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LS 2 Cam swap

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Old Oct 23, 2019 | 08:01 AM
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Default LS 2 Cam swap

Hi everyone, I am new the the LS world and mechanics in general. I recently just purchased an LS1 that came out of a 97 corvette.

The engine came with a LS2 cam as well as the new chain, LS2 front plate, and back plate. I also have a LS1 cam that my buddy gave me from his 99 trans am.

my question is it worth doing the switch to the LS2 cam since I have all the parts or staying with my LS1 cam? What benefits would I gain from either?

any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks.
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Old Oct 23, 2019 | 09:09 AM
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If you're new to mechanical work in general, a cam swap on a C5 corvette is not the place that you want to start. Gains from an LS2 cam would be negligible at best, and the F-Body LS1 cam is pretty much the same thing that's already in the car.

Now, I will say the best way to learn is by doing and I fully encourage that. But start with something more simple and certainly less involved.
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Old Oct 23, 2019 | 05:59 PM
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The engine is out of the car and completely disassembled so there’s going to be a cam install no matter which one I go with.

if it doesn’t already have everything required for an LS2 swap then it doesn’t seem worth it from what you’ve said. Thanks for the info.
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Old Oct 24, 2019 | 09:42 PM
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Google the cam specs for the year LS1 you have and the LS2...not much different.
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Old Oct 25, 2019 | 02:36 AM
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That cam's specs are very close and comparable to the 385hp 2001 Z06 cam. 204/211 .525/.525 with 116 LSA
If you want to go ahead and buy new LS2 valve springs, that would definitely be a must with installing it, as well as a tune
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