C6 cam install
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: CA
C6 cam install
I'm going to be installing my g5x3 cam along with some LG headers soon. I was wondering if anyone has posted a how-to or write-up? I know there is a link in the FAQ but it really doesn't have any details. I've done cam swaps on c5's before and I hear its similar with some differences in the steering rack, etc? Any help appreciated. Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
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From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
I'm going to be installing my g5x3 cam along with some LG headers soon. I was wondering if anyone has posted a how-to or write-up? I know there is a link in the FAQ but it really doesn't have any details. I've done cam swaps on c5's before and I hear its similar with some differences in the steering rack, etc? Any help appreciated. Thanks
Just had one installed last week, but I had my shop do it Horsepower Sales in Pompano. LS1howto.com has a great tutorial, there aren't that many changes to the LS2, you'll figure out the differences.
The LS2 computer is much faster than the LS1 computer, so far I'm finding only minor tweaks needed from my mail order tune and the drivability on the G5x3 is great so far.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 239
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From: Jupiter FL
Joe_G:
Where did you get the 3.90 rear? I got one for my old 03 Z06 from West Coast and it howled like a wherewolf. Have you been successful getting the speedo corrected for the gear? I would like to put some decent gear in my new Z51 but don't want the wife driving around at 30mph thinking she's doing 50.
Where did you get the 3.90 rear? I got one for my old 03 Z06 from West Coast and it howled like a wherewolf. Have you been successful getting the speedo corrected for the gear? I would like to put some decent gear in my new Z51 but don't want the wife driving around at 30mph thinking she's doing 50.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Joe_G:
Where did you get the 3.90 rear? I got one for my old 03 Z06 from West Coast and it howled like a wherewolf. Have you been successful getting the speedo corrected for the gear? I would like to put some decent gear in my new Z51 but don't want the wife driving around at 30mph thinking she's doing 50.
Where did you get the 3.90 rear? I got one for my old 03 Z06 from West Coast and it howled like a wherewolf. Have you been successful getting the speedo corrected for the gear? I would like to put some decent gear in my new Z51 but don't want the wife driving around at 30mph thinking she's doing 50.
No need to tune your car with gears if it's a manual. Speedometer reads off the input shaft and will stay correct. If it's an automatic you'll need a tune to adjust your shift points or they will be screwed up. Tune on an LS2 is a great performance bargain. ONe table will give you 20 hp. 10 degrees of timing is pulled at 100 degrees IAT. Stock IAT will be in the 150 range while sitting at a light. You will feel the change from those mods, trust me. I dropped 1.1 seconds and added 10 mph in the quarter from CAI, gears, headers and tune.
Sorry for off-topic diversion.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: CA
Appreciate all the info so far. Joe_G, you say the drivability is good so far? This isn't my DD, but I would like it to drive that way should I choose to take it to work or on a trip. Do you feel confident enough with the way it drives to do so?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
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From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
I'm telling you, after 2 days I am really amazed how well the LS2 computer reacts compared to the LS1.
My car NEVER dies, always finds its idle (900, but I'm going to try to lower it) just like stock, and I've got the hot start 99% there. Cold start is fine. I might increase starting airflow a bit more (I went up to 25% over my baseline m/o tune) and it's very close. Before I adjusted that you had to hit the gas to start it. I also had to decrease the 400-1200 rpm rows in the VE table, but that got the car "snappy" again. I like to heel and toe downshift so I need a quick throttle response. I'm 95% there.
It does have a little low rpm surging. And I mean just a little. I notice it at 40 in 6th at about 1100-1200. I will continue to work on that, I think I can get that tuned out when my buddy helps me.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: CA
Wow great info. Who did your mail order? I went with LGM, so I'll see how that works but like you I needed something to get me up and running first. I can't believe your only surge issues are that low. I had a much smaller X1 cam in a c5 and I had surging issues below 1700 and that was after two professional tunes. I'm starting to get really excited. Keep me posted on your tune. I appreciate the info and all your hard work.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
Joe_G:
Where did you get the 3.90 rear? I got one for my old 03 Z06 from West Coast and it howled like a wherewolf. Have you been successful getting the speedo corrected for the gear? I would like to put some decent gear in my new Z51 but don't want the wife driving around at 30mph thinking she's doing 50.
