ls7 cam in an ls3
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: dix hills ny
ls7 cam in an ls3
just wondering is the increase from an ls7 cam and the 1.8 ratio rockers worth 30hp? also is it true you dont need to change the valve springs? there was a rumor that the 2011 ls3 valve springs were improved so i was just thinking that if you werent looking for alot of power maybe this would be a cost effective mod to add to my 2011 gs along with the ls7 exhaust i have being the price of the cam and not needing the valve springs or extra labor should save a few bucks. i was originally considering the lg executive cam because its close to stock sounding and has perfect drivability. its not really a money thing as much as being able to keep the motor all gm.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
It will work fine with your stock springs. The lift on the LS3, 7, and 9 are similar. The LS7 rocker arms won't work. Even if they would, the extra lift would be too much for the stock springs. I don't know that it would be worth your 30 hp though. A custom grind cam ground on lower lift lobes (for your stock springs) would get your 30 hp and more if you're willing to spend just a few more bucks for your cam.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: dix hills ny
It will work fine with your stock springs. The lift on the LS3, 7, and 9 are similar. The LS7 rocker arms won't work. Even if they would, the extra lift would be too much for the stock springs. I don't know that it would be worth your 30 hp though. A custom grind cam ground on lower lift lobes (for your stock springs) would get your 30 hp and more if you're willing to spend just a few more bucks for your cam.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
You'd have to ask LG. Their cam specs are "secret". I wouldn't use one of their cams because of that. I've heard of folks using .580 lift cams with the stock LS2/3 springs. I have no experience pushing the stock springs that far though.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: dix hills ny
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
Why wouldn't you want to change valvesprings during a cam swap?
You can get a fantastic cam package from Texas Speed for 600 bucks with cam, pushrods and valvesprings.
Don't bother with the LS7 cam.
You can get a fantastic cam package from Texas Speed for 600 bucks with cam, pushrods and valvesprings.
Don't bother with the LS7 cam.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: dix hills ny
floyd, i do here you. its just that i had a plan to give the car a few more ponies to close the gap in acceleration with the Z06. i absolutely wanted a vert and have followed the cam only mods for awhile but i dont need 500rwhp i dont want headers or an underdrive pulley, i wanted to go with the z exhaust using the npp from a 2011 zr1 i have that ready to go and have been told it would be good for 25hp so if i could get a cam with perfect driveability that would give me 25-30hp and port the throttle body i was hoping to net 60hp after the tune. im sure it wont be a Z but th seat of the pants feel will be greatly improved. now the cams that ive considered were all very small so ive been told the valve train would be fine for this type of baby cam, i also like the idea of keeping the car all gm which is why ive been looking at the ls7 cam. my friend has an 09 Z that i drive often and i like the powerband the ls7 gives, powerwise its got more then enough for me so if i can get close im happy! its not like you can get addicted to power or anything!!!! LOL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,052
Likes: 945
From: DFW TX
I think I have read the stock springs are good to .550. The -E cams from LG have low duration, but A LOT of lift. You will have to change springs without a doubt.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
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
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
floyd, i do here you. its just that i had a plan to give the car a few more ponies to close the gap in acceleration with the Z06. i absolutely wanted a vert and have followed the cam only mods for awhile but i dont need 500rwhp i dont want headers or an underdrive pulley, i wanted to go with the z exhaust using the npp from a 2011 zr1 i have that ready to go and have been told it would be good for 25hp so if i could get a cam with perfect driveability that would give me 25-30hp and port the throttle body i was hoping to net 60hp after the tune. im sure it wont be a Z but th seat of the pants feel will be greatly improved. now the cams that ive considered were all very small so ive been told the valve train would be fine for this type of baby cam, i also like the idea of keeping the car all gm which is why ive been looking at the ls7 cam. my friend has an 09 Z that i drive often and i like the powerband the ls7 gives, powerwise its got more then enough for me so if i can get close im happy! its not like you can get addicted to power or anything!!!! LOL
Ans LS7 cam in your car will RAISE the powerband and I doubt it will give you 30rwhp.
Sticking with stock springs on an aftermarket cam, even low lift, is just asking for trouble. While lift may be low or similar the lobes are much more aggressive. You have to remove springs for a cam swap anyway. It's very cheap insurance that your car will stay running properly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,052
Likes: 945
From: DFW TX
The LS7 powerband comes from the huge cubic inch motor more than the cam.
