CAM upgrade
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Irvine CA
CAM upgrade
I am considering a CAM upgrade, but don't have the knowledge/background in CAM theory and mechanics. I've gone through a few forum threads that discuss the advantages/disadvantages of a CAM upgrade. However, there is no real mention on what the upgrade entails mechanically. For example, what actual components would be included in the upgrade ( i.e lifters, push rods, lobe , etc). Another question is if there is a heritage CAM upgrade that is respectable in the field. I am really not trying to ask for someone to lay out a DIY CAM step by step procedure, but what I am asking is what parts need replacing, and tunning when it comes to a CAM upgrade.
Any feedback is much appreciated.
Any feedback is much appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 122
Likes: 14
From: Las Vegas Nevada
This is a touchy topic for a lot of people and you will get a hundred different answers depending on many different variables. You didn't provide a whole lot of information like car set up, driving style, expectations, or what your personal preferences are, so I'll take that to mean you are a relative mild driver and also a mildly tuned car. Your best bet is a mild street cam for a naturally aspirated engine (I'm assuming your N/A). It will wake the car up but will still be an easy to drive car. What it won't have is that loppy idle, hope you're not looking for one. You won't need any other upgrades to go with it such as valve springs which raises the overall cost. You can't go wrong with any big name company. You can also email them with your set-up, expectations, and what you're looking for and they'll recommend a good cam.
If you towards a more aggressive cam, you may need additional upgrades to support it such as stiffer valve springs and a higher stall torque converter, and yes you'll get more overall power, but that power will be mainly in the high rpm, wot range where you probably rarely drive. It will also have a loppy idle but will surge and buck at low rpm making it difficult to drive.
I say talk to your shop and ask for recommendations on a mild street cam. You'll feel the difference with no drawbacks besides slightly lower fuel mileage.
If you towards a more aggressive cam, you may need additional upgrades to support it such as stiffer valve springs and a higher stall torque converter, and yes you'll get more overall power, but that power will be mainly in the high rpm, wot range where you probably rarely drive. It will also have a loppy idle but will surge and buck at low rpm making it difficult to drive.
I say talk to your shop and ask for recommendations on a mild street cam. You'll feel the difference with no drawbacks besides slightly lower fuel mileage.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 590
Likes: 37
From: Austin TX
This is a touchy topic for a lot of people and you will get a hundred different answers depending on many different variables. You didn't provide a whole lot of information like car set up, driving style, expectations, or what your personal preferences are, so I'll take that to mean you are a relative mild driver and also a mildly tuned car. Your best bet is a mild street cam for a naturally aspirated engine (I'm assuming your N/A). It will wake the car up but will still be an easy to drive car. What it won't have is that loppy idle, hope you're not looking for one. You won't need any other upgrades to go with it such as valve springs which raises the overall cost. You can't go wrong with any big name company. You can also email them with your set-up, expectations, and what you're looking for and they'll recommend a good cam.
If you towards a more aggressive cam, you may need additional upgrades to support it such as stiffer valve springs and a higher stall torque converter, and yes you'll get more overall power, but that power will be mainly in the high rpm, wot range where you probably rarely drive. It will also have a loppy idle but will surge and buck at low rpm making it difficult to drive.
I say talk to your shop and ask for recommendations on a mild street cam. You'll feel the difference with no drawbacks besides slightly lower fuel mileage.
If you towards a more aggressive cam, you may need additional upgrades to support it such as stiffer valve springs and a higher stall torque converter, and yes you'll get more overall power, but that power will be mainly in the high rpm, wot range where you probably rarely drive. It will also have a loppy idle but will surge and buck at low rpm making it difficult to drive.
I say talk to your shop and ask for recommendations on a mild street cam. You'll feel the difference with no drawbacks besides slightly lower fuel mileage.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Irvine CA
This is a touchy topic for a lot of people and you will get a hundred different answers depending on many different variables. You didn't provide a whole lot of information like car set up, driving style, expectations, or what your personal preferences are, so I'll take that to mean you are a relative mild driver and also a mildly tuned car. Your best bet is a mild street cam for a naturally aspirated engine (I'm assuming your N/A). It will wake the car up but will still be an easy to drive car. What it won't have is that loppy idle, hope you're not looking for one. You won't need any other upgrades to go with it such as valve springs which raises the overall cost. You can't go wrong with any big name company. You can also email them with your set-up, expectations, and what you're looking for and they'll recommend a good cam.
If you towards a more aggressive cam, you may need additional upgrades to support it such as stiffer valve springs and a higher stall torque converter, and yes you'll get more overall power, but that power will be mainly in the high rpm, wot range where you probably rarely drive. It will also have a loppy idle but will surge and buck at low rpm making it difficult to drive.
I say talk to your shop and ask for recommendations on a mild street cam. You'll feel the difference with no drawbacks besides slightly lower fuel mileage.
If you towards a more aggressive cam, you may need additional upgrades to support it such as stiffer valve springs and a higher stall torque converter, and yes you'll get more overall power, but that power will be mainly in the high rpm, wot range where you probably rarely drive. It will also have a loppy idle but will surge and buck at low rpm making it difficult to drive.
I say talk to your shop and ask for recommendations on a mild street cam. You'll feel the difference with no drawbacks besides slightly lower fuel mileage.
I have a base natural aspired 2007 c6 with headers, throttle controller, and a cold air intake. My project/mod goal is to make my c6 a street 450 rwhp machine without compromising reliability, motor longevity, and much fuel economy. To hit that mark, I know a CAM is one way to get there, and your post really helped out as far as me taking the first step.
Last edited by GoSeeSixGo; Dec 18, 2016 at 12:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Irvine CA
Please excuse my ignorance, I am really a newby when it comes to CAM modification.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 590
Likes: 37
From: Austin TX
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/eng...ft-comparison/
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 590
Likes: 37
From: Austin TX
Also, you will probably want a cam with under .600 of lift. Once you get above this level of lift is where you have to start upgrading other components i.e. springs, hardened push rods, trunion kit, timing chain etc..
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Irvine CA
I'll keep you guys posted on my progress with a new thread:
The Road to 450
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 16,667
Likes: 1,209
From: Raleigh, NC
St. Jude Donor '15
Call them, probably better to talk to them than to just pick something on your own (IMO anyways)
Also it's easy to have someone like Pat G spec a cam for you. It's like $20 or $25 and he'll send specs to Cam Motion who can grind it for you. They turned mine around in under a week from when I gave cam motion the specs to when I had it in my hands. Cost is almost the same so no real reason not to (to me, anyways)
Also it's easy to have someone like Pat G spec a cam for you. It's like $20 or $25 and he'll send specs to Cam Motion who can grind it for you. They turned mine around in under a week from when I gave cam motion the specs to when I had it in my hands. Cost is almost the same so no real reason not to (to me, anyways)
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 590
Likes: 37
From: Austin TX
Exactly. Not sure at what point you really need to mess with them if at all. Anyways, gas mileage will for surely go down. You can always go the forced induction route like a Vortech supercharger...