LS1 MS4 Install (PICS)
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
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From: Oakland California
LS1 MS4 Install (PICS)
When we, my brother and I, pulled out the push rods we found out that they weren't the original because it had some performance push rods, I forgot the name. As you can see in the pic it appears that the previous owner of my brothers camaro was running nitrous, i think, and probably installed a cam on the car before without running the proper springs or something and caused the intake valves to hit the pistons. I also say that someone was running nitrous on this car because there appear be to be wires for a nitrous switch on the center console. This is my theory. Anyone beg to defer
?
We will be checking for PTV clearance this weekend. The engine is on my brothers '01 Z28 and only has 64,XXX miles.
?We will be checking for PTV clearance this weekend. The engine is on my brothers '01 Z28 and only has 64,XXX miles.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2009
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St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13
When we, my brother and I, pulled out the push rods we found out that they weren't the original because it had some performance push rods, I forgot the name. As you can see in the pic it appears that the previous owner of my brothers camaro was running nitrous, i think, and probably installed a cam on the car before without running the proper springs or something and caused the intake valves to hit the pistons. I also say that someone was running nitrous on this car because there appear be to be wires for a nitrous switch on the center console. This is my theory. Anyone beg to defer?
We will be checking for PTV clearance this weekend. The engine is on my brothers '01 Z28 and only has 64,XXX miles.
?We will be checking for PTV clearance this weekend. The engine is on my brothers '01 Z28 and only has 64,XXX miles.
Be sure when checking PTV clearance that you use a modified solid lifter that matches the cup height of the lifters you will be running. Also, run checker springs and the same thickness head gasket compressed. Checker springs alone will still collapse your lifters! Also the comp adjustable pushrod length checker is a must. Back it out to zero lash then add .070 for proper preload. Always check on the cams base circle. If you need any help let me know.
-Adam
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Oakland California
Do you think we can use one of the old lifters when testing the PTV clearance? LS7 style lifters are going to be used instead of the old LS1 lifters. We are installing Texas-Speed's Precison Race Components Stg 1.0 LS6 Heads with the upgraded springs and titanium retainers:
http://texas-speed.com/shop/item.asp...d=680&catid=47
http://texas-speed.com/shop/item.asp...d=680&catid=47
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Having built many of these engines and installed a number of different cams in them, if using a stock LS1 bottom end with the TSP LS6 Stage 1 heads with 7.4" Hardened Push Rods and a Cam with lift of no more than .600 at .050 you will not have any PTV clearance issues. I would also keep duration down to about .228/.232 and a 112-114LSA but you will need custom tuning going with this much cam. Will also depend on what other mods you are going with.
I'm sure other opinions may vary but I am telling you from experience what has worked in many instances. But get different opinions and talk to Jon at TSP and figure out what will work best for your combo.
The LS1 Short block can take a lot of abuse. But while apart throw a new timing chain and an updated oil pump (and O-ring pick-up tube seal) in there while you have it apart. Couple extra bucks but worth it.
ps: I would buy a set of Comp lifters (about $180) for it and be done with it. Use the stock rockers and torque to 22 ft lbs. Done.
I'm sure other opinions may vary but I am telling you from experience what has worked in many instances. But get different opinions and talk to Jon at TSP and figure out what will work best for your combo.
The LS1 Short block can take a lot of abuse. But while apart throw a new timing chain and an updated oil pump (and O-ring pick-up tube seal) in there while you have it apart. Couple extra bucks but worth it.
ps: I would buy a set of Comp lifters (about $180) for it and be done with it. Use the stock rockers and torque to 22 ft lbs. Done.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Oakland California
So if we were to use the MS4 cam with these heads there would be PTV contact? I talked to MATT at Texas Speed and he said that there wouldn't be any problems if the MS4 cam was used along with this head and stock bottom end, what do you think? Oh, a new double roller timing set is going to be used, but I think my brother is going to have to buy the fully ported LS6 pump from TSP and a new o-ring. Man I wish my Vette's engine compartment was looking at least half way like yours
.
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Last edited by jordan89; Nov 18, 2009 at 10:57 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Chicago
So if we were to use the MS4 cam with these heads there would be PTV contact? I talked to MATT at Texas Speed and he said that there wouldn't be any problems if the MS4 cam was used along with this head and stock bottom end, what do you think? Oh, a new double roller timing set is going to be used, but I think my brother is going to have to buy the fully ported LS6 pump from TSP and a new o-ring. Man I wish my Vette's engine compartment was looking at least half way like yours.
.
A stock lifter will work, just pop the clip off the top and pack the chamber with shims or epoxy and replace the cup.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Newburgh NY
I Agree with NV that the MS4 is a bit much for all around driver use and power band. In my daily driver I run a around what I suggested above and it has a nice rumble, makes good power starting to pull hard around 3k, and doesn't require too radical a tune.
I don't think you would still have a PTV issue, but as TSP stated you'll need the dual beehive springs. It really depends on you, what your goal is for the car, and how much you want to spend. For a good driver with some kick-azz, I think it is a little much but it's your car.
The Stock lifters (new or not worn) or Comps are good IMHO. I've thrashed the hell out of htem and never had one go bad even running 150 shot or a blower. Just make sure you use the hardened push rods and correct springs.
I don't think you would still have a PTV issue, but as TSP stated you'll need the dual beehive springs. It really depends on you, what your goal is for the car, and how much you want to spend. For a good driver with some kick-azz, I think it is a little much but it's your car.
The Stock lifters (new or not worn) or Comps are good IMHO. I've thrashed the hell out of htem and never had one go bad even running 150 shot or a blower. Just make sure you use the hardened push rods and correct springs.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Oakland California
It's actually my brother's Camaro, and he is the one who wants that MS4 cam. He got the heads with the upgraded springs. If it was my car, or my engine, I would have gone with the MS3 cam since it has a smaller lift, and still sounds the same. I would like to drop in an LS2 on my 74 vette some day, but I'm going to keep the stock 350 for now since it only has 71,XXX original miles. Oh, one more question, what do you guys recommend doing for the break in process? We have an oil additive and the spray for the drivetrain components as well.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Newburgh NY
As far as break-in goes throw 6 qts of synthetic in it, take it easy until it gets up to temp, then slowly begin to thrash the daylights out of it. The roller cams don't really need much in terms of break-in but I always err a little on the side of caution and don't hit the 150 shot or 7psi of boost until a couple hundred miles. Well, ussually....
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Oakland California
Thanks to all, you've all been very helpful. And I hope to one day have my 74 vette's engine compartment looking something like yours 78Vette-SA, maybe in a couple of years.
. And I hope to one day have my 74 vette's engine compartment looking something like yours 78Vette-SA, maybe in a couple of years.
