LS7 cam in an LS2
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 28
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
LS7 cam in an LS2
Several of my freinds have upgraded their Z06 LS7 engines with hotter cams.
I can get one of those cams with springs for next to nothing. Can a stock LS7 cam provide a menaingful benefit (20 to 30 HP)to a daily driver LS2 A6 Corvette with CAI, headers, and Corsa exhaust? I am aware of the different ratio rockers on the LS7, so the lift in the LS2 will be slightly less. I know there are better performing cams, but they usually are associated with the dreaded sewing machine noise. I have a C5 that has all the normal performance upgrades to include a cam with the sewing machine noise. I use it primarily for drag racing and open road racing and the noise does not annoy me during those activities. As many of you have said that just for sound of high performance
. But a daily driver is another story
. The LS7 cam will be quite and somewhat stealthy. Look forward to your thoughts.
I can get one of those cams with springs for next to nothing. Can a stock LS7 cam provide a menaingful benefit (20 to 30 HP)to a daily driver LS2 A6 Corvette with CAI, headers, and Corsa exhaust? I am aware of the different ratio rockers on the LS7, so the lift in the LS2 will be slightly less. I know there are better performing cams, but they usually are associated with the dreaded sewing machine noise. I have a C5 that has all the normal performance upgrades to include a cam with the sewing machine noise. I use it primarily for drag racing and open road racing and the noise does not annoy me during those activities. As many of you have said that just for sound of high performance . But a daily driver is another story . The LS7 cam will be quite and somewhat stealthy. Look forward to your thoughts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Several of my freinds have upgraded their Z06 LS7 engines with hotter cams. I can get one of those cams with springs for next to nothing. Can a stock LS7 cam provide a menaingful benefit (20 to 30 HP)to a daily driver LS2 A6 Corvette with CAI, headers, and Corsa exhaust? I am aware of the different ratio rockers on the LS7, so the lift in the LS2 will be slightly less. I know there are better performing cams, but they usually are associated with the dreaded sewing machine noise. I have a C5 that has all the normal performance upgrades to include a cam with the sewing machine noise. I use it primarily for drag racing and open road racing and the noise does not annoy me during those activities. As many of you have said that just for sound of high performance . But a daily driver is another story . The LS7 cam will be quite and somewhat stealthy. Look forward to your thoughts.
I can get one of those cams with springs for next to nothing. Can a stock LS7 cam provide a menaingful benefit (20 to 30 HP)to a daily driver LS2 A6 Corvette with CAI, headers, and Corsa exhaust? I am aware of the different ratio rockers on the LS7, so the lift in the LS2 will be slightly less. I know there are better performing cams, but they usually are associated with the dreaded sewing machine noise. I have a C5 that has all the normal performance upgrades to include a cam with the sewing machine noise. I use it primarily for drag racing and open road racing and the noise does not annoy me during those activities. As many of you have said that just for sound of high performance . But a daily driver is another story . The LS7 cam will be quite and somewhat stealthy. Look forward to your thoughts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 8,824
Likes: 3
From: The left Coast
St. Jude Donor '08
There are much better "Stealth" cams than the Z cam. Especially if you are going to go thru all the trouble installing a cam. My recommendations with personal experience is the LPE GT11 cam, its specs are 215/230 ground on a 118 LSA and has 631/644 lift if I remember right. I have used that cam in several cars with excellent results, typical A6 with headers, CNC ported heads, ported intake and TB makes 440hp/406tq to the wheels. Idles like stock and drives like stock until you push the pedal to the metal.
It also feels like the car is getting quicker the more miles I put on. I have about 250 miles on the cam and every time I drive it it feels quicker.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
There are much better "Stealth" cams than the Z cam. Especially if you are going to go thru all the trouble installing a cam. My recommendations with personal experience is the LPE GT11 cam, its specs are 215/230 ground on a 118 LSA and has 631/644 lift if I remember right. I have used that cam in several cars with excellent results, typical A6 with headers, CNC ported heads, ported intake and TB makes 440hp/406tq to the wheels. Idles like stock and drives like stock until you push the pedal to the metal.
How do the valve springs like all that lift as a DD?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
For an LS2 a lift above 600 is high for a DD. If you like checking valve springs once a month then go for it.
