Cam installation question ?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Cam installation question ?
IM finally getting my CAM installed this weekend. I do however have some concerns about weather you need to remove the condenser and recover the refrigerant or just simply push the condenser out of the way and the CAM should just clear as my mechanic tells me ? Also on installing the 25%
powerbond underdrive pulley my mechanic does not recommend pinning the crank. He fells that its only necessary for supercharged engines and
my build will fall short of 500 rwhp. I know some of you guys did not pin the crank/pulley and had no problems. Am I being overcautious by insisting
it be done in spite of his objections. Would appreciate comments from those who have " CAM ONLY " & "H&C" Thanks, leon
powerbond underdrive pulley my mechanic does not recommend pinning the crank. He fells that its only necessary for supercharged engines and
my build will fall short of 500 rwhp. I know some of you guys did not pin the crank/pulley and had no problems. Am I being overcautious by insisting
it be done in spite of his objections. Would appreciate comments from those who have " CAM ONLY " & "H&C" Thanks, leon
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
I just did my cam install about three weeks ago , I trailered my car to the shop about 3 hours away, had the install done and towed it back. They did a street tune and the usual dyno pulls with no problem. After I got it home I drove it for the day and boom both my belts go simultaneously. My main pulley walked out (causing both belts to hit each other) when the crank bolt un torqued it self. The shop confirmed they installed the pulley correctly and re assured me it was just a fluke incident. This was a reputable shop that has done TONS of quality work for many members and I was confident this was not their fault.
I had to tow it all the way back and they fixed it at no charge (stealership wanted 900$ to do it). It doesn't happen often but is it really worth the risk considering how much of a PITA it is to get access to the pulley bolt? I decided I may as well go with an U/D pulley since they were in there and chose a power bond (SLP) 25% pulley and pinned my crank. I picked up 10 rwhp and 9 rwtq.
Chances are , you would be fine not pinning your crank, but you never know. Hope this helps and let us know how the install goes, I LOVE my cam !!
I had to tow it all the way back and they fixed it at no charge (stealership wanted 900$ to do it). It doesn't happen often but is it really worth the risk considering how much of a PITA it is to get access to the pulley bolt? I decided I may as well go with an U/D pulley since they were in there and chose a power bond (SLP) 25% pulley and pinned my crank. I picked up 10 rwhp and 9 rwtq.
Chances are , you would be fine not pinning your crank, but you never know. Hope this helps and let us know how the install goes, I LOVE my cam !!
Last edited by Spectrel; Jul 2, 2009 at 10:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I just did my cam install about three weeks ago , I trailered my car to the shop about 3 hours away, had the install done and towed it back. They did a street tune and the usual dyno pulls with no problem. After I got it home I drove it for the day and boom both my belts go simultaneously. My main pulley walked out (causing both belts to hit each other) when the crank bolt un torqued it self. The shop confirmed they installed the pulley correctly and re assured me it was just a fluke incident. This was a reputable shop that has done TONS of quality work for many members and I was confident this was not their fault.
I had to tow it all the way back and they fixed it at no charge (stealership wanted 900$ to do it). It doesn't happen often but is it really worth the risk considering how much of a PITA it is to get access to the pulley bolt? I decided I may as well go with an U/D pulley since they were in there and chose a power bond (SLP) 25% pulley and pinned my crank. I picked up 10 rwhp and 9 rwtq.
Chances are , you would be fine not pinning your crank, but you never know. Hope this helps and let us know how the install goes, I LOVE my cam !!
I had to tow it all the way back and they fixed it at no charge (stealership wanted 900$ to do it). It doesn't happen often but is it really worth the risk considering how much of a PITA it is to get access to the pulley bolt? I decided I may as well go with an U/D pulley since they were in there and chose a power bond (SLP) 25% pulley and pinned my crank. I picked up 10 rwhp and 9 rwtq.
Chances are , you would be fine not pinning your crank, but you never know. Hope this helps and let us know how the install goes, I LOVE my cam !!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
Well the car sounds absolutely AMAZING. I get comments all the time on how good it sounds. Only problem is it drones like crazy. Now I'm 24 so this doesn't bother me all that much, and when your roof is out it's at least tolerable but I'm thinking about going to a B and B Fusion setup. Not everyone is a mod crazy vette owner and isn't wiling to deal with drone all (luckily my gf doesn't mind it too much). With the MN6 you can get out of it but more often then not there is a lot of drone. My only fear is that the fusion won't sound as good.