Ans LS7 cam in your car will RAISE the powerband and I doubt it will give you 30rwhp.
Sticking with stock springs on an aftermarket cam, even low lift, is just asking for trouble. While lift may be low or similar the lobes are much more aggressive. You have to remove springs for a cam swap anyway. It's very cheap insurance that your car will stay running properly.
Ans LS7 cam in your car will RAISE the powerband and I doubt it will give you 30rwhp.
Sticking with stock springs on an aftermarket cam, even low lift, is just asking for trouble. While lift may be low or similar the lobes are much more aggressive. You have to remove springs for a cam swap anyway. It's very cheap insurance that your car will stay running properly.
Might as well replace them while they're off the car. Same with timing chain, pushrods, etc.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: dix hills ny
The LS7 powerband comes from the huge cubic inch motor more than the cam.
Ans LS7 cam in your car will RAISE the powerband and I doubt it will give you 30rwhp.
Sticking with stock springs on an aftermarket cam, even low lift, is just asking for trouble. While lift may be low or similar the lobes are much more aggressive. You have to remove springs for a cam swap anyway. It's very cheap insurance that your car will stay running properly.
Ans LS7 cam in your car will RAISE the powerband and I doubt it will give you 30rwhp.
Sticking with stock springs on an aftermarket cam, even low lift, is just asking for trouble. While lift may be low or similar the lobes are much more aggressive. You have to remove springs for a cam swap anyway. It's very cheap insurance that your car will stay running properly.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 708
Likes: 1
From: Blaine Minnesota
floyd, i do here you. its just that i had a plan to give the car a few more ponies to close the gap in acceleration with the Z06. i absolutely wanted a vert and have followed the cam only mods for awhile but i dont need 500rwhp i dont want headers or an underdrive pulley, i wanted to go with the z exhaust using the npp from a 2011 zr1 i have that ready to go and have been told it would be good for 25hp so if i could get a cam with perfect driveability that would give me 25-30hp and port the throttle body i was hoping to net 60hp after the tune. im sure it wont be a Z but th seat of the pants feel will be greatly improved. now the cams that ive considered were all very small so ive been told the valve train would be fine for this type of baby cam, i also like the idea of keeping the car all gm which is why ive been looking at the ls7 cam. my friend has an 09 Z that i drive often and i like the powerband the ls7 gives, powerwise its got more then enough for me so if i can get close im happy! its not like you can get addicted to power or anything!!!! LOL
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 708
Likes: 1
From: Blaine Minnesota
On this forum, from everything I have read and all of the disasters posted, I would not skimp at all on the springs. If you bust a spring it will do some major damage. (again just from what I have read)
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,502
Likes: 82
FYI the ZR1 factory cam is only $110.00 and the factory OEM ZR1 valve springs are the very same springs used in your 2011 LS3.
Specs: .562"/.558" and 211*/230* @ 0.050
Specs: .562"/.558" and 211*/230* @ 0.050
Last edited by Motorhead-47; Aug 5, 2011 at 11:02 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,052
Likes: 945
From: DFW TX
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,169
Likes: 199
From: Your Sister's Bedroom
Ive got a lightly used crane 224/224 .551/.551 114 LSA cam Ill sell for a decent price if the OP is interested. It will make more power then the options above im pretty sure and you should be able to keep your stock springs if you want to.
Last edited by breecher_7; Aug 5, 2011 at 12:20 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 148
From: Sugar Land TX
Been awhile for me too Shawn but Motorhead is correct. All you have to remove is the rockers. However, from there it's so easy with the right tool to go ahead and replace the stock springs with better springs it almost seems ashamed not to replace them. You might find the new cam liking more rpm than the stock and needing a spring that's up to the task. Not worth the chance going with stock springs IMO.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,404
From: Bethesda MD
For a little more than the Z06 cam you can get one spec'ed to your driving needs that will be easy to tune to a stock like driving experience. There are a couple cars on here with 218/230 116 cams that have shown better gains than a Z06 cam. At -8 overlap it will be a snap to tune. You can use EPS lobes with good lift, yet it won't destroy a quality valve spring in 10,000 miles.