Cheapest way to cam?
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,763
Likes: 3,281
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I fail to understand the logic that a custom grind camshaft is a "cheap" way to go, nor do I think any additional cost is worth the effort. Most off-the-shelf grinds are designed for bolt on C5s. Odds are, that it won't be the last mod he buys for the car, negating the very small benefit (if any) he got from a custom grind.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Are there 'ONE-OFF' true CUSTOM grinds, maybe.....but 95% of the cams coming from Comp are just picked from the catalog............either custom or off the shelf
Pricing, same price
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 448
Likes: 49
From: Marion IN
Good thread. I am getting ready to order everything for my cam swap. I want it reasonably priced. But, I do want it to be reliable. I have been doing quite a bit of research and am looking for a cam that makes a lot of low end torque with decent peak hp. I too want the muscle car sound. I am thinking TSP 228r 112 lsa and the TSP headers. I am going to have Mike Norris do the tune down in indy when I'm done with the install.
Hoping for 400rwhp. I also have I/E done.
Hoping for 400rwhp. I also have I/E done.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
Not sure why everyone chases down cam "KITS"?, I guess it's the easiest way, easy is often the path chosen by many
I prefer to contact your local tuner, they will have experience and often are part of a 'network' of other LS tuners
I have consulted Don Kinder since 2006 on cam selection, I also consult Bret Bradbury(he has built many 800hp C5's and drives a 1200hp C5Z)
COMP cam grinds will run 375-450; the margins are "LITTLE", the margins and power under the curve you could gain from the "OPTIMIZED" grind are HUGE
NEW PARTS:
Crank pulley(how many pulleys have we seen wobble/fail), UD pulley is honest 5-8whp..........how about than nice oil spewing groove that is in 1 of 5 or so??)
CHAIN, LS2/3/7 chain is about $45
OIL PUMP, LS6 pump is about $130
GM Blue O-ring/front crank pulley seal/front cover seal, $40
PUSHRODS, stock can be used pending cam selection(don't quote me, I've seen it firsthand from one of the largest shops on the eastcoast)
Valvesprings, NOT AN OPTION; Pac, PSI, Comp along with new seals
LIFTERS................this is HUGE, I'm seeing more lifters failing now when the cars are getting close to the 100k mark; the replacement is known as the "LS7", but is just the lifter that now supersedes the LS1/2/3/6 lifter..........along with lifter trays($20 for all 4!!!!!!!), mine as well grab some 241 for $100 if you have a 97-00 or some 243's for 4-600(Cyl. head removal IS required for lifter R2)
Bottom Line: do the research, feel free to PM me with any questions
I prefer to contact your local tuner, they will have experience and often are part of a 'network' of other LS tuners
I have consulted Don Kinder since 2006 on cam selection, I also consult Bret Bradbury(he has built many 800hp C5's and drives a 1200hp C5Z)
COMP cam grinds will run 375-450; the margins are "LITTLE", the margins and power under the curve you could gain from the "OPTIMIZED" grind are HUGE
NEW PARTS:
Crank pulley(how many pulleys have we seen wobble/fail), UD pulley is honest 5-8whp..........how about than nice oil spewing groove that is in 1 of 5 or so??)
CHAIN, LS2/3/7 chain is about $45
OIL PUMP, LS6 pump is about $130
GM Blue O-ring/front crank pulley seal/front cover seal, $40
PUSHRODS, stock can be used pending cam selection(don't quote me, I've seen it firsthand from one of the largest shops on the eastcoast)
Valvesprings, NOT AN OPTION; Pac, PSI, Comp along with new seals
LIFTERS................this is HUGE, I'm seeing more lifters failing now when the cars are getting close to the 100k mark; the replacement is known as the "LS7", but is just the lifter that now supersedes the LS1/2/3/6 lifter..........along with lifter trays($20 for all 4!!!!!!!), mine as well grab some 241 for $100 if you have a 97-00 or some 243's for 4-600(Cyl. head removal IS required for lifter R2)
Bottom Line: do the research, feel free to PM me with any questions
lessoned learned.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 137
From: SoCal CA
I give my vote for TSP's cam kits. Those guys really do a lot of testing when putting their cam combos together. Even the basic components in their kits are quality parts. Very friendly and helpful customer service as well.
Btw for those who may worry about different pushrods lengths when using the LS7 lifters, Melling makes a good quality oem replacement lifter for LS1's. Made in the USA and available at most auto parts stores.
Btw for those who may worry about different pushrods lengths when using the LS7 lifters, Melling makes a good quality oem replacement lifter for LS1's. Made in the USA and available at most auto parts stores.
