BTR Cam choice for an LS2
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 13
BTR Cam choice for an LS2
Hello.
I have a new to me C6 base model LS2 with a 6 speed manual trans. I have added a complete Z06 exhaust system from exhaust manifolds through to the Dual Mode Muffler System.
I MIGHT add a Fast 102 intake (if I can get a good deal on a used one). If not....oh well.
I do want to add a camshaft though. My concerns are this:
I do not want to screw up my odds of selling the Vette should I decide to by going too crazy on a camshaft.
While I will only be using the car around town and possibly occasionally on the highway I want it to have good "street manors" as they say.
I want the definitive sound of a beefed up car, but I do not want it to sound obnoxious or like a "kids car" (I am 54). I do miss the sound of the old muscle cars that I used to own back in the day.
Your choices, from those who are experienced in this field: BTR Stage 2 or Stage 3?
I have googled and listened to various sound clips on YouTube....so hard to tell. I do NOT want to do this twice.
Thanks in advance!
I have a new to me C6 base model LS2 with a 6 speed manual trans. I have added a complete Z06 exhaust system from exhaust manifolds through to the Dual Mode Muffler System.
I MIGHT add a Fast 102 intake (if I can get a good deal on a used one). If not....oh well.
I do want to add a camshaft though. My concerns are this:
I do not want to screw up my odds of selling the Vette should I decide to by going too crazy on a camshaft.
While I will only be using the car around town and possibly occasionally on the highway I want it to have good "street manors" as they say.
I want the definitive sound of a beefed up car, but I do not want it to sound obnoxious or like a "kids car" (I am 54). I do miss the sound of the old muscle cars that I used to own back in the day.
Your choices, from those who are experienced in this field: BTR Stage 2 or Stage 3?
I have googled and listened to various sound clips on YouTube....so hard to tell. I do NOT want to do this twice.
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by C6 Monterey; Nov 13, 2018 at 10:52 AM. Reason: Forgot trans info
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
Are you an auto or 6-speed manual???
More than likely a stage 2 either way but if your an auto stage 2 for sure because a stage 3 would require a stall converter if auto tranny.
An have a good/great tuner to get the driveability on point.
More than likely a stage 2 either way but if your an auto stage 2 for sure because a stage 3 would require a stall converter if auto tranny.
An have a good/great tuner to get the driveability on point.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
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Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
I have a BTR Stage 3 in my LS3. Runs good and makes very good power. If you have a good tuner and they work on the driveability. I would go with the stage 3 being you are a 6-speed manual. I have good driveability with my BTR stage 3 cam. If I wanted to I could daily drive it, it would not be a problem.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 111
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I have a BTR Stage 3 in my LS3. Runs good and makes very good power. If you have a good tuner and they work on the driveability. I would go with the stage 3 being you are a 6-speed manual. I have good driveability with my BTR stage 3 cam. If I wanted to I could daily drive it, it would not be a problem.
I am concerned about resalability though. I do have access to a good tuner.
Thanks!
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Cant worry about an unknown buyer, put what you want in it now.
Bigger the cam the deeper the gear you should use, too.
Modded cars sell just as well as stock ones just dont overpersonalize it.
Bigger the cam the deeper the gear you should use, too.
Modded cars sell just as well as stock ones just dont overpersonalize it.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 515
From: Hill Country Texas
Hello.
I have a new to me C6 base model LS2 with a 6 speed. I have added a complete Z06 exhaust system from exhaust manifolds through to the Dual Mode Muffler System.
I MIGHT add a Fast 102 intake (if I can get a good deal on a used one). If not....oh well.
I do want to add a camshaft though. My concerns are this:
I do not want t screw up my odds of selling the Vette should I decide to by going too crazy on a camshaft.
While I will only be using the car around town and possibly occasionally on the highway I want it to have good "street manors" as they say.
I want the definitive sound of a beefed up car, but I do not want it to sound obnoxious or like a "kids car" (I am 54). I do miss the sound of the old muscle cars that I used to own back in the day.