Also 450 is pretty doable, I had a 91 octane tune which leaves a little bit on the table. The tuner didn't feel the G6X3 was the ideal cam for my setup and was better suited to the LS3 with more cubes but obviously it does make good power.
Here is my dyno vid, the shop posted it for me (no it's not a C5):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4G3h...e=channel_page
I do have a lot more vids, but I haven't uploaded them yet.
I know you have probably read about the timing chain breaks lately, so go with the double roller timing chain. I don't think I have ever read about one breaking.
Also 450 is pretty doable, I had a 91 octane tune which leaves a little bit on the table. The tuner didn't feel the G6X3 was the ideal cam for my setup and was better suited to the LS3 with more cubes but obviously it does make good power.
Here is my dyno vid, the shop posted it for me (no it's not a C5):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4G3h...e=channel_page
I do have a lot more vids, but I haven't uploaded them yet.
I know you have probably read about the timing chain breaks lately, so go with the double roller timing chain. I don't think I have ever read about one breaking.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Leon, pin the crank.
I'm sorry you didnt wait for me to be back in the NE in August. I would have loved to hang with you and help with installing it.
What cam are you putting in?
Maybe I will help with heads next go-around.
I'm sorry you didnt wait for me to be back in the NE in August. I would have loved to hang with you and help with installing it.
What cam are you putting in?
Maybe I will help with heads next go-around.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Well the car sounds absolutely AMAZING. I get comments all the time on how good it sounds. Only problem is it drones like crazy. Now I'm 24 so this doesn't bother me all that much, and when your roof is out it's at least tolerable but I'm thinking about going to a B and B Fusion setup. Not everyone is a mod crazy vette owner and isn't wiling to deal with drone all (luckily my gf doesn't mind it too much). With the MN6 you can get out of it but more often then not there is a lot of drone. My only fear is that the fusion won't sound as good.
Also 450 is pretty doable, I had a 91 octane tune which leaves a little bit on the table. The tuner didn't feel the G6X3 was the ideal cam for my setup and was better suited to the LS3 with more cubes but obviously it does make good power.
Here is my dyno vid, the shop posted it for me (no it's not a C5):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4G3h...e=channel_page
I do have a lot more vids, but I haven't uploaded them yet.
I know you have probably read about the timing chain breaks lately, so go with the double roller timing chain. I don't think I have ever read about one breaking.
Also 450 is pretty doable, I had a 91 octane tune which leaves a little bit on the table. The tuner didn't feel the G6X3 was the ideal cam for my setup and was better suited to the LS3 with more cubes but obviously it does make good power.
Here is my dyno vid, the shop posted it for me (no it's not a C5):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4G3h...e=channel_page
I do have a lot more vids, but I haven't uploaded them yet.
I know you have probably read about the timing chain breaks lately, so go with the double roller timing chain. I don't think I have ever read about one breaking.
408 rwhp/412 rwtq on the dynojet. The idea of a CAM scares me as I remember back in the 70's when we put cams in and the car ran worse.
Bigger is not necessarily better and thats why I waited so long. The stingers are awsome now but it backfires on decel and I have the 1500-
1600 drone just like you do and I know it will get worse and perhaps I
will eventually go to npp's. I would like to hear yours idle in a vid if you
make one.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
cam only numbers with the 230 XFI. A local guy with good experience on
lsx Corvettes will be putting in the 232 xer. However he will not be doing the final tune on the dyno. Ill be contacting you in that regard to get a
canned tune or some other arrangement using HP TUNERS.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
Sure, I'll see if I can do one once the weather gets better. This car sounds very similar to mine at idle, it has the same cam and stingers the LS3 changes it but not as much as you'd think. I'd also like to mention that the drive ability is very good with this cam, you def know its there but once tuned correctly it was nice a smooth even at lower RPMs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2-4A...layer_embedded
Take a look at this thread for another G6X3 LS2 install:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...3-456rwhp.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2-4A...layer_embedded
Take a look at this thread for another G6X3 LS2 install:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...3-456rwhp.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,405
Likes: 353
From: New Castle Del.
