Torque Output 2.8 HO (LH7) 1981 vs later years

[83ste]

I've read the 1981 version of this engine had highest torque with 165 ft-lbs vs 145 ft-lbs "due to emissions regs". Does anyone know what accounts for the higher torque in 1981 version? No Air Pump?

[geoffinbc]

The cam and compression was better. The heads were the same as all fuel injected iron head motors. If you were to purchase a modern cam today it would outperform that old HO cam. AIR pumps do not rob any measurable power.

[83ste]

How much of a bump in HP do think this motor could get with a modern street cam like a Comp Cam 240H that would be tuned to run with everything stock in the motor and w/ ECM? Do you know where I can find the OEM cam specs for the motor? Looks to me like the motor might have to be jacked up to clear the strut tower to remove the cam.

[Hard Driver]

I ran a 260 in a 2.8 with stock computer[87 s10]with no problems,less than a 260 waste of time in my opinion.

[geoffinbc]

Yea I would not run a 240 cam in a street car. Maybe a 4X4. I am running the 252 cam and it is a great cam for daily driving, towing and powering up mountain hills. But if I had a small car I would go for the 260 cam too.

The HO cam specs are in the Chevy Power Manual.