Cam Swap ?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 17
Cam Swap ?
i know, i know, use the search blah blah blah. I have been reading for hours so my question is this, i have a basically stock 98 C5 and i need the HB replaced (apt is tomorrow) is it worth having a cam thrown in while they replace the stupid HB since they are already in there? I am planning on picking up some 243 heads this weekend and future plans are LS6 intake, intake, headers/exhaust, tune anyway but im thinking for the short term throw a small cam like an ls6 or similar in for the short term. Would i NEED a tune or im guessing small cam should be fine without until i get the intake and heads on and get a tune then? Thanks for the help.
EDIT, keep in mind my long term goals is only 400-430 hp as it is my daily summer car while figure out what i want for a fun summer car.
EDIT, keep in mind my long term goals is only 400-430 hp as it is my daily summer car while figure out what i want for a fun summer car.
Last edited by cuban; Mar 15, 2021 at 04:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 17
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
Maybe talk to your tuner about a deal to tune the car where it runs decently with a nice cam, then tweak the tune up when you add the other parts.
If he's willing to deal, that seems like the most cost-effective approach.
DG
If he's willing to deal, that seems like the most cost-effective approach.
DG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,460
Likes: 4,305
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Its just my "opinion", but hell ya slap in a cam while the front is off the engine. You'll need to determine if valve springs or push rods are required before wrapping up ☝. And, sure you'll want a tune and all that later, but life is short. Do it now while it's all apart.
Btw, GM has what they call a "hot cam" that is supposed to be an upgrade to the stock cam. Have fun and let us know how it works out.
Btw, GM has what they call a "hot cam" that is supposed to be an upgrade to the stock cam. Have fun and let us know how it works out.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
Its just my "opinion", but hell ya slap in a cam while the front is off the engine. You'll need to determine if valve springs or push rods are required before wrapping up ☝. And, sure you'll want a tune and all that later, but life is short. Do it now while it's all apart.
Btw, GM has what they call a "hot cam" that is supposed to be an upgrade to the stock cam. Have fun and let us know how it works out.
Btw, GM has what they call a "hot cam" that is supposed to be an upgrade to the stock cam. Have fun and let us know how it works out.
Lift: .525 I&E
Duration@.050" lift: 219° I, 228° exhaust.
Never saw the LSA published, so I don't know that spec......
BUT-I've read there are 2 kinds of Hot Cam users.
Those who werent happy, and went to a better cam, and those that will!! In other words, if you're going to spend the money for a cam and tune, there are better choices out there........
Last edited by grinder11; Mar 16, 2021 at 09:59 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 760
Likes: 213
From: Detroit
If you're doing heads later, just do the cam at that point. You're going to be almost as "in there" again for the head install as you are the for the harmonic damper, so no point in trying to rush the cam right now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 722
When u change cam without a tune it's going to run rich because it is hitting valve on the airflow table from the changed lift. Some r so so rich ur eyes burn. But the car will drive fine. Ask me how I know. Only drove it for a few hours to get it tuned then was good afterwards. 👍
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,460
Likes: 4,305
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I don't think youll have good driveability with the Hot Cam unless you get a tune. IIRC, Specs are:
Lift: .525 I&E
Duration@.050" lift: 219° I, 228° exhaust.
Never saw the LSA published, so I don't know that spec......
BUT-I've read there are 2 kinds of Hot Cam users.
Those who werent happy, and went to a better cam, and those that will!! In other words, if you're going to spend the money for a cam and tune, there are better choices out there........
Lift: .525 I&E
Duration@.050" lift: 219° I, 228° exhaust.
Never saw the LSA published, so I don't know that spec......
BUT-I've read there are 2 kinds of Hot Cam users.
Those who werent happy, and went to a better cam, and those that will!! In other words, if you're going to spend the money for a cam and tune, there are better choices out there........
That said, whatever cam you select, choose carefully and make sure you will not have piston to valve issues, and probably want new/different springs... Or...just wait until you have the new heads. I suppose the headache multiplier is the engine computer.
Also, check on the LS6 valve lengths. Just say'n...
Last edited by vette4fl; Mar 16, 2021 at 12:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
From someone who has not run this cam...
You can change heads without taking the front cover and balancer off. I don't understand how changing the heads will make it easier to change the cam, and dowels can be used to hold the lifters up with the heads still in place.
That said, whatever cam you select, choose carefully and make sure you will not have piston to valve issues, and probably want new/different springs... Or...just wait until you have the new heads. I suppose the headache multiplier is the engine computer.
Also, check on the LS6 valve lengths. Just say'n...
You can change heads without taking the front cover and balancer off. I don't understand how changing the heads will make it easier to change the cam, and dowels can be used to hold the lifters up with the heads still in place.
That said, whatever cam you select, choose carefully and make sure you will not have piston to valve issues, and probably want new/different springs... Or...just wait until you have the new heads. I suppose the headache multiplier is the engine computer.
