Camshaft for LS1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 219
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Camshaft for LS1
Hey there!
I'm interested in a bigger camshaft for ls1. I dont want to race the car alot maybe a few times a year on a small drag or something. Its just the love for that 'muscle car' music and makes heart happyer.
So if i was enough accurate what i want, what cam size would be enough for me? i dont need hell of a horse power, maybe just a few ponys
Also, what should be replaced while being in work, are lifters/springs a must? tune?
I'm interested in a bigger camshaft for ls1. I dont want to race the car alot maybe a few times a year on a small drag or something. Its just the love for that 'muscle car' music and makes heart happyer.
So if i was enough accurate what i want, what cam size would be enough for me? i dont need hell of a horse power, maybe just a few ponys
Also, what should be replaced while being in work, are lifters/springs a must? tune?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
WOW,,, thats a loaded question Theres a LOT of "IF's" that are involved in cam selection.
- AUTO or Manual Trans???
- Mods Now and future Mods???
- Do you have headers??
- Do you want a wide power band or a top end power band???
- Do you want a lot of cam LOPE or little LOPE??
Durations below 230 are considered small cams. They can easily get you 390-400 HP with supporting mods. There more friendly to automatic Trans cars. The bigger the cam, the more you will need a High Stall Converter for an AUTO Trans. The more cam and power that you make, you will have to seriously consider a LOT of drive train mods.. Like: Hardened rearend output shafts, trans/differential brace up-graded clutch OR up-graded trans and a high stall converter.
Durations above 230 to 240's are fairly healthy cams that make lots of power 400-500 HP
Durations in the high 240's to +++ require a LOT of work to fit and work.
You also need to consider the cams LSA and Lift The 230 and below are usually less than .600 " lift Usually around 580's
Any cam will require New Performance valve springs, fitted push rods and a TUNE
BC
- AUTO or Manual Trans???
- Mods Now and future Mods???
- Do you have headers??
- Do you want a wide power band or a top end power band???
- Do you want a lot of cam LOPE or little LOPE??
Durations below 230 are considered small cams. They can easily get you 390-400 HP with supporting mods. There more friendly to automatic Trans cars. The bigger the cam, the more you will need a High Stall Converter for an AUTO Trans. The more cam and power that you make, you will have to seriously consider a LOT of drive train mods.. Like: Hardened rearend output shafts, trans/differential brace up-graded clutch OR up-graded trans and a high stall converter.
Durations above 230 to 240's are fairly healthy cams that make lots of power 400-500 HP
Durations in the high 240's to +++ require a LOT of work to fit and work.
You also need to consider the cams LSA and Lift The 230 and below are usually less than .600 " lift Usually around 580's
Any cam will require New Performance valve springs, fitted push rods and a TUNE
BC
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Apr 6, 2012 at 01:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 219
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Thats alot of work. I knew it takes time and patience, but didnt think it would need so mutch attention on other stuffsection parts too.
since its such a big project and in the end so many horse power, i might take a big consideration and maybe think about this in winter, car is in storage for the winter time
since its such a big project and in the end so many horse power, i might take a big consideration and maybe think about this in winter, car is in storage for the winter time
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
if you just want "a few ponys" as you say then your best bet is to go full bolt ons.
vararam intake, FAST 78-102, headers, and a mail in tune. good for maybe 30-50 hp and considerably less than a cam swap and dyno tune
vararam intake, FAST 78-102, headers, and a mail in tune. good for maybe 30-50 hp and considerably less than a cam swap and dyno tune
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Marco Island Florida
I have a 98 also. Get some Z06 shocks and C6 Z51 swaybars and it will feel like a new car.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Before anyone can offer help, you need to tell us a couple of things: current mods (if any), budget, ultimate goals for the car..
I have a 98 c5 also and recently did full bolt ons w/ a mild cam and made 406whp/393tq....
You may be happy with full bolt ons if your stock a the moment, next step up would be a cam...
I have a 98 c5 also and recently did full bolt ons w/ a mild cam and made 406whp/393tq....
You may be happy with full bolt ons if your stock a the moment, next step up would be a cam...
Last edited by C5_P3rf3ct10n; Apr 7, 2012 at 02:28 PM.
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