I think the most f-body guys ever made with it was around 400rwhp with M6's, 10 bolts and full bolt ons. Not too impressive IMO.

 

480 crank hp not impressive??? Stock an LS1 is around 360-370 crank hp. But maybe when compared to an STOCK LS2 that is outputting 400 SAEnet or around 500 gross crank hp.


I would love to have 400 rwhp in my truck.
peace
Hog

 

Not very impressive when comparable cams are putting out 420 at the wheels.

 

I agree.

 

That cam looks small!

 

Not enough lift, lift is free horsepower.

 

Word! A lot better cams out there..why would people want it?

 

The cam and sping kit is pretty cheap, especially if you work at or have a friend at the dealership, so if you're on a budget it's a nice upgrade Not to mention, once it's bolted in and tuned (tuning seems to be a problem for alot of guys with this cam*), but once that's done, you can pretty much let it go and not have to worry about spring swaps or letting it warm up like you do with most brittle aftermarket springs. Also, some guys like to run GM performance parts to keep their ride "factory-ish". So if you're broke and can get it cheaply, it may be a nice alternative...besides that, as mentioned above, there are many more proven current cam profiles to be had.

*I've been wondering why so many guys have problems tuning this cam...seems like folks are running much more agressive profiles with alot more intake duration and tuning them with no problem. My hypothesis is that the newer, bigger cams have faster lobe ramp rates that actually aid in the tuning process, while the Hot Cam has lazier, less tuner friendly lobes...not sure of the overlap on this cam, but I know that it has to be less than alot of the monster cams that guys are tuning and running and even driving daily.

 

The LT4 Hotcam was designed for Showroom stock roadcourse racing. In the SCCA I think you are limited in regards to camshaft selection.

Wasnt the GEN 3 version developed to allow the 1997-04 y bodies and 1998-02 F-bodies to compete in SCCA racing??
If its available to the public from GM, I think teh SCCA "STOCK" parts rules are satisfied.

Use in trucks is probably due simply to availability. Its a GM part, and it just happens to fit the trucks, its common, plus it has a lopey idle. Lots of consumers feel more comfortable buying a GM part rather than SOME aftermarket parts.

The LT4 version I used in a 1985 IROC L31 Vortec/TPI 355 car worked well.
The car ran 13's with no tuning. With the stock 305 converter and 3.42 rear axle, the car snagged some low 1.8 60 fts. I keep telling teh guy to get a PROM burned for it, but he said it runs good enough. I dont understand how someone can spend a few grand on an engine and not spend teh $200 to make it run properly.
I do realize that the GEN 1E Vortec engine I built is MUCH different than the GEN 3 LS1's etc that you are talking about, but the GEN 1, GEn 1E and GEN2 grind is the same as the GEn 3 grind. Well at least the duration is. The LT4 Hotcam uses 1.6:1 rr's so it is actually ground with more lift than the GEn 3 version on its lobes.

I was surprised by its strong low rpm torque, I thought it would need a converter for sure.

peace
Hog