i've installed headers on my LS5... for my next build up should i get my heads ported or should i go for a more aggressive cam. i talked to a tech at comp cams and he suggested cam 11-204-3. is that enough or can i go bigger if the cam is the first choice. i can only go one step at a time, just trying to learn which is more beneficial. it has an m21 4 spd with a 3.70 rear. it may have a heavier cam than stock buti won't know for sureuntil pull it. other than that its pretty much stock. thanks

 

IMHO i think its easier to R&R heads than the cam since u don't have to remove the fan shroud and or radiator as u would for the cam or even the timing cover, timing gear set and even oil pan. As far as pwr/performance i think the cam will make more pwr for u - and usually at lot cheaper too. But hey u can always install higher ratio rockers and bigger vlvs to have the same effect as a bigger cam (make sure u upgrade the vlv springs for higher rockers though) and BB's have some great high ratios availible.
Sorry i'm just to lazy to look up ur LS5 stock cam spec but i'm not very familiar with the BB cams anyways. :o But most stock cams are fairly torquey if tuned right and with the stock 3.70 gears should be a lot of fun to drive as a street fighter.

But lets look at wear/miles. Most old iron heads need a vlv job by 60-75k miles where most (stock) flat tappet cams start to show lobe wear by 135k mi. Hey u may want to install hardened seats for unleaded fuel that wasn't around when ur car was built. BTW most bottom ends are good for 350k mi (well at least the Chevy sb's are).

I don't want to patronize here red but u need to retune everytime u make performance improvements. Update ur timing curve with new hdrs? Air/Fuel gauge is only $150 to tune that carb and much better reading plugs (very old school).

Hope this helps Ya.
cardo0