Your choices, from those who are experienced in this field: BTR Stage 2 or Stage 3?
I have googled and listened to various sound clips on YouTube....so hard to tell. I do NOT want to do this twice.
Thanks in advance!
I have a new to me C6 base model LS2 with a 6 speed. I have added a complete Z06 exhaust system from exhaust manifolds through to the Dual Mode Muffler System.
I MIGHT add a Fast 102 intake (if I can get a good deal on a used one). If not....oh well.
I do want to add a camshaft though. My concerns are this:
I do not want t screw up my odds of selling the Vette should I decide to by going too crazy on a camshaft.
While I will only be using the car around town and possibly occasionally on the highway I want it to have good "street manors" as they say.
I want the definitive sound of a beefed up car, but I do not want it to sound obnoxious or like a "kids car" (I am 54). I do miss the sound of the old muscle cars that I used to own back in the day.
Your choices, from those who are experienced in this field: BTR Stage 2 or Stage 3?
I have googled and listened to various sound clips on YouTube....so hard to tell. I do NOT want to do this twice.
Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 13
If potential resale is an issue or concern, make your goal to be able to pop the hood and for the average layman, not be able to tell you ever had any work done. Maybe an Airaid air intake, but that's it. No LT's or goofy aftermarket intake manifold, (get the stock ported.) Focus on new and or ported heads with PSI or PAC springs, and have Pat Guerrea or CamMotion custom spec you a cam specifically tailored for your particular application. And replace the balancer while you have it off, PowerBond Race Series is the best for the money.
I like the concept of a custom grind for your application.
I might just really keep it simple and not do anything with intake or heads. My exhaust and cam only.
Why the new balancer you speak of?
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 515
From: Hill Country Texas
I spoke to my guy about a Pat G custom cam. (In fact I also spoke to Pat G.). My guy said “why complicate things, when BTR is proven”?
I like the concept of a custom grind for your application.
I might just really keep it simple and not do anything with intake or heads. My exhaust and cam only.
Why the new balancer you speak of?
Thanks.
http://www.cammotion.com/camshafts/m...-ls2-cams-6-0/
LS1/2 Stage II Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2
https://www.briantooleyracing.com/ls...ge-ii-cam.html
Make sure you install the Morel lifters in the correct orientation.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ientation.html
The stock GM balancers, in particular, the LS balancers on so many C5 and C6's, were junk. If you were going to take it off for the cam, it would be a shame to put even a new GM balancer back on. Do a search on GM balancers failing and how all the more so in particular on a Corvette, why it's more difficult to swap versus a GM truck, for example.
Last edited by BigVette427; Nov 13, 2018 at 11:41 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
I was really hoping to hear from people who had BTR stage 2 and 3 cams like yourself. Have you by chance heard a similar car with the stage 2 cam? Would you consider yours "obnoxious" in any way, shape or form? LOL....I don't mean that insulting at all. Clearly I am considering it myself!
I am concerned about resalability though. I do have access to a good tuner.
Thanks!
I am concerned about resalability though. I do have access to a good tuner.
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 13
My first setup i had a 230/234 cam 4 degrees of overlap. I was concerned about drivability which I was also for the BTR Stage 3 10.5 degrees of overlap. The reason I switched cams was to go back and take care of the wobbly GM balancer. I tried on the first build but had a wet sump balancer instead of the dry sump balance (I have a GS manual 6) and that tuner went ahead and put it back together. For a BTR stage 2 or 3 you shouldn't have to mess with gearing. My opinion is your tuner is your friend tell him what you want and what he think will fit your needs and you make the finally call. An no my car does not sound obnoxious to me, hey you have the dual exhaust mufflers. He He I'm going to send you a link to my budget build that went wild in all of 3 seconds. LoL
Jaybee I read through the thread of yours that you linked. Thanks. You have done your homework! I had to laugh about your "budget build" though. I AM ON A BUDGET BUILD. As said, the plan (if I can stick to it) is the Z06 full exhaust and the cam / tune. I know that heads and intake can make quite a difference, but I just really want to keep costs down (unlike my crazy Magnacharged truck that I sold and took a bath on).
