cam recommendation
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
cam recommendation
Shopping for a cam for my wife's "semi-DD" bolt on car, and got a recommendation for a cam somewhere in the range of;
226-236 duration
596-600 lift
114 lsa
These specs are not exact (not 100% sure of the LSA either) but close
Anyone running something similar have any thoughts?
Low speed driveability
spring durability
etc
226-236 duration
596-600 lift
114 lsa
These specs are not exact (not 100% sure of the LSA either) but close
Anyone running something similar have any thoughts?
Low speed driveability
spring durability
etc
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 606
Likes: 1
From: Waco Texas
Personally for a DD and being wifey's I would for sure keep it on a 114 LSA and around the 224-228 in lift intake and exhaust and around .585-.600 lift. What this will do is keep the powerband in the midrange where it's needed most, and shouldn't affect gas mileage much for the extra power you'll get and you won't have to wind to 6500 to get that power. It will chop but not in a violent shake the **** outta her and the car way. Will also be good on valvetrain longevity. If it's an automatic though I would plan at least a 2500 stall converter to match a cam anywhere in this range and another tranny cooler to match. MN6 you should be perfectly fine. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,866
Likes: 249
From: Hillsboro OR
Two months ago I had stock, new 243 (Z06) heads and a cam installed in my DD 2003 Coupe. The cam was very close to the specs you wrote. My cam specs were: 224/230 .585/.595 113 LSA. This cam (and the heads) added ~100 rwhp. I am also running a Yank 2800 stall.
This cam has very good street manners and makes all the power I could have hoped for. Idle (Park) = 900 rpms, Idle (in gear) = 750 rpms.
Now... about LSA. Originally, I asked my builder/tuner to grind a cam for me that must have DD manners and "I wanted to hear a little lope". He suggested a 114 LSA. He had just built one similar and he said he could "hear a little lope". I wanted to be sure I could hear mine and I went with a 113 LSA. Well, like they say.... Be carefull for what you wish for...". I now have lope. It sounds great! It's just what I wanted to hear. However, I was not prepared for the moderate shaking that is ever present at a stop.
I can't imagine your wife (or many wives) will like having any "loose parts" she may have continously jiggling at every stoplight.
I would assume that a DD for a wife you will not want to go any lower than a 114 LSA (I believe that stock is 118 LSA)
Just my $0.02
This cam has very good street manners and makes all the power I could have hoped for. Idle (Park) = 900 rpms, Idle (in gear) = 750 rpms.
Now... about LSA. Originally, I asked my builder/tuner to grind a cam for me that must have DD manners and "I wanted to hear a little lope". He suggested a 114 LSA. He had just built one similar and he said he could "hear a little lope". I wanted to be sure I could hear mine and I went with a 113 LSA. Well, like they say.... Be carefull for what you wish for...". I now have lope. It sounds great! It's just what I wanted to hear. However, I was not prepared for the moderate shaking that is ever present at a stop.
I can't imagine your wife (or many wives) will like having any "loose parts" she may have continously jiggling at every stoplight.
I would assume that a DD for a wife you will not want to go any lower than a 114 LSA (I believe that stock is 118 LSA)Just my $0.02
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
You have lots of factors to consider. Which transmission, and rear gear setup if vital info before you ask for cam ideas. After that, you have to consider your wife's preferences regarding lope, and ultimately, how much drivability is she willing to sacrifice for the added performance.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
Thanks
She already has a 3200 stall with 3.42 gears, so it shouldn't load at all.
I spoke with the cam grinder for quite a while about mostly what she DIDN'T want, which is a loss of durability, loss of dependability, and a dyno queen. The mid 230s duration and 600 lift is what makes me a little nervious
Apparently (as per another engine builder) this guy has some very high tech lobe designs that make great power under the curve along with some other benefits.
I should be able to get the idle fine by adjusting the idle spark advance and idle air flow, and a few other tricks.
She already has a 3200 stall with 3.42 gears, so it shouldn't load at all.
I spoke with the cam grinder for quite a while about mostly what she DIDN'T want, which is a loss of durability, loss of dependability, and a dyno queen. The mid 230s duration and 600 lift is what makes me a little nervious
Apparently (as per another engine builder) this guy has some very high tech lobe designs that make great power under the curve along with some other benefits
. I should be able to get the idle fine by adjusting the idle spark advance and idle air flow, and a few other tricks.