Also, check on the LS6 valve lengths. Just say'n...
That would be correct. And I wouldn't, ever. 219/228 duration is more traditional SBC than LSX. I realize it's a personal choice. But going to the trouble of doing all that work and spending that much money, when there are so many better choices out there, is puzzling. For instance, Comp makes a 222/224, or it may be a 224/224 duration, .560" lift cam that, when tuned properly (just like the Hot Cam needs proper tuning), I'll bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference driving the car with the Comp cam side by side with another C5 that had the Hot Cam installed. Until you put the pedal to the floor. Then there would be a difference. Just saying, and I know it's a personal decision........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 722
......"from someone who hasn't run this cam"....
That would be correct. And I wouldn't, ever. 219/228 duration is more traditional SBC than LSX. I realize it's a personal choice. But going to the trouble of doing all that work and spending that much money, when there are so many better choices out there, is puzzling. For instance, Comp makes a 222/224, or it may be a 224/224 duration, .560" lift cam that, when tuned properly (just like the Hot Cam needs proper tuning), I'll bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference driving the car with the Comp cam side by side with another C5 that had the Hot Cam installed. Until you put the pedal to the floor. Then there would be a difference. Just saying, and I know it's a personal decision........
That would be correct. And I wouldn't, ever. 219/228 duration is more traditional SBC than LSX. I realize it's a personal choice. But going to the trouble of doing all that work and spending that much money, when there are so many better choices out there, is puzzling. For instance, Comp makes a 222/224, or it may be a 224/224 duration, .560" lift cam that, when tuned properly (just like the Hot Cam needs proper tuning), I'll bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference driving the car with the Comp cam side by side with another C5 that had the Hot Cam installed. Until you put the pedal to the floor. Then there would be a difference. Just saying, and I know it's a personal decision........
I have 225/225 600 113 Las off the shelf and it makes all the hp I need. When it was n/a I was close to 500 with my set up. Blow that up and build new engine with the same cam. Apple and oranges but I'm over 1000 with that cam and 26lbs boost. Drivable is Great but u have to like a choppy idle which I love. Or just higher LSA like 114 115.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
I have 225/225 600 113 Las off the shelf and it makes all the hp I need. When it was n/a I was close to 500 with my set up. Blow that up and build new engine with the same cam. Apple and oranges but I'm over 1000 with that cam and 26lbs boost. Drivable is Great but u have to like a choppy idle which I love. Or just higher LSA like 114 115.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,460
Likes: 4,305
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
......"from someone who hasn't run this cam"....
That would be correct. And I wouldn't, ever. 219/228 duration is more traditional SBC than LSX. I realize it's a personal choice. But going to the trouble of doing all that work and spending that much money, when there are so many better choices out there, is puzzling. For instance, Comp makes a 222/224, or it may be a 224/224 duration, .560" lift cam that, when tuned properly (just like the Hot Cam needs proper tuning), I'll bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference driving the car with the Comp cam side by side with another C5 that had the Hot Cam installed. Until you put the pedal to the floor. Then there would be a difference. Just saying, and I know it's a personal decision........
That would be correct. And I wouldn't, ever. 219/228 duration is more traditional SBC than LSX. I realize it's a personal choice. But going to the trouble of doing all that work and spending that much money, when there are so many better choices out there, is puzzling. For instance, Comp makes a 222/224, or it may be a 224/224 duration, .560" lift cam that, when tuned properly (just like the Hot Cam needs proper tuning), I'll bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference driving the car with the Comp cam side by side with another C5 that had the Hot Cam installed. Until you put the pedal to the floor. Then there would be a difference. Just saying, and I know it's a personal decision........
I have 225/225 600 113 Las off the shelf and it makes all the hp I need. When it was n/a I was close to 500 with my set up. Blow that up and build new engine with the same cam. Apple and oranges but I'm over 1000 with that cam and 26lbs boost. Drivable is Great but u have to like a choppy idle which I love. Or just higher LSA like 114 115.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 722
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
I appreciate the humor, but the OP was asking whether he should install a cam now while the HB is off, and possibly use a mild cam (like the LS6...). He was not asking for the best possible cam under a zillion circumstances, just an upgrade he could toss in for the meantime. I offered info on the LS6 and another upgrade that should be just a cam and spring kit. You two can party now, I'm out.
Last edited by grinder11; Mar 17, 2021 at 07:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 231
From: Round Rock Texas
FYI I had been thinking the samething. What it will save is a little on labor since they will have to pull HB again to do cam. I did ask for a quote for repairs get ready for sticker shock.
This is a well know repair shop here in Austin and I trust them
HB only all parts and labor about 1000.00
HB plus cam. which will include, new oil pump, springs, retainers, timing chain and gears, all bolts, tune.
4000.00
This is a well know repair shop here in Austin and I trust them
HB only all parts and labor about 1000.00
HB plus cam. which will include, new oil pump, springs, retainers, timing chain and gears, all bolts, tune.
4000.00