Our goals (at least initially) were the same.
I would much rather get as large of an increase as I can in lower RPM for more fun city driving, rather then super high RPM.
So you final call (based on your experience and my limitations), BTR stage two or three.....or? (And yes....apparently a balancer is the worth it.)
Thanks
Last edited by C6 Monterey; Nov 13, 2018 at 09:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 13
If potential resale is an issue or concern, make your goal to be able to pop the hood and for the average layman, not be able to tell you ever had any work done. Maybe an Airaid air intake, but that's it. No LT's or goofy aftermarket intake manifold, (get the stock ported.) Focus on new and or ported heads with PSI or PAC springs, and have Pat Guerrea or CamMotion custom spec you a cam specifically tailored for your particular application. And replace the balancer while you have it off, PowerBond Race Series is the best for the money.
Last edited by C6 Monterey; Nov 13, 2018 at 10:05 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 111
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BigVette427, the tuner had not heard the term "Hybrid" tune. He asked if by SD I meant "Speed Density"? If so...he does not do SD. He said the factory PCM is tuned / flashed using HP Tuners. The MAF is used, just not the MAP.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
I did my build over the winter last year and was in the same boat as you. 2006 6 speed base and was unsure if I'd keep the car or sell it and move on. I was stuck between the BTR stage 2 and stage 3 but ultimately I ended up with the comp cam xer273hr. Couldn't be happier. I got the whole cam package from BTR. I've done my tuning via datalogging using the intune i2 with Diablew. It's much louder than yours will be as it's long tubes with Billy boat bullets and will never attract a purist if I sell it but I love it. I vote for going big and not restricting yourself on what a potential buyer may or may not want if you ever decide to part with it.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 112
Likes: 21
From: San Antonio, TX
Hello.
I have a new to me C6 base model LS2 with a 6 speed manual trans. I have added a complete Z06 exhaust system from exhaust manifolds through to the Dual Mode Muffler System.
I MIGHT add a Fast 102 intake (if I can get a good deal on a used one). If not....oh well.
I do want to add a camshaft though. My concerns are this:
I do not want to screw up my odds of selling the Vette should I decide to by going too crazy on a camshaft.
While I will only be using the car around town and possibly occasionally on the highway I want it to have good "street manors" as they say.
I want the definitive sound of a beefed up car, but I do not want it to sound obnoxious or like a "kids car" (I am 54). I do miss the sound of the old muscle cars that I used to own back in the day.
Your choices, from those who are experienced in this field: BTR Stage 2 or Stage 3?
I have googled and listened to various sound clips on YouTube....so hard to tell. I do NOT want to do this twice.
Thanks in advance!
I have a new to me C6 base model LS2 with a 6 speed manual trans. I have added a complete Z06 exhaust system from exhaust manifolds through to the Dual Mode Muffler System.
I MIGHT add a Fast 102 intake (if I can get a good deal on a used one). If not....oh well.
I do want to add a camshaft though. My concerns are this:
I do not want to screw up my odds of selling the Vette should I decide to by going too crazy on a camshaft.
While I will only be using the car around town and possibly occasionally on the highway I want it to have good "street manors" as they say.
I want the definitive sound of a beefed up car, but I do not want it to sound obnoxious or like a "kids car" (I am 54). I do miss the sound of the old muscle cars that I used to own back in the day.
Your choices, from those who are experienced in this field: BTR Stage 2 or Stage 3?
I have googled and listened to various sound clips on YouTube....so hard to tell. I do NOT want to do this twice.
Thanks in advance!
I already have headers, cai, and exhaust. 2006 Base model.
Reason on I chimed in is my goals are similar to yours and I think the Stage 2 is where I want to be. To be honest just having the CAI, Kook header, x-pipe, Corsa extremes, the sound is already pretty amazing. I get a lot of compliments on the sound, so realistically I don’t think I need a cam just for the sound (if that’s one of your goals).