Where did you get the 3.90 rear? I got one for my old 03 Z06 from West Coast and it howled like a wherewolf. Have you been successful getting the speedo corrected for the gear? I would like to put some decent gear in my new Z51 but don't want the wife driving around at 30mph thinking she's doing 50.
I would encourage you to consider the 4:10. At 75 MPH I'm just about at 1900-2000 RPM. I'm of the opinion you'll have a little more fun and more available torgue quicker with it. I have 2007 C6 and I couldn't be happier with the 4:10. Depending on where you live, there is a great builder and installer here in the NY metro area by the name of Corvettes of Westchester in Ossining NY.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Charlie @ rpm-motors-inc.com from here did my mail order tune. You can reach him at sales@rpm-motors-inc.com. Tell him I sent you. lol
I've tracked every gallon of gas put into my C6 from the day I got it. I have lost exactly 1.0 MPG after going with the gears, headers & tune. From 19 to 18 in my mostly city daily drive, including all drag strip runs.
I've tracked every gallon of gas put into my C6 from the day I got it. I have lost exactly 1.0 MPG after going with the gears, headers & tune. From 19 to 18 in my mostly city daily drive, including all drag strip runs.
Last edited by Joe_G; Jul 19, 2007 at 01:13 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 353
Likes: 114
From: South Carolina
How To Cam Install C6 Z06
Here is a link to GM HighTech Performance Mag article that's detailed with good photos. http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...ion/index.html
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,647
Likes: 1
From: Objects in your mirror are losing , Long Island, NY
St. Jude Donor '08
Changing to 3:90 or 4:10 will not affect speedometer reading.
I would encourage you to consider the 4:10. At 75 MPH I'm just about at 1900-2000 RPM. I'm of the opinion you'll have a little more fun and more available torgue quicker with it. I have 2007 C6 and I couldn't be happier with the 4:10. Depending on where you live, there is a great builder and installer here in the NY metro area by the name of Corvettes of Westchester in Ossining NY.
I would encourage you to consider the 4:10. At 75 MPH I'm just about at 1900-2000 RPM. I'm of the opinion you'll have a little more fun and more available torgue quicker with it. I have 2007 C6 and I couldn't be happier with the 4:10. Depending on where you live, there is a great builder and installer here in the NY metro area by the name of Corvettes of Westchester in Ossining NY.
Last edited by welcome2try; Jul 19, 2007 at 07:23 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
You will have less surging/stallind/idle issues with the LS2, it seems to swallow up larger cams more easily. An X5 will drive better in an LS2 than the X1 did with a LS1, I promise.
Swapping cams in the LS2 is 85% the same as the LS1, both are extremely easy and require patience more than mechanical skills. The trick to swapping a cam is to not have a deadline. Give yourself a large amount of time and work in 3-4 hours bunches. If this is your first swap give yourself about 14 hours including the springs, and of course some beer.
Dave
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,748
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From: CA
Thanks for the info Dave. I sent you my email address so I can't wait to check out your install write-up. I'm going to give myself two full weekends just in case. If there is one thing I learned last time is not to rush. You'll enevitably find out you need a gasket, or a new bolt, or... Also, what type of valve spring compressor did you use, just the cheapy lever type that you bolt one side where the rocker arm goes? Thanks again everyone.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
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From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Matter of fact the thieves who stole my C5 killed it 3 times trying to get it out of my driveway, giving me a wakeup call and enough time to have the cops on their butt 1/2 mile from house. Of course as soon as they hit the highway it was gone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
Keep a pen magnet handy, you will drop a keeper or 2, also I filled up the oil holes in the head just so I didn't accidently drop one through it, just a precaution.