Besides most intakes and heads really dont flow well above 600 lift, more like drop off significatly so there is no need to have that kind of valve lift.
Even with PP LS6 heads ( same heads for LS2 and LS3) a lift of 585 or max of 595 is more then sufficient to get maximum under the curve and top end HP.
cars are have lots of GO above 4000 rpms and not much under may be over cammed and would do better with a smaller cam. also cams with lots of go above 4000 tend to be slow off the line do to poor under the curve area or performance.
Besides most intakes and heads really dont flow well above 600 lift, more like drop off significatly so there is no need to have that kind of valve lift.
Even with PP LS6 heads ( same heads for LS2 and LS3) a lift of 585 or max of 595 is more then sufficient to get maximum under the curve and top end HP.
cars are have lots of GO above 4000 rpms and not much under may be over cammed and would do better with a smaller cam. also cams with lots of go above 4000 tend to be slow off the line do to poor under the curve area or performance.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 505
Likes: 4
From: StatenIsland New York
Great information .........
Tom B. what would you say would be the best head and cam package for a DD . My car is an 2005 A4 convert.ooks headers. cats .CAI. i RAN A 12.5 112 MPH . tHANKS ..AU N EGL
Last edited by Johnny vette; Sep 13, 2007 at 03:28 PM. Reason: forgot au n egl
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 28
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Has anyone put an LS7 cam in an LS2 A6
. Besides the differences in rocker arm ratios, are there any issues such as base circle differences or push rod lengths. Is it still streetable of an A6 car? I am looking for a bump in HP and quiet valve train for a daily driver, not the max HP. The work I will do myself. Looking forward to more input.
. Besides the differences in rocker arm ratios, are there any issues such as base circle differences or push rod lengths. Is it still streetable of an A6 car? I am looking for a bump in HP and quiet valve train for a daily driver, not the max HP. The work I will do myself. Looking forward to more input.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
For an LS2 a lift above 600 is high for a DD. If you like checking valve springs once a month then go for it.
Besides most intakes and heads really dont flow well above 600 lift, more like drop off significatly so there is no need to have that kind of valve lift.
Even with PP LS6 heads ( same heads for LS2 and LS3) a lift of 585 or max of 595 is more then sufficient to get maximum under the curve and top end HP.
cars are have lots of GO above 4000 rpms and not much under may be over cammed and would do better with a smaller cam. also cams with lots of go above 4000 tend to be slow off the line do to poor under the curve area or performance.
Besides most intakes and heads really dont flow well above 600 lift, more like drop off significatly so there is no need to have that kind of valve lift.
Even with PP LS6 heads ( same heads for LS2 and LS3) a lift of 585 or max of 595 is more then sufficient to get maximum under the curve and top end HP.
cars are have lots of GO above 4000 rpms and not much under may be over cammed and would do better with a smaller cam. also cams with lots of go above 4000 tend to be slow off the line do to poor under the curve area or performance.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
PP LS6 heads, TSP, TrickFlow, ETP 215 or AFR 205s or the like. For a cam that is a DD but still has some get up and gone
LG G5X1 228/232 588/574 112
Comp XE cca-54-444-11 224/230 581/588 114 2-7000 rpms
Mild
Comp 224/228 581/581 112 + 35 hp
TSP 231 231/237 595/595 112 1700-6500 rpm plus40-45hp
Most of these cams with AFR 205s or ETP 215s ( from what I have seen on LS6 engines) and the Comp cam may put you close to 500/475 RWHP/TQ with the right builder and tuner, the car would still be a good DD.
So many ppl want to put in cams with lifts in the mid 600s. But as I mentioned most heads dont flow well in the 600s or those the do are limited to the Intake runners. That combination give poor flow rates. Plus lifts in the 600s need constant spring monitoring. Where ppl should look IMHO is the flow rates at 200, 300 and 400 lift. Higher flow rates and these lower lifts give much more torque which means get up and off the line much faster.
For a DD reliability is very important.
I would really recommend to find a great engine builder / tuner who you can talk to and trust. Tell him what you want the car to do, and let them make a suggestion.
