Help pick out which camshaft to use!

[JPosey]

I have a 1996 Z28 and i was about to have it mail order tuned. I decided to install a ZZ409 camshaft i had on my shelf that i traded for to help pick up horsepower and to have it tuned for that camshaft. I removed current camshaft and found it already had the Crane version of a GM846 in engine. Timing chain was worn out and i feel like that was holding engine back. I couldn't tell it had a cam. I have stock 1.5 rockers. After new timing chain and valve springs, Should i reinstall Crane cam or install ZZ409 cam? Which should be faster on the dragstrip. i know these are older camshaft designs. Also though of going to 1.6 rockers with either or selling both and get a newer design. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[BALLSS]

of those 2 cams I would use the 846

I would use 1:6 RR with either and get a performance tune

or sell them both and buy a custom grind from Lloyd Elliott.

Any cam will perform better with ported heads...

[JPosey]

I forgot to add that the heads do appear to be pocket ported about an inch from valve seat. Heads are on engine in car and I cannot tell quality of porting or if exhaust has been done. I installed shorty headers last year and I didn’t check exhaust ports. Thanks.

[JPosey]

Well I have 1.6s on the way. I still have to have my springs checked or buy more. Plan at the moment is to reuse 846 unless I find something better. I keep reading in different places and for my application I think you are right and I need to keep 846 or go to a custom camshaft. I just hope I can reach my ET goal with just rockers and a tune.

[BALLSS]

if the heads have been ported, that will help any cam.

If your springs are stock, replace them. The Lunati 73925K5 kit is very good

if going 1:6 RR good time to upgrade to 7/16" size and get ARP 7/16" RR studs. Go NSA and use the ISKY adjustable guide plates and hardened .080 thick wall PR. Stock 7.200 length may be good but always best to measure first, especially if the heads have been decked before.

IDK what your ET goals are but just going 1:6 RR with the same cam and a mail order tune you should see at least 35+ HP gain

[JPosey]

Thanks ballss for replying to me. I believe the 35 hp or their about will help me reach my goal. I had already found a good deal on some comp magnum roller tip self aligning rockers and already purchased them. Plan at the moment is to reuse GM 846 with 1.6s, replace timing chain, reseal, and have it tuned correctly. Springs do not appear stock but they are single spring and no damper. Got to handle springs first. I contacted Moe on here about a tune. He recommended a looser convetor. I have a 10in race lockup PTC that’s fully adjustable by them. My ET goals is 7.80-7.90 in the summer heat eighth mile. Thanks for the help.

[BALLSS]

valve springs are a "wear" item, especially with larger aftermarket cam.

The "single" spring you describe may be a Comp "bee hive" (918) spring. For your sake I hope not. If you don't know the mileage of the springs or they have more than 25k mi on them if used with the 846, I strongly encourage you to put on new springs

Moe will raise your shift points and rev limiter, along with other adjustments, allowing the cam to do its thing so you want springs that are in good shape or the car will "nose over" at RPM above 5200-5500.

[JPosey]

Yes I completely agree, I have not pulled a spring off yet, I originally thought I had a new set of Lunati springs at home I could use, but install height is different along with pressure much lower. Only decision left is springs/kit to purchase. Whatever I get needs to be compatible with an LE cam in case I decide to do one on his in near future. I don’t mind trying current cam, my labor cheap. I have not contacted him on a cam or springs only tuner.I would like to buy once when it comes to springs. Thanks