxsstink · 05-21-2015, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTb1ow

Says who?

I run a single roller on the current motor and on my past NA motor it also had a single. Both motors never had an issue with it and prob go faster than the OP is shooting for.

Double chain means EWP only, and potential clearancing of timing cover. Its not worth the effort for this kind of build. If stock timing set is not stupid sloppy, reuse it.

well i guess you right isnt a must. i did forget the LT1 clearance issues with the water pump. ive just seen more than a few sbc get waffled from a crummy single roller timing chain that i wouldnt run it without.

sweetbmxrider · 05-22-2015, 07:34 AM

I'd get a yank ss 3600 and a good plate cooler. I'd also consider rebuilding the trans now before it breaks.

BonzoHansen · 05-28-2015, 08:51 AM

that seems like a lot of stall speed for a true daily driver and a mildish cam. no?

LTb1ow · 05-28-2015, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

that seems like a lot of stall speed for a true daily driver and a mildish cam. no?

I don't think so, sure if you step on it a NA 'verter will flash up pretty quick but I never had any issue driving my old H/C with a 4k Circle D 'verter.

Its not like some loose ass 5k nitrous stall thats either on or off.

A 503 is not what I would call "mild" in the realm of stock head cams. But a hot cam won't want nearly as much rpm and will call for a smaller 'verter for sure.

sweetbmxrider · 05-28-2015, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

that seems like a lot of stall speed for a true daily driver and a mildish cam. no?

Nah, not at all. The ss line is really nice in a daily driver. I loved my ss3600 and I wouldn't hesitate to drive my car anywhere in any weather. Even an ss4000 would be good fun at the strip and not be too loose on the street but it would probably be a little high for his rpm range. My pt4000 is a lot of fun on the street but probably a little too much for some people. Anything will be leaps better than what he currently has. Could also look into edge converters, a friend has had great success with his street/strip car. Keep the trans fluid cool and it will be great.

Paul Huryk · 05-28-2015, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pampered-Z

If you need to pass the sniffer, I would go with either the hotcam or Lingenfelter 219/219 cam if you use a mail order tune. If you can get someone to dyno and tighten up the tune the 503 "should pass".

When I had the GTP stage 2 heads, Lingerfelter 211/219 ( manual trans version of the 219/219 ) and mac shorties with PCM4less tune my car was cleaner on the sniffer then stock. PA inspection. The cam made tons of torque thru the midrange, fell a little stort about 5K. Dyno 327HP 320Trq at the wheels around 5K then fell off. If you looking to play and not about ETs that's a great cam.

The 503 should better those numbers.

The 219/219 is an excellent choice for a street driven SBC/LT1 that needs to pass smog.

Have that cam in my 84 (90 L09, Lingenfelter CNC L98 heads, performer RPM with factory CC q-jet), and it passed NJ smog back when it was more stringent. Never dyno'd it, but it ran 12.5 at 113mph all day - so about 395-400hp at 5500 or so and around 425lb-ft. Feels like a strong 383 down low due to the smallish heads and (luckily) good combo with the cam.

I'm sure the 211/219 would work great as well.