LS7 camshafts
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
LS7 camshafts
I bought a used LS7 to swap into my old car. Only been learning a few days but it appears making power with a stock bottom end is a pretty straight forward recipe. I'd like to get some input on cams though. I haven't been in the LS7 game and don't know the history of what works and what doesn't work. Also wondering if I'm missing some really good options that I need to consider.
* Texas Speed Stage 2.2 -- Not seeing much about this cam on the forums. Looks like it would make a broad torque curve and carry power to higher rpm. Anybody have experience with it?
* Lingenfelter GT19 and GT21 -- Uses a Comp Cams lobe. I notice the lift is crazy high compared to what other companies do. Anybody breaking springs or having valve seat wear? Also notice these cams were developed around 2008 so maybe falling behind the latest offerings?
* Katech Torquer 110 -- Lots of are under the curve. Seems to be a baby cam with good driveability. Seems this company puts a lot of focus on engine reliability and not just making big power.
* Vette-Air "Black Panther", "Black Mamba" -- Definitely making lots of power. What cam core(s) is being used? Is the valve train stable/reliable with these cams?
* Ragin Racin -- Again, making good power but unsure what cam core is being used. In fact, I think it was this guy that designed his own cam core? What is his background to be able to do that? That kind of thing is a very specialized skill set and requires huge resources to test and validate function and reliability.
LG Motorsports -- Looks like they were popular when the LS7 first came out. Not finding very recent threads about them. Are they even relevant any more?
* Texas Speed Stage 2.2 -- Not seeing much about this cam on the forums. Looks like it would make a broad torque curve and carry power to higher rpm. Anybody have experience with it?
* Lingenfelter GT19 and GT21 -- Uses a Comp Cams lobe. I notice the lift is crazy high compared to what other companies do. Anybody breaking springs or having valve seat wear? Also notice these cams were developed around 2008 so maybe falling behind the latest offerings?
* Katech Torquer 110 -- Lots of are under the curve. Seems to be a baby cam with good driveability. Seems this company puts a lot of focus on engine reliability and not just making big power.
* Vette-Air "Black Panther", "Black Mamba" -- Definitely making lots of power. What cam core(s) is being used? Is the valve train stable/reliable with these cams?
* Ragin Racin -- Again, making good power but unsure what cam core is being used. In fact, I think it was this guy that designed his own cam core? What is his background to be able to do that? That kind of thing is a very specialized skill set and requires huge resources to test and validate function and reliability.
LG Motorsports -- Looks like they were popular when the LS7 first came out. Not finding very recent threads about them. Are they even relevant any more?
Last edited by QwkTrip; 10-15-2017 at 01:35 AM.
#2
Melting Slicks
To make any suggestions it would help out if you posted your power goals and what application you are hoping to use that power. Obviously a drag racing cam selection is going to be a very different choice than a street cruiser or a road course car. Does the vehicle already have bolt ons??
LG is still very relevant in both drag and road.
You left out a huge brand of cam. Brian Tooley Racing. https://www.briantooleyracing.com/ls7-stage-iv-cam.html I run their stage 4 in a drag racing application but there are less aggressive options if you want stock like manners or better low end torque.
LG is still very relevant in both drag and road.
You left out a huge brand of cam. Brian Tooley Racing. https://www.briantooleyracing.com/ls7-stage-iv-cam.html I run their stage 4 in a drag racing application but there are less aggressive options if you want stock like manners or better low end torque.
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Just a fun car that I drive on fairweather days. Car is already built, caged, and has a truck-based L92 stroker with T56 manual. Not a drag car though, is actually sprung pretty stiff like an autocross car. Basically I've gotten used to it and I want to be faster. Right now it traps about 123 - 125 mph at 3700 lbs with me in it. I'll take as much as that LS7 can give while still having reasonable street manners. These new factory cars are getting too damn fast for me. LOL!
