I think you're referring to a reverse split pattern, where the intake duration is longer than the exhaust duration. This design can do very well, especially with good headers & exhaust.

 

explain what a reverse split pattern cam is? whats the diff. between this and the one you guys are recommending (212/232 .550/.585 114LSA) ?

 

There's not too often I see a time where a reverse split cam is benificial... On a completely optimized exhaust system, best of everything, you might see a slight improvement on the area under the curve, but most do not have such exhaust systems.... So I'd recomend sticking with a standard split duration cam that helps let the exhaust flow out. Doesn't take much on an LS1/LS2, just something like a 3-6 degree split is all you need. For example our S cam is a 238/242 on a 113 LSA. We put it in lots of heads/cam cars and have great results. Makes excellent power, with a very useable torque curve. Our C cam is a little smaller/tighter giving it a little more torque prospect. 236/238 on a 112. Both these cams use XER lobes, and we sell them with Patriot Gold Dual valve springs that do not require machining the heads.

Good luck and have fun!

Chuck @ HPE
281-448-1300

 

I recently had the agonizing delight of making the cam decision. As you have discovered this is a complicated subject that I still don't really understand. I studied threads like this quite a bit, read numerous articles and a book and talked to several people, at length. I even found a forum member that was the "cam model" that I choose to emulate. I wanted a cam that increased power and torque up to 5,750-6,000 RPM's, peaked there and flattened out. I didn't want it to affect driveability, as I defined it, too much. I even wanted a particular slightly choppy sound.

The cam that I picked is the Vinci High Performance 056. It is less than a baby cam, as I interpret the term when used on this board. It is a 216/224 degree, .551/.551 lift cam on a 115LSA. When used with my Crane 1.8 rocker arms the lift numbers rise to .583. Pretty small. It has intake/exhaust centerlines of 110/120, giving it 5 degrees of advance when installed straight-up. These were among the more important numbers to me. They are an indication of how a cam moves power/torque down in the power band. This is a much smaller cam than most of the guys on this forum normally talk about.

The one most-often mentioned that seems to fit most peoples' needs is the Comp Cams XER273, or something close. I think that the cam HITMAN said that SpinMonster is selling might be one of those.

Anyway, that was how I approached the decision that you are trying to make. Sometime in the next month or two, when I get it installed, I'll let you know how it runs. My car is at 389RWHP/387RWT (Dynoject, SAE corrected) now and I hope to get to 425/415 with the cam, an underdrive pulley and a slightly more aggressive tune. We'll see.

 

Very interesting choice, & quite conservative. I had a similar cam (218/224 .550" 114 LSA) in an earlier car, a '99 Camaro SS, and loved it. Idled great, good power, passed emissions.

By recent standards though, this is definitely a "baby cam."

 

Just pulled a mid 11 with my baby cam setup.

That just proves you don't need a massive cam to run great at the strip.

 

I'm also leaning toward getting a cam in the near future. I like the idea of having a stealth cam that makes great power with the stock heads. What kind of gains is one looking at with this kind of cam and a tune? And would it be realistic to see about 415rwhp/415trq with one of these cams, tune, LT header/x-pipe, callaway intake, Bullets?

 

You want to get bullets but keep yout car stealthy with a cam?????

 

You know what I mean. Stealthy in the lope sound.

 

With some care in selection you should be able to hit your 415RWHP goal with a cam that doesn't lope too much. The Vinci 056 should add add 25-30 and, if you do an underdrive pulley at the same time, you should get 6-9 more. That should get you to 415 with your set up and a good tune. The popular Comp XER273 would add 20-25 more, though in a slightly higher RPM range. Any cam that will add significant power will lope some but you can mitigate that by turning the idle speed up in your tune.

Achieving the square 415/415 might take some additional static compression but call Comp Cams, Vinci High Performance or your favorite tuner. They'll set you up with just the right cam and tell you whether you need anything else.

 

With the "baby" VHP 056 cam (216/224), I picked up 40 hp. I have not had the car tuned/dyno'd since installing the headers/exhaust, so I do not have the current RWHP numbers. IMO it is a great cam with excellent driveability. But everyone has different opinions of what is good driveability and what is not. My tolerance/comfort level is very low when it comes to lopey cams, so this was a good fit for me.

 

with headers , cat back,160 stat, stinger intake, and tune, made
384/377.
Add the cam went to 410rwhp/388rwtq.

Add the FAST 90 intake manifold, went to 425/405

Add ET 215 heads finished off at 461/435

Car idles smooth with a slight lope. runs at 180-185 degrees, and gets 28-30 mpg @ 70mph in 6th gear

hope the info helps

andreas g.

 

I've been waiting for this thread. I'd like to drop a cam in my Corvette, which is a daily driver. I'm willing to sacrifice some drivability for power.

1. Let's assume that I'm not. I might do it one day, but I'm not the kind of guy who throws bunches of mod money at cars. I don't mind changing springs and whatnot while I'm doing the cam though.

2. No gear changes. I have the Z51 gearing already.

3. I prefer that nasty, loping idle that sounds like the car was tuned to go fast, not idle well.

4. No.

5. Yes, though it may take me a little while to find a shop and time to take it in.

 

That is a very solid gain. Where (RPM's) is your peak power? Which rockers are you using? Also, are you using the stock heads? I have the Vinci 056 awaiting installation in my C6, so I'm pretty curious. Thanks, in advance.

 

I have the stock 241 heads (C5) (unported) and Crane RRs with Crane 832 springs. The peak power is around 6200 RPM, however it pulls strong all the way through 6700. It should make pretty decent power in your C6.

 

Thanks you very much for your reply. I keenly appreciate it. Your experience sounds like what I am trying to accomplish. I am working a lot currently but when it slows down in a month or so, I'll get the cam installed and share the results with you.