LT4 hot cam

[57taskforce]

I’ve done a good bit of reading on the good ole GM performance parts LT4 hot cam. Im currently building a temporary factory roller (was an L31 vortec) 350 for my ‘72 K20 with 190cc/64cc aluminum heads, 9.5/1 compression, fresh Crank polish, new bearings, fresh honed standard bores with new rings on original OE rods and pistons, all machine work/prep work done by my good friend who has been building engines since at least the early ‘70s. This engine is just going to be in the truck for another year or two as I pick away at building my forged 402 stroker LS the way I want it. I’m contemplating cams now for the 350.


My question is has anyone run the LT4 hot cam in specifically a 67-72 4x4 truck? I’m a little worried it may have a little too much duration to make decent power down low. (below about 2000 rpm) I’m not worried about the somewhat choppy idle it has. My truck has the original SM 465 with 4:11’s on stockish sized tires for now. The only thing I plan to change here to add 4” of lift and 33-35’s in the next year or so. This brings me to another point, has anyone run this cam with bigger tires and 4:11’s? The cam seems to have pretty good numbers at the rpm my truck currently cruises at (25-3500) I don’t not pull a trailer or haul with this truck period. It’s just a toy for me to cruise around in. The Engine will have all supporting parts for the cam, springs, exhaust intake, carb etc. I’m well aware I will be running an electric fuel pump as well.


so what say the jury? Is my hunch right and this cam a little too naughty? I hope not because I think it would be a blast up high, I’m looking for people who have actually run a similar setup with the Hot cam. Armchair qb’s are welcome as well but I’d really like to hear from people who have done it.

[jayoldschool]

I'm familiar with the Hot Cam from the Impala SS world. This cam isn't a great choice anymore (better/newer grinds out there), and is not good for low end. It makes power up top. A good choice for a lighter vehicle, and still a decent cam for something with 4.10 or 4.56 gears (and short tires) and a T56 where you can stay in the power band, like spinning to 6k+. It needs good springs and 1.6 rockers as well.