Well I just got a set of LE1 heads with the bigger valves. I am right now planning to run a GM 847 cam. My goals are:

comfortably in the 11's
400 RWHP
120 MPH traps
(prefer MPH over ET)

Ulakovic22 made 397 RWHP with these heads and that was with a LE1 cam.

I have pretty much all the bolt ons, LT headers, no cats, 4.10s, built and micronited tranny, 4.10's ect. Only things I do need are bigger injectors, ported intake and a larger TB. I realize I will need that stuff to completely reach my goals.

Do you think I can reach my goals with the 847 cam? I have been doing alot of research and I cant find many posts of the 847 cam with the LE heads.

I would like your opinions on my cam of choice. I would like to go custom I dont think I can afford it. The car is not a daily driver so I could care less about driveability. I just think the 847 is old technology and there might be somthing better out there. I am not knocking that cam by no means I know its a proven performer and I am a fan of it, just wondering if there is somthing out there besides a custom grind that will help me reach my goals, maybe same peak power but with more under the curve. Maybe I should look for a used LE3 cam?

What lifters should I use? Stockers or LSX replacements? I have already ordered the PAC 1218 springs with the supporting hardware.

Thanks for your time, if you need more info let me know. I have some of my mods in my sig.

Jeff

 

The cost difference between the 847 and the LEx cam is negligible when you look at the scope and cost of the project.
You'll be much happier with a custom cam's curve and performance with those heads.
LE2, LE3, LE2.blah, custom .... all the same price ($350)

Can you still make 400rwhp peak? .. Sure
Will you have as much meat under the curve? ... No
Will you wish you had listened ? .... Probably

Having said all of that, if you are running a stock bottom end keep an eye on the power curve.
If all of your power is at 6300-7000, it's worthless to you without a reinforced bottom end that can handle the RPM.
A custom cam can tune that for you.
It's not a driveability issue, it's a meat under the curve issue.

120MPH is very doable in a manual. The lighter the car (not being a DD makes that easy for you) the easier it will be.

 

Thank you. You really put it into perspective for me. Yes its a stock bottom end car. I can still hopefully make my goals and have more power throughout the curve.

Jeff

 

Peice of advice as far as specific head selection. (I just noticed you were specifically looking at LE1 heads)

The LE2 heads, coupled with any of the cams will put out a good 10-15rwhp more than the LE1s.
Additional porting, coupled with quality components. Worth every penny.

I put down about 390rwhp through a big loose 4000 stall with an LE1HL cam
(higher lift than LE1, less duration then LE2) and LE2 heads.
With a manual, that would have been a little over 400rwhp

 

I already have the heads They do have the bigger valves in them though. These exact ones already laid down the numbers posted above with a LE1 cam. I was planning on going with a bigger cam though.

Jeff

 

Im with the guys above. Le packages are meant to be together. Dont try to put together your own custom package because its not going to be worth it.
With what you listed, with the ported intake, 58mm tb and 30lbs injectors i think your good for 385-390rwhp. Otherwise 370-375rwhp without the last 3 additions.
The fact that you have aftermarket valves is good too. Normal le1's wouldnt so they should flow a little better than others.
To trap 120 your going to need more power or loose 350lbs with your setup. To hit that you ll be deep into the 11's.

 

I think your goals are pretty realistic (as long as you have a good tune in the computer), but the 120mph trap is probably a little high.

 

I was trying to go with a bigger cam for more power so I can trap the 120. Trap speeds are more important to me than ET. I will be getting the ported intake and bigger injectors shortly after it gets put together. And I will be getting the car dyno tuned of course.

Maybe LE3.X cam?

 

I ran 11.60's@117mph back a few years ago with LE1 heads/cam so 11's are definately doable but 120mph is not easy to do on a stock bottomend. Are you running a M6 also?

 

Yes. A sixspeedsinc 4B unit. Its all micronited on the inside so it should free up a HP or two.

Its good to see some times that people are running with the combos. Even with all the searching I did, I didnt find a whole lot.

Jeff

 

Although I don't use LEs stuff I'd agree to go with a cam that is matched to the heads as well as the rear gear, etc...Just don't go too big...I know I'm an A4 383 car but my cam is only a 226/234 and it surprises everyone...With a stock bottom end I wouldn't want to stray over 63-6400 to make my power, and the area under the curve is where the fun is...I have high $$ forged everything and I'm done by 6500...

--Alan

 

Lifters you can use stock replacements 850-16 or your stock ones after they have been inspected. You can reach your goals without a custom cam, but as others have said you would leave a lot on the table under the curve esp in the lower rpm's. Lloyd compares his LE3 cam to a GM847 so I'm sure you will be fine in reaching your goals.

To get good numbers you will need a good ported intake, proper lash, TB, definitely bigger injectors, good tune and elec. w/p. I think you'll be fine with what you have planned for your budget.

 

Good to hear on the lifters. I am in the process of obtaining the things I am missing as far as the TB and injectors, intake. I have all the hard ware for the heads just waiting on the PAC springs an they should be here soon. Then I will take them up to Lloyds for cleanup/set-up.

I am trying to look into one of the LE3.x cams and sent out a few PMs and emails to see what is thought of it. I would like to make as much power under the curve as I can.

Anyone know who to contact at Cam motion for the LT1's?

Jeff