ETP Heads http://www.texas-speed.com/shop/item...d=617&catid=40
Hope that helps a bit.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
One can look at Speed World Challenge LS2 engine, with PP LS 6 heads ( special LPE porting with almost un believable flow at 200 to 575) plus the cam of GM Cup cam 239/251 570/570 106 and these engines put out 550 bhp ( dry sump oiling)
ie the importance of a builder you trust. Talk to builders and let them know what you want your car to do?
Last edited by AU N EGL; Sep 13, 2007 at 09:35 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
YES many do. Although those lifts may not have great air flow do the poor head design, intake runner volume, TB size or what ever. Where as the flow rates at the lower lifts are so important.
One can look at LG speed world challenge LS2 engine, with PP LS 6 heads ( special LPE porting with almost un believable flow at 200 to 575) plus the cam of 239/251 570/570 106 and these engines put out 550 bhp
One can look at LG speed world challenge LS2 engine, with PP LS 6 heads ( special LPE porting with almost un believable flow at 200 to 575) plus the cam of 239/251 570/570 106 and these engines put out 550 bhp
The cam you mention has alot of duration, narrow lobe center and moderate lift. It's a no brainer cam.
Plot the curve of a short duration cam w/lots of lift and you'll see that all that lift, while it isn't used on the bottom end, it does provide added duration at .2 and .3 lift. Which is where we want lots of flow, all things being equal.
Fortunately, the LS series intake/heads can and do provide good airflow and provide little restriction at these lifts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
The GT11 cam is the same cam that LPE uses in their 500bhp package for the C6 LS2. They warranty that package for 3 years. If there is a spring issue, I doubt that they would warranty it for 3 years. I have several customers out there running around with the GT11 cam and not one has had any valve spring issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 8,824
Likes: 3
From: The left Coast
St. Jude Donor '08
CNC ported heads, stainless steel valves, PRC double springs with titanium retainers, seats, & seals.
It drives out very nicely and a lot of fun. A little loss on the low end but the 4.10's make up for it. It's not a DD, just a toy.
Not trying to hijack your thread.
It drives out very nicely and a lot of fun. A little loss on the low end but the 4.10's make up for it. It's not a DD, just a toy.
Not trying to hijack your thread.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Plot the curve of a short duration cam w/lots of lift and you'll see that all that lift, while it isn't used on the bottom end, it does provide added duration at .2 and .3 lift. Which is where we want lots of flow, all things being equal.
Fortunately, the LS series intake/heads can and do provide good airflow and provide little restriction at these lifts.
Fortunately, the LS series intake/heads can and do provide good airflow and provide little restriction at these lifts.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
The GT11 cam is the same cam that LPE uses in their 500bhp package for the C6 LS2. They warranty that package for 3 years. If there is a spring issue, I doubt that they would warranty it for 3 years. I have several customers out there running around with the GT11 cam and not one has had any valve spring issues.
I question DD with lift short duration at lift @ .6 and up.
To the OP, I found the LS7 cam is 211/230 on a 110 w/.593/.588
I haven't found what the intake centerline is, anybody know?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 410
Likes: 9
I am fairly new to the forum so please have some patience with my statement....the gentlemen who started the post was looking for an answer to his question 
...sometimes in our desire to help others we never answer their question...there is a lot of excellent/helpful advice in most persons' responses but if anyone can answer the original question put forward
...sometimes in our desire to help others we never answer their question...there is a lot of excellent/helpful advice in most persons' responses but if anyone can answer the original question put forward
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
As I said, with the duration and lift of that cam, it's a no btainer. I see no reason not to run that cam, other than a slightly rough idle and probably a sniffer test.
I question DD with lift short duration at lift @ .6 and up.
To the OP, I found the LS7 cam is 211/230 on a 110 w/.593/.588
I haven't found what the intake centerline is, anybody know?
I question DD with lift short duration at lift @ .6 and up.
To the OP, I found the LS7 cam is 211/230 on a 110 w/.593/.588
I haven't found what the intake centerline is, anybody know?
GM LS7 Cams
LS7 stock 211/230 591/591 120
GM LS7 Hot cams ( release TBD)
230/231 593/588 120
227/239 583/583 116
233/276 630/630 116
LS7s run with 1.8 Rocker, not the 1.7 rocker that LS1,2,6 and 3 run
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
Where did you get your specs? I found the cam timing events to come up w/mine.