Heads and cam question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury Maryland
Heads and cam question
I have a stock ls1. looking for some opinions. what the best head and cam package for the $ for my ls1. Want to drive it on the street with no issues but want some extra hp. i dont know much on the head and cams that are out there and there are so many options. just want the best bang for the bucks. Thanks for any suggestions!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 42
From: East Aurora NY
I have a stock ls1. looking for some opinions. what the best head and cam package for the $ for my ls1. Want to drive it on the street with no issues but want some extra hp. i dont know much on the head and cams that are out there and there are so many options. just want the best bang for the bucks. Thanks for any suggestions!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,273
Likes: 1,103
From: Dyer, IN
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,308
Likes: 157
From: NJ
I have a stock ls1. looking for some opinions. what the best head and cam package for the $ for my ls1. Want to drive it on the street with no issues but want some extra hp. i dont know much on the head and cams that are out there and there are so many options. just want the best bang for the bucks. Thanks for any suggestions!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury Maryland
heads and cam
I am located on the eastern shore of Maryland. I am sure i will be spending somewhere in the range of 2500-3000 from what i have seen and i am sure it goes up from there. I have owned my vette for 7 years and just am itching for more hp. I have a vararam cai, magna flow x pipe and exhaust. just purchased a n20 system, a 90mm throttle body and intake but am looking at head and cam options. To be honest i really dont know much about cams and heads and whats best bang for the buck. I do know that i want to be able to drive it on the street with no problems but want to be able to kick the sh.. out of these mustangs running around always pulling up beside me wanting to race lol. I think they are just jealouse of us vette owners lol By the way, Thanks for you guys opinions. Some people say dont bother with the intake and tb with the stock engine, that its not worth the money ,,but hear that just changing the intake would gain 20 hp. makes me dizzy lol
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Manual or Auto? If its an auto, gears would be a much bigger priority.
From here on out, I will assume you have a manual since the info I provide will apply to manuals....
As far as heads/cam, there are many cam only ls1's putting out 400rwhp which should be plenty for you to handle the new mustangs. If you add ported/aftermarket heads, you should be around 430-450rwhp.
Basic cam only swap with labor should run you around $2k. Add some head porting with labor for another $1k. $500 for tune which is a must for either option.
So bottom line, for $2500 you are looking at a cam swap, right around 380-400 rwhp, and high 11 sec 1/4 mile with tires.
For $3500 you get cam+head port, 430-450rwhp, and mid 11sec 1/4 mile with tires.
Obvioulsy everything stated is just general "averages" and are subjective to your personal location and driving skill.
From here on out, I will assume you have a manual since the info I provide will apply to manuals....
As far as heads/cam, there are many cam only ls1's putting out 400rwhp which should be plenty for you to handle the new mustangs. If you add ported/aftermarket heads, you should be around 430-450rwhp.
Basic cam only swap with labor should run you around $2k. Add some head porting with labor for another $1k. $500 for tune which is a must for either option.
So bottom line, for $2500 you are looking at a cam swap, right around 380-400 rwhp, and high 11 sec 1/4 mile with tires.
For $3500 you get cam+head port, 430-450rwhp, and mid 11sec 1/4 mile with tires.
Obvioulsy everything stated is just general "averages" and are subjective to your personal location and driving skill.
Last edited by chad3113; Jul 26, 2012 at 07:03 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 1
From: Orange County California
haha....the poor guy still hasn't gotten a recomendation on a good head and cam combo
EnglandGreen outa Texas is making some really good streetable cams that are putting out some impressive numbers at a reasonable price.
I'd giv'em call....I here they are very helpful on the phone
EnglandGreen outa Texas is making some really good streetable cams that are putting out some impressive numbers at a reasonable price.
I'd giv'em call....I here they are very helpful on the phone
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 42
From: East Aurora NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 64
From: Gulf Coast Mississippi
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
+ 1 On the Englandgreen, Talk to Stephan or Jason Really great bunch, Also figure having a little extra cash when you get started, Seems like there is always something that you dont count on.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 4
From: Youngsville North Carolina
I have a stock ls1. looking for some opinions. what the best head and cam package for the $ for my ls1. Want to drive it on the street with no issues but want some extra hp. i dont know much on the head and cams that are out there and there are so many options. just want the best bang for the bucks. Thanks for any suggestions!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,405
Likes: 353
From: New Castle Del.
St. Jude Donor '09
Feel free to give us a call and we can get you taken care of. Your best bet for 2500 is a cam package installed and tuned. For around 3500 is a cam install with a FAST intake.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 67
From: Bahama North Carolina
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,405
Likes: 353
From: New Castle Del.
St. Jude Donor '09
