LT1 cam in L98?
11-20-2007, 12:21 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
LT1 cam in L98?
I have an '89 L98, which of course has the factory roller cam. Is it true that I can buy a cam advertised to be for an LT1 and all I need to do is shorten the stem on the front that goes out through the timing chain sprocket? I think it runs the opti on an LT1. Are the cams otherwise interchangeable? I see tons of LT1 cams for sale used but not many for the L98 factory roller. I've searched long and hard and can't find a for sure answer.
Last edited by dan0617; 11-20-2007 at 05:36 PM.
11-20-2007, 05:48 PM
#3
Instructor
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Why install a used cam which has mated with another set of cam bearings, MPO your just asking for problems. A new cam with the specs to work with your motor is a cheap investment when you consider the work involved in changing it out if you have problems.
Gene
Gene
11-20-2007, 07:45 PM
#5
Large Impressive Member
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
If it's a '92 to '94 Corvette or '93-'94 F-body cam, you won't even have to shorten the pin. Not that that's a big deal anyway. How many stock LT1 cams would you like me to send you? 
11-20-2007, 08:50 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
The 89 cam is actually "hotter" than all the LT1 cams. The only thing different about the LTx cams is that they would have the pin drive for the Opti. You wouldn't need if for your car so I'd just pull it out. Anyways the stock 89 L98 cam has a few degrees more duration on both the intake and exhaust, but just about .030" less lift than the 89 L98 cam. If you want a nicer cam that is very close to stock, I'd go with something super mild like the ZZ4 cam. Better yet, ZZ9 or LT4 hotcam.
11-21-2007, 12:07 AM
#7
Burning Brakes
yep like said a cam designed for LT1 can be used for conventional sbc with mods to the dowel pin.
not sure why cam companies have seperate 'categories' for sbc rollers and LT1 roller cams when its the same grind with just different pins
not sure why cam companies have seperate 'categories' for sbc rollers and LT1 roller cams when its the same grind with just different pins
11-21-2007, 05:06 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the help and replies!! I'm not going to run a stock LT1 cam, or a ZZ4 for that matter. I'm looking for a CC503 or maybe a ZZ9. Most of the used ones are advertised for an LT1, now I know they will work for me too. As far as new or used, does anyone know of anyone who had problems from running a used cam in a used engine?
11-21-2007, 05:16 PM
#9
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
Unless the prior motor had oiling problems youll probably be Ok, although new is usually better. Whos to say that a new cam on old cam bearings is a whole lot different? I have run used cams in old motors before when I was young and dirt poor and had good luck. Not saying Id recomend, it but.....
11-21-2007, 06:23 PM
#10
Race Director
Running a previously hated/loved roller cam isn't so bad. Flat tappet is another matter. A cam lobe is not nearly as hard as you might think. A new cam with used lifters is a recipe for disaster. Used cam and new lifters isn't as bad but not good. For all who have built a flat tappet engine recall at initial startup you had to be sure of a quick start and then run for no less than 20 minutes at 1500 to 2000 rpm to "break in" the cam.
11-22-2007, 12:20 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
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On a L98 the length of the drive pin is not a problem.
"Are the cams otherwise interchangeable?"
Any cam from any OE roller block with interchange
(L98 / LT1 / LT4 / Vortec )
taking into account the pin requirements for the LT1 / LT4 engines
11-22-2007, 10:20 AM
#12
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Sounds like I should be ok. I'm doing a heads/cam/intake swap this winter because my head gasket is shot and I need more HP and an engine that will rev to 6K. I wasn't going to change the cam this year but it seems the heads and intake won't give me much without swapping the cam. I plan on rebuilding the bottom end next winter or the winter after, which means about 6K to 8K more miles on it. I'm planning on re-using my lifters for now. When I rebuild the bottom end I'll probably buy a brand new cam and brand new lifters, but for now I was hoping to get by with a used cam and my old lifters. Thanks for all the advice on LT1 cams in my car. Keep the info coming for me on the used cam and my stock lifters!
11-23-2007, 12:54 AM
#13
Le Mans Master
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"Keep the info coming for me on the used cam and my stock lifters!"
Unless you are going to take up the offer of a free LT1 cam why bother.
For $90 buy it now ,you have a brand new ZZ4 cam off eBay.
Item number: 180181269595
Highly recommended,Best bang for $$$
Unless you are going to take up the offer of a free LT1 cam why bother.
For $90 buy it now ,you have a brand new ZZ4 cam off eBay.
Item number: 180181269595
Highly recommended,Best bang for $$$
11-23-2007, 01:28 PM
#14
Slingshot
11-23-2007, 02:44 PM
#15
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Because a ZZ4 cam isn't big enough. A CC503 costs almost 3 times that new. A used one can be had for $125ish, but they all say for LT1. Now I know I can buy one and it will work in my motor. Some people say not to run a used cam and re-use my lifters and others say I'll be fine. I was asking if anyone has actually had a problem with running a used cam and reusing their stock lifters. Seems as tho nobody on here has, and I see used cams being sold quite often so they must be being used.
11-23-2007, 02:47 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I understand where you are coming from, I just hate to buy a new cam for $250ish, run it for 1 summer, then tear down next winter to rebuild the bottom end and have to buy another new cam. If I buy a new cam now then it will be mated with my current cam bearings, then next winter when I replace the cam bearings.....
