I am looking for recommendations to upgrade the camshaft on my 2000 C5. I recently added the following mods. Long tube headers, Borla
straight pipes, no cads, Borla mufflers and Airraid filter. I want the loping sound much more than the added hp. Want to upgrade just enough to get that mesmerizing sound. What are my best options and should I also replace
the lifter kit at the same time? Someone also mentioned I need to change out the rear end but most people debunk that idea. I’m throwing codes since I added those mods and I realized I’ll need a tune but I want to hold off on that until I get a new cam I’m not well versed in mechanics but love my C-5 and know what I want. I appreciate any input.

 

If you are really just looking for the loping sound and not specifically a horsepower increase, consider something like the Comp Cams "Thumpr" cam. It is designed specifically for the good lope and will add a little horsepower. Another cam with a good lope would be the GM "Hot Cam"; again; some horsepower gain.
Not sure if you have an A4 or M6. If A4, you can use the stock torque converter, but with either cam a 2000rpm converter would be better to keep from having surging at low speeds. Not real high lift on either cam, but I would still recommend new valve springs, as well as checking over the rest of the valve train. I would also go with new lifters (even though theoretically the roller lifters should not have a wear pattern).
While you are there, be sure and check your harmonic dampener - now is the perfect time to change it. Do not use a factory replacement HB, but go with an upgraded one. Many discussions on the Forum about the pros and cons of multiple aftermarket dampeners (I like the ATI, but there are several other good ones out there).
Depending upon which rear end you have, you may or may not want to swap gears. If you have the A4 you have either the standard 2.73 or optional 3.15. 3.15 would work fine for either of these two cams, the 2.73 could be pretty lethargic . If you have a M6, you should already have the 3.42 diff.
I'm sure other members will have much other beneficial information for you.
Best wishes with this.

 

TSP 228R hands down is the best cam for a LS1 in my opinion. Then later if you want to add some heads and intake manifold you REALLY have a nice set up!


Edit: I would recommend single spring beehive valve springs though. The PAC .660 is a little to stiff for that cam in many opinions

 

I'm a little lost as to why you care more about chop than power. I personally prefer to be fast rather than sound fast. At any rate, I second the Thumpr if all you care about is sound. I would definitely recommend lifters and single beehives. If it were my car, I would probably go with the BTR stage 2 on stock heads with the PAC .660 springs. Make sure you get push rods too. I would also recommend a LS6 intake manifold. You didn't mention which rear you have. If it's a 3.15, I wouldn't bother changing to a 3.42. Not enough benefit to outweigh the cost. If it's a 2.73, that's a different story.

 

Call Comp Cams or Brian Tooley Racing.

 

That makes no sense at all to me. A good cam will sound nice anyway, so get the right one.
Thumpr cams are a gimmick for kids....why "sound" good if it wont perform cause youll want to and others will want to run you. Do it right.

Remember you may need to regear get a converter etc.
If you have an auto w/a large cam dont even think about trying to use the stock one youll hate it.

 

Thanks for your input. I'm 68 years old and after a 35 year hiatus purchased my 2000. So, speed does not mean that much to me as opposed to the sound i remember as a young guy! I'm more of a take Momma out for ice cream drive kind of guy, just happy to get all the se
cond glances at the car and the way it sounds!

 

Excellent idea, thanks.

 

I'm 68 years old, don't race or go fast but do love the loping sound and the second glances you get!

 

What do you think I should expect to pay for what your are recommending. I had a speed shop quote me 7K to change the cam, heads, rear end, etc. I only paid 14K for the car which is in excellent shape but it would not be wise to spend that kind of money, especially if I decide to move up to a 7 or 8 someday as I would neve get my money out of it. And I understand a tune is another $600-700 on top of the cam swap.

 

Around me, a cam and intake install is around $4k and usually includes the tune. It is a bit more labor intensive on a vette / LS motor than you are used to from "back in the day" due to the steering rack coming out and the heads needing to come off vs. being able to slide a cam out and in within a couple of hours on an old school small block. With my first car ('67 cuda formula s), which I restored with my dad at 14, I probably went through 6 cams in two years.

DSKinsler speaks the truth on the 228r cam - it is great on stock heads, and really wakes up if you install an intake, have your heads done, or install some 243 heads at some point. Most shops will touch up your tune for $100-$200, if you had them initially tune it, when you install modifications later.

Watch some youtube videos and you can hear the idle - it's a no brainer cam for what you are looking for. I think the idle is set a bit high in this video but you get the point for sure.

 

Running stock and really don’t know anything rabout cams but do not waste money not getting horsepower. Do not waste money not getting horsepower. From my lurking I know there are cams that will give you both (with some trade off). People here really seem to like BTR. Not an insignificant install so get all you can for your investment. Do not waste money not getting horsepower.