First off, I don't own a C5...yet...but I've wanted one for many years...and hopefully in the near future, I can call one my own But it's better to get as much info beforehand, rather than struggling with it later on (so I've learned from experience). So here's my question(s). If I get an aftermarket performance cam for the LS1, what's the best Intake/Exhaust Duration if I want a streetable drive with decent idle. I was thinking that either a 212°/221° (.510"/.510" lift) from Lunati or the 219°/228° (.525"/.525" lift) from GM Performance Parts might be ok.

In addition, will I need new valve springs to go with the cam? What's the max lift on the stock LS1 springs? I know the LS6 came with .570" of lift (the GM cam can be bought in the Gen 3 Hot Cam Kit which comes with the LS6 .570" valve springs). On my Jeep, removing the valve springs requires subjecting the cylinder to air pressure (through the spark plug hole) in order to hold the valves against their seats. Is this necessary on the LS1?

What about the stock rockers? Will those suffice? Not sure what ratio the LS1 rockers come in (is it 1.7:1?), but will I need 1.8 ratio rockers for more valve lift?

Will the stock lifters be ok? I know some cams come with aftermarket lifters, but the above mentioned cams are sold individually.

Will I need to do some reprogramming after the install (with something like the Predator Power Programmer), or will the stock Fuel/air ratio and timing be ok?

I usually do all installs myself, but I don't have much experience with engine modifications. The only thing I've ever done to an engine was a valve adjustment to a four banger. But I am technically inclined and have done everything from brakes to exhaust to suspension, as well as all maintenance on my cars. I know my way around cars, and with a technical manual, like Haynes or Chilton, I can usually fix everything. So how hard is it to install a cam + accessories myself? What does the install involve (will I have to remove the cylinder heads, push rods, rockers, timing chain, etc. as well?)? I'm just thankful that the LS1 comes with only one camshaft, unlike the LT5 ZR1 engine with quad cam. That would be one hell of an install Any "special" tools needed?

How much horsepower can I expect from the above cams? I'm guessing that the GM Performance cam (from above) will yield a little more hp/torque than the LS6 cam (maybe 60-70hp?), but I could be wrong. I don't have any experience with cams.

Sorry for all those questions, but I am an enthusiast, and would like some of these questions answered by those who have done this before.

Thanks, Indy

 

Start here: Cam Guide

 

When you change cams you should change springs, etc.

The cam will probably only net you about 40 to 50 rwhp. Now if you add some heads, the numbers will really go up.

Your car will need to be re-tuned.

There are lots of posts about cams and heads and cams mods on this site, as well as LS1.com

I would talk to a reputable tuner about what you are looking for and get their recommendations.

 

...of course the size of the cam is going to determine your net gain. The cams you listed aren't going to get you 50-70 rwhp and are really mild. You can go larger and still have a smooth running streetable package. Supporting mods (heads, headers, ud pulley, etc.) can help considerably and should be a consideration if you want to meet your goals with a 'mild' combination...a much bigger cam can get you to the 50 -70 rwhp you are looking at such as a Thunder Racing Trex in a cam only app. but compromises streetability greatly.

 

I'm not sure where you read that LS6 cams have .570 lift... You don't hear a lot of people installing cams with less than .550 lift, and anything over .550 is going to require new valve springs. A cam in the size range you are talking about is probably going to grab you 30 or 35whp. If you are going from bone-stock, you'll be adding headers too, which will get you another 30, so you should be up at least 60whp with any 220 series cam and longtubes. You should really spend a lot of time over at ls1tech.com to get a feel for what cam you want to go with. Kudos to you for not falling into the giant cam trap.

Check out www.LS1howto.com. They have excellent instructions on how to do a C5 head/cam swap, and an LS1 F-body cam only swap. I have never done much wrenching, and I managed to pull off a head/cam swap without any serious issues (had a couple of minor mess-ups, but nothing bad). If you are at all mechanically inclined and have the time, you can do it!

 

GM cams

LS-1 2001+ 198/208 500/500 116
LS-6 207/217 525/525 116
Gen3 Hot cam 219/228 525/525 112
LS2 204/211 525/525 116
GMPP ASA 226/236 525/525 110
GM- Grand am cup 239/251 570/570 106