Thoughts on compression/build

[Jagdpanzer]

I would think twice about solid lifters if you plan to run this engine much. Setting the valve lash with shims as a real bitch on a DOHC engine with plane bucket style cam followers like the LT5 has. For the those who have been around engines for awhile high rpm hydraulic lifters are a gift from the engine gods.

[FU]

Use the KISS theory. Just go with a good top end port and cam timing. They are THE package for the ZR1. Don't try to reinvent the wheel here, It's been tried and true.

[QB93Z]

When I was talking with Marc Haibeck last weekend at Carlisle, he pointed out that the ZR-1 is essentially an engine with two different cams. In normal power, there is a civilized, smooth performing, "low-end" cam. When the secondaries kick in, the engine characteristics are dominated by a hotter cam. He said that it is one of the ways the designers got such a broad useful power band out of the LT5.

This might explain why there is not much improvement seen by swapping out cams.

Jim

[Aurora40]

Originally Posted by QB93Z

When the secondaries kick in, the engine characteristics are dominated by a hotter cam.

But it's only controlling one of two sets of valves. That's why I'd think if both cams had that profile, the max power would be improved, though I'd think low throttle driveability would suffer. But I guess that's not the case as people don't seem to gain much with cams on a 350.