Current setup doesn't like to drive much below 1800 RPM unless it is lugged in 5th or 6th Gear. It would be kind of nice to have a little better manners but it's not entirely necessary. I wouldn't want it to get worse though. It's already enough foot work in traffic as is. I have a nice dual disc clutch with a built T56 but the trans still has dual synchros so probably need to stay under 7000 RPM or I might run into issues with shifting.. It shifts clean at 7000 RPM but I've never tried above that yet.
Current setup doesn't like to drive much below 1800 RPM unless it is lugged in 5th or 6th Gear. It would be kind of nice to have a little better manners but it's not entirely necessary. I wouldn't want it to get worse though. It's already enough foot work in traffic as is. I have a nice dual disc clutch with a built T56 but the trans still has dual synchros so probably need to stay under 7000 RPM or I might run into issues with shifting.. It shifts clean at 7000 RPM but I've never tried above that yet.
Last edited by QwkTrip; 09-14-2017 at 04:14 AM.
#4
Melting Slicks
Several people have made over 600whp with bolt ons and the BTR 4 cam. With a good tune the car will have great manners in my opinion. It definitely sounds better than your current setup. I can drive in the city no problem. Everyone has such a different opinion as to what is acceptable and what is not. I would encourage you to find some local members to you and see what these different cams feel like.
Last edited by User Omega; 09-14-2017 at 04:25 AM.
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
These Texas Speed cams are getting more interesting to me. Anybody have experience with them since the recent updates to the cam lineup? I am looking harder at the Stage 3.2. Probably just coincidence, but I notice that cam has the same specs as the cam used in MAST 700Hp package.
#6
These Texas Speed cams are getting more interesting to me. Anybody have experience with them since the recent updates to the cam lineup? I am looking harder at the Stage 3.2. Probably just coincidence, but I notice that cam has the same specs as the cam used in MAST 700Hp package.
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
I would definitely be interested to see the cam specs and shape of the torque curve if you have it. Thanks!
As a side note I suggest you get on a different dyno and see what happens.
As a side note I suggest you get on a different dyno and see what happens.
#8
yea il find my dyno sheet and specs on the cam, and ya i feel like the dyno is generous but car runs real strong, and i baselined it before and after cam only swap went from 505whp to 580whp and only thing changed was cam and tune obviously
#10
#11
Le Mans Master
I run the BTR Stage 3 and it makes great, usable power. I would highly recommend the BTR Stage 4 or the RPM B3 for what you are looking for.
I am about to install the TSP 4.2 cam in my car because I am looking for more top end power. Should have it installed and tuned this coming weekend.
I am about to install the TSP 4.2 cam in my car because I am looking for more top end power. Should have it installed and tuned this coming weekend.
#13
Le Mans Master
Finally found somebody with TSP Stage 3.2
You think it works? LOL!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1583198995
You think it works? LOL!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1583198995
#14
I run the BTR Stage 3 and it makes great, usable power. I would highly recommend the BTR Stage 4 or the RPM B3 for what you are looking for.
I am about to install the TSP 4.2 cam in my car because I am looking for more top end power. Should have it installed and tuned this coming weekend.
I am about to install the TSP 4.2 cam in my car because I am looking for more top end power. Should have it installed and tuned this coming weekend.
The following users liked this post:
jayyyw (10-16-2017)
#16
Drifting
CamMotion and TSP is where I'd start. Ask who actually cuts your cam and where your cam core comes from. Look for LS friendly lobes that are easy on your valvetrain. TSP can cut you a cam on their lobes in nearly whatever duration and LSA that you want.
Last edited by BigVette427; 10-17-2017 at 12:44 PM.
#18
Team Owner
As others have stated...Cam Motion, BTR...and the newest TSP cams are intriguing.
OP, what kind of car do you have?
OP, what kind of car do you have?
#20
Instructor
Thread Starter
Back to the LS7, I bought some Mamo 265 heads (Trick Flow castings) and a Mamo MSD intake. Seems like with this top end kit I can get away with more cam and still drive decent. I'm scoping out other Mamo builds to get an idea what they've got for cam. TSP 3.2 and BTR Stage 4 are also pretty high on my list.