. Put a bigger stick in that thing. 
Cam Swap??
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 588
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
While I'm sure there are some that have done it, I would guess most would put in something a little stronger than a stock Z06 cam.
It is not too much work for the mechanically inclined with proper tools or take it to a shop for outpatient surgery.
But, again, if you're gonna do the work, you may as well put something a little stronger in.
It is not too much work for the mechanically inclined with proper tools or take it to a shop for outpatient surgery.
But, again, if you're gonna do the work, you may as well put something a little stronger in.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 518
Likes: 5
From: Acworth Georgia
While I'm sure there are some that have done it, I would guess most would put in something a little stronger than a stock Z06 cam.
It is not too much work for the mechanically inclined with proper tools or take it to a shop for outpatient surgery.
But, again, if you're gonna do the work, you may as well put something a little stronger in.
It is not too much work for the mechanically inclined with proper tools or take it to a shop for outpatient surgery.
But, again, if you're gonna do the work, you may as well put something a little stronger in.
While its not THAT hard, it is time consuming and for the time and money you might as well put a bigger stick in it... however if you are hell bent on a Z cam.. I have my stock one out of my 01 that I'll sell...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
Swapping your OEM '99 camshaft for an '02 or later Z06 camshaft might be OK, if you can get the camshaft for little or nothing and if you can do the work yourself or with buddies, so you don't have any labor expense.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
The stock lS1 cam has a 19.7mm base circle.
The '02-'04 Z06 cam has a 19.0mm base circle.
This will cause the lifter piston to have to compensate and rise 0.7mm in the lifter. This is only 0.028", and usually causes no issue. But GM thought it might, so they made the Z06 valve stems longer to keep the lifter pistons centered.
Just another reason to go with a good aftermarket cam.
DG
The '02-'04 Z06 cam has a 19.0mm base circle.
This will cause the lifter piston to have to compensate and rise 0.7mm in the lifter. This is only 0.028", and usually causes no issue. But GM thought it might, so they made the Z06 valve stems longer to keep the lifter pistons centered.
Just another reason to go with a good aftermarket cam.
DG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
Consider Lpe GT2-3 cam as its basically hairline bigger than Z06 cam, and prolly no tune needed, LS6 springs and GT2-3 cam and u r good to go, anolther 20 hp and flat torque curve. GT2-3 207/220 .578/.580 and 118.5 LSA.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
These are all excellent questions. There is just not going to be one cam profile that fits all users. You need to honestly ask yourself what goals you have for the car, both now and in the future. Also how important is it to you to maintain stock like driveability? Big cams and good heads make great power, but you will lose some of the easy to drive creature comforts of your car. If you increase power too much you will need an aftermarket clutch, bigger injectors, stronger valvetrain components, etc... Once you decide what you want from the car there are many people here who can help point you in the right direction 