I know this has been covered a million times but wanted a answer catered to me I have an 04 with mild mods, borla straight, headers, x pipe, blackwing intake. I want to do a mild cam for a daily driver. Is there a cam I can swap to without changing springs and other stock components? I just want to change the cam with out breaking the bank.

 

Sure, there are cams out there that are very close to the stock cam profile.

The problem is, the increase in performance will not be worth the effort. AND you may still need a tune. Most tuners charge more than the price of the cam for a dyno tune. (Cam is considered and internal modification so its another price level)

Stock springs are not to good to go beyond the stock cam specs.

 

I agree. Give it some thought

 

Thanks for the insite. I planned on the tune of course but didnt know the rates can change with things like a cam. I am looking purely to maximize performance with out loosing drivablility as a DD. So even if its only a small HP gain I am ok with that.

 

Check the websites for some of the big name tuners on the forum, and contact you local tuners. Could be quite a surprise.

 

This.

Don't do a cam unless you are ready to add springs and rockers to go with it. Depending on milage oil pump and timing chain. A good tune will really wake the car up. JMHO

 

I agree a waste of $$ and effort to go with a cam that can re-use the stock springs--
For a daily driver type aplication---depends on if you need to pass smog or not--I am assuming NO since you already have LT headers--
If your car was never tuned for your LT's you most likely are leaving tons of HP on the table !! Sometimes with LT's the power will actually go DOWN without a tune !!
You can't get the full benefit of your LT's without getting it tuned !!!!
Old sch thought is do do all your research and homework--Pick out a cam and then go ONE size bigger !!
A good D/D type cam would be something around .228/.228 @.050 --lift from .525-.575
and an LSA no lower than a 114--ESPECIALLY if your car is an automatic
Any larger cam will require the engine to idle much higher-stock is around 600 and a 220ish cam will need to idle about 800-850 --The problem is that at a stop light idling at 850 you won't be able to hold the car still-It will want to creep and will require a lot more brake effort--That's why most will get a mild stall converter to eliminate this issue
If your car is a 6 speed--you can get way with a longer duration cam say about .233 @
.050 and will have no brake hold issues- Also can use a lower LSA --A 112 is a great choice---( stock is about 117-119 ) Lower LSA's make the idle lopier
A mild cam swap .220 is worth an honest 35 RWHP -- LT's with a cam should make anywhere from 20-30 RWHP (over stock) after tuning
A 230 ish cam about 40-45 RWHP
High .230's --.240 50 -60 RWHP asuuming you've made all the appropriate mods to insure adequate fuel flow etc.--

 

You dont need rockers. Stock ones will work great but even a LS6 cam will need new springs.

 

Great explanation! Thank you!

 

I agree with this. As a general rule pf thumb with high performance cams, when you install a new cam, rebuild the heads with parts designed to stand up to the increased horsepower. Even a mild HP gain can break parts not designed for it. Be cheap now and you might end up with some extremely expensive repairs later.

 

so i have done some more research and i was thinking cheap like 600 to 700$ and didnt consider a package that came with springs etc. but if i went with something around .228/.228 @.050 --lift from .525-.575 would i need to change any other components other than what would come in a kit? are the fuel components still going to be ok or am I pushing the capabilities? should I go with a 230 ish cam for a daily driver if you are suggesting to go up one? I have not got the car tuned yet because I was waiting to do a cam swap and didnt anticipate much time between the headers and cam.

 

On my 06 GTO with an LS2 I went with a Comp 226/228 - 585/588. It was a great street cam with really good low end torque. I had it and other mods done at the same time. Ported Fast, Pulleys, LT headers ect... After 2 sets of rockers and broken springs over the next 2 years I got frustrated with the car and traded for another Vette. If you do it then do it right. Upgrade the valve train to handle the increased lift.

 

talked to a vendor and I think im going to go with a .228R and package comes with springs, lifters and rods for 599 thanks for everyones input it was helpful in my conversation with the vendor.

 

Good choice ! I like mine. I would also recommend the Comp Cams Trunion upgrade.

 

 

I have read mixed opinion on rocker upgrade. does anyone have any other bad experience after cam swap?

 

You are NOT changing the factory rockers - they are fine for that application.

Conversation with Matt Craft at Texas Speed.

Any opinion on the COMP Cams LS Rocker Arm Trunion Upgrade? I will be installing a TSP 228R cam with the PAC LS6 stage 1 heads and the PAC 1218 springs.


I am a fan of that kit! We run that kit on the stock GM rockers on our racecar that went 9.66@130mph, and have been very happy with the product and its results. It will work very well with your combo!

 

I spoke with him earlier this week thats why I brought it up.