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I have a 03 zo6, I want to install a new cam lifters and valve springs. I'm looking for something to drive daily but still want that cam sound and definitely more horse power, but I need to still be able to tune it using the stock computer at the tuners. I'm on a small budget so what would be the best bang for the buck and where to buy for same reason. thanks for the help.
the Z06 can take some decent cam, and re your budget the cost is pretty much the same for any cam/lifter kit regardless of specs... BTR and Tick will setter you in the right direction...
I would call EPS (maybe their 226/230), and CamMotion (Titan 4 is a nice cam). Vengeance, BTR and Tick are all very good as well. I prefer Cam Motion cores and lobes over Comp something to ask the vendor. ~226-228 intake and a few degrees more on the exhaust is a nice area for a Z06, still friendly with a 3.42 rear responds well to 3.73/4.10s and heads if you decide to do so later.
I would call a few vendors, tell them your goals, future plans, and overall requirements for their cam (lifters, springs, and how often to change springs).
A few years ago the PO installed an ESP 226/230 0.598"/0.610" 113 LSA cam, Comp 26926 springs, LS7 lifters in LS2 trays, ? length Comp push rods, Comp 13702 trunion upgrade, LS2 timing chain along and stock 243 heads. The new 5.7L short block has forged rods and pistons and a stock GM crank. The package also included the LS6 intake manifold, ported throttle body and late LS6 MAF with a Callaway Honker CAI. He went with jet hot coated LG Pro long tube headers and catted X-pipe with Z06 Ti cat back. Fast 36# injectors and a conservative dyno tune round out the package. The combo netted +400 rwhp and +390 ft-lbs of torque. He also added a LS7 clutch and Z06 torque tube help get the power to the ground.
The combo has a noticeable idle lope, but it is still surprisingly driveable on the street. I probably would not have gone that far with the cam if I had done the 5.7L build (I am an old fart so a slightly smoother idle would be a bit nicer) or I would have used this cam with a slightly larger 6.0L short block or with a stroker crank - that's just my personal preference.
But the idle lope is a small price to pay because you got to love the way this combo screams when you open her up
How is your emissions testing in WA? Do they plug into the computer or do a visual inspection and sniff test? That may play a part in the cam selection.
Also, since you are on a budget, Hot Rod did a GM only cam test on a 5.3 LM7 and the results were very interesting. Here is a link to the article: Hot Rod Magazine Cam Test on LM7