St. Jude Donor '09
SPIN, I went with the Craigster CAM. Ididn't see anyone produce better
cam only numbers with the 230 XFI. A local guy with good experience on
lsx Corvettes will be putting in the 232 xer. However he will not be doing the final tune on the dyno. Ill be contacting you in that regard to get a
canned tune or some other arrangement using HP TUNERS.
cam only numbers with the 230 XFI. A local guy with good experience on
lsx Corvettes will be putting in the 232 xer. However he will not be doing the final tune on the dyno. Ill be contacting you in that regard to get a
canned tune or some other arrangement using HP TUNERS.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Thanks for your input. I want the pulley pinned. Dont want to take the chance of something happening in that area. My mods will be pretty much the same as yours. 450 would be nice as it would put me in zo6 territory and I have the 4.10 rear. How loud is it with the STINGERS. I have them too ?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
In PA we have a law on the books specifically prohibits cutouts that goes back to the 60's when we welded a bypass on the pipe and capped it with a plate. We would then remove it at the drag strip and put it back on for
street driving. I think they called the setup " LAKERS" for our older CF
members may bring back memories.
On the other hand what kind of numbers IYHO do you think ill come in at.
Thanks for your suggestion , Leon
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Joe, I love the setup you have with the cutouts. There is nothing better.
In PA we have a law on the books specifically prohibits cutouts that goes back to the 60's when we welded a bypass on the pipe and capped it with a plate. We would then remove it at the drag strip and put it back on for
street driving. I think they called the setup " LAKERS" for our older CF
members may bring back memories.
On the other hand what kind of numbers IYHO do you think ill come in at.
Thanks for your suggestion , Leon
In PA we have a law on the books specifically prohibits cutouts that goes back to the 60's when we welded a bypass on the pipe and capped it with a plate. We would then remove it at the drag strip and put it back on for
street driving. I think they called the setup " LAKERS" for our older CF
members may bring back memories.
On the other hand what kind of numbers IYHO do you think ill come in at.
Thanks for your suggestion , Leon
I'd recommend them. I can't use them due to my trailer hitch for towing race tires.I imagine you'll come in at around the 445/420 range...the car will really come alive at 4500, you're gonna like it. And the sound...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Hmm... I wonder if the NPP or Z06 muffler bypasses would technically pass that law? I'd recommend them. I can't use them due to my trailer hitch for towing race tires.
I imagine you'll come in at around the 445/420 range...the car will really come alive at 4500, you're gonna like it. And the sound...
I'd recommend them. I can't use them due to my trailer hitch for towing race tires.I imagine you'll come in at around the 445/420 range...the car will really come alive at 4500, you're gonna like it. And the sound...
The 445 would be ok however I would like around 432 rwtq. If not we will get it on the next go around.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Are you putting heads on the car? I think 432 tq out of a ls2 on a Dynojet will be a little tough to get with stock heads. I HIGHLY recommend you use Cometic .040 gaskets to increase the compression to about 11.4, that'll help a lot and since you have to change springs anyway, pulling the heads isn't a lot more money.
But don't get hung up on a number. Your car is gonna feel and be fast.
The key is having a SHARP tune so that your car drives like stock. It's pretty easy to do with our computers, easier than the LS1 computers for sure.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
From: God's Country Wisconsin
I too am getting a cam install next weekend at a local shop in Illinois. I left the set up to the shop to decide. I do know I am getting Melrose headers, Halltech intake and B&B Bullets. Not sure what kind of cam I am getting? I explained to them I wanted it to sound more or less like a pro stock car. This a very reputible shop and do great work. Do you think they will know to pin the pulley and the double timing chain items?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I too am getting a cam install next weekend at a local shop in Illinois. I left the set up to the shop to decide. I do know I am getting Melrose headers, Halltech intake and B&B Bullets. Not sure what kind of cam I am getting? I explained to them I wanted it to sound more or less like a pro stock car. This a very reputible shop and do great work. Do you think they will know to pin the pulley and the double timing chain items?
BTW I did not mention that the TIMING CHAIN im using is the IWIS C5R
and it is prestreched from the factory. I got mine from KATECH as there
are cheaper versions of the IWIS chain out there. Good luck on your build. Leon
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Even after the CAM install it would be easy to pull the heads and do another 30 rwhp through increases in compression and port work like
in C&C route. Good luck with your build, Leon
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
From: God's Country Wisconsin
Leon.
I spoke to the shop today and asked them to pin the crank and they had explained to me that they normally don't unless it's a blower install. I did however talk them into it. The car goes in this Friday for the cam.
I spoke to the shop today and asked them to pin the crank and they had explained to me that they normally don't unless it's a blower install. I did however talk them into it. The car goes in this Friday for the cam.