I am considering putting a 02 Z06 cam in my 2000 C5. I have read on other threads that it is recommended to replace the stock valve springs with Z06 springs. I would like to minimize the work and avoid removing the heads. Need to know if spring replacement this is really necessary. Also, what is the proper length push rod to buy? Thanks.

 

OK, a quick search will show that this topic is discussed every week or two. Anyway, here you go:

Spring replacement necessary? YES! The factory yellow springs are actually quite inexpensive and you won't need new retainers.

Push rod size required? On paper it would be 0.050" longer than stock (or, 7.450") but why go by paper? I HIGHLY recommend buying a $20 pushrod length checker. It is easy to use and will tell you the exact length you need. Once you measure, then buy the pushrods.

Oh, and no head removal is required...

 

I (and other people will tell you) don't bother replacing your w/Z06 cam. Get an aftermarket cam. You will be spending similar money and you will get much more power.


Chris

 

It sound like you want a very mild cam that doesn't affect drivability yet will give you decent gain in power. For the people that want a boost without the lope I recommend and use the LPE GT2-3 cam. It is a litte larger than the stock 405hp Z06 cam and works very well, especially in GM Vortec truck engines. In an Car Craft test that cam with long tube headers made 65hp and 21 ftlbs over a stock Vortec 5.3L cam on the LPE engine dyno. This article was in the October 2004 issue. I have the article in a PDF format if you would like it emailed. I have a friend with a 99 LPE C5 that runs 11.9x on drag radials that has this cam with their CNC ported head package. And it gets nearly 30 mpg as well!

 

Don't waste your money on the labor unless you go a little bigger.

 

youll be bored after a month.

 

I spent a bunch of time on LS1tech.com AFTER I had an '03 Z06 cam on my workbench. After much research and PMs to knowledgable members there, I sold it and when to a cam similar to the GT2-3. LPE even sells those as kits with new LS6 springs. You can get bigger #s with other cams, but many DD people have been happy with that cam.

 

Just completed the LS6 Cam and new valve springs (yellow’s) about 2 weeks ago on my 02 Coupe. Traded some labor for the Cam and although I did have the used yellow springs I decided to pop for some new ones. Just didn’t seem right installing used springs. Also had to purchase new longer pushrods. Went with 7.425 per Thunder Racings recommendation. Did the swap myself so just my time and a few beers I would have drunk anyway. Oh, and a crank bolt, timing cover set and I broke 1 plug wire. I have EFI-live but so far all I’ve changed is rev limits, torque limiting, CAGS, fan on and off temps etc. Have made no fuel or timing changes at all.

Engine starts and Idles just like always and seems to have the same power Idle to about 3,500. Nice kick at 4,000 but nothing earth shattering, just noticeable. Pulls good to a little over 6,000 then it seems to run out of steam but no valve float. With the stock cam and springs it would start to float the valves at about 5,800 or so. Overall I’m happy with the cam change but no way would I pay somebody to install this cam. Just too much cost for not much change. It would be interesting to try just the valve springs and see if the stock cam would pull through 6,000.

So….If I had it to do again I would just let the stock cam open and close the valves until I could pop for something that would make more of a difference. Saving my pennys for something around: 220/220 .551/.551 114 LSA. Think I can leave the springs I have for a cam like that.

 

I can show you several dyno curves of big cam vs small cam where the small cam will often out pull its big brother by considerable margins. For instance the popular TR224 from Thunder racing will make over 400hp with ported 5.3L truck heads, with a Futral F13 which is a 230/232 with .600+ lift. The smaller 224 cam out pulled it by as much as 20hp under 5000 RPM, its torque numbers were also similar. The F13 would pull away after 5300 RPM to its peak power point at 6500 RPM.

As for the LPE GT2-3 cam, the truck people love it. That cam makes great low end torque and when coupled with long tube headers and a good exhaust and of course a good dyno tune, gaining 65+ hp to the wheels is not uncommon in a GM pick up.

 

I'm going through what you will be going through if you don't go bigger the first time around, larger than the 02 ZO6 cam. This time I'm going with a COMP cam 218/224 lift 527-534 114 LSA. This will work nicely with my 1.8 rockers, longer push rods and 918 springs. Good luck in your choice

 

Thanks for all the great advice. I will probably go with a little more than the Z06 based on the advice.

 

I'm presently requesting my installer to look into the GM truck cam LPE GT2-3 for me over my first selection cam 218/224 lift 527-534 114 LSA.
Anone have the specs for the GM cam?

 

GT2-3 Cam

207/220,.571/.578,118.5LSA

This cam is good for 25/30 HP over the stock LS1 cam

 

The LIFT numbers are to high for my 1.8 rockers..
thanks