Cam selection please help!!! Ls3 m6
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2020
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Cam selection please help!!! Ls3 m6
Hello All,
I currently own a 2009 corvette m6 & I am wanting to add some more power. The car is mostly a weekend car but I do drive it to work every once in a while. The cars mods as it sits are Texas speed 1 7/8 headers with 3” x pipe & a Halltech Mf103 cai. It made 429/422 after being tuned. My goals for the cam is to track it, be pretty aggressive nothing insane, and be street friendly if possible. Would like to be 470-490 wheel horse power after being tuned.
Here are the cams I’ve been considering.
LG Motorsports/ G6x3 Cam 235/244 111 LSA (So I’ve heard)
Texas Speed LS3 N/A Cam Stage 3 231/246 111 LSA
Brian Tooley Stage 4 LS3 Cam 233/250 113+5 LSA
Tick Performance Stage 3 Polluter Cam 233/248 113+5 LSA
Any information/advice provided will be much much appreciated. Thank you in advance! Hopefully this can be a good thread for others in the same shoes as I.
I currently own a 2009 corvette m6 & I am wanting to add some more power. The car is mostly a weekend car but I do drive it to work every once in a while. The cars mods as it sits are Texas speed 1 7/8 headers with 3” x pipe & a Halltech Mf103 cai. It made 429/422 after being tuned. My goals for the cam is to track it, be pretty aggressive nothing insane, and be street friendly if possible. Would like to be 470-490 wheel horse power after being tuned.
Here are the cams I’ve been considering.
LG Motorsports/ G6x3 Cam 235/244 111 LSA (So I’ve heard)
Texas Speed LS3 N/A Cam Stage 3 231/246 111 LSA
Brian Tooley Stage 4 LS3 Cam 233/250 113+5 LSA
Tick Performance Stage 3 Polluter Cam 233/248 113+5 LSA
Any information/advice provided will be much much appreciated. Thank you in advance! Hopefully this can be a good thread for others in the same shoes as I.
Last edited by chefgav122; Feb 8, 2020 at 02:06 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 296
Likes: 87
Another solid option is the infamous Spinmonster cam 230/234 .613 .598 114+2 cam
Texas Speed does custom grinds and with their lobes its a 230/234 .615 .600 114+2/
I am in the same boat as you and will be going with Spin's cam along with porting the heads for 800 thru TSP.
Texas Speed does custom grinds and with their lobes its a 230/234 .615 .600 114+2/
I am in the same boat as you and will be going with Spin's cam along with porting the heads for 800 thru TSP.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,678
Likes: 1,856
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I would consider all of those cams to be very aggressive and not very street friendly. If you drive the car to work and want it to be street friendly, the max I would recommend would be the Titan 2 LS3 Camshaft (222/230-113+3).
The thing to remember is that a little bit smaller cam will get you to very close to the same place as a much larger and aggressive cam. But unlike an aggressive cam, it will have much better street manners.
The thing to remember is that a little bit smaller cam will get you to very close to the same place as a much larger and aggressive cam. But unlike an aggressive cam, it will have much better street manners.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 226
From: Coast of San Mateo CA
The Cam Motion Titan III 227*/237* 113*+3.5*
or the Titan King 232*/244* 112.5* +3* would be my suggestion.
The huge exhaust spits of +14-18*+ seem to be an older tech for N/A LS3 applications
especially with a good exhaust system. Either of those cams will perform exceptionall
and drive well at part throttle & cruise by reducing overlap from needless exhaust duration.
Either one of those cams combined with a MamoMotorsports (MMS) LS3 Heads & Ported
FAST Intake Could make 530 RWHP+ for the Titan III
550+RWHP with the King, 570 maybe with the Mid-Length Runners in the FAST....
if you are willing to Spin 7200+
Just my .02
Good Luck
Racer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 296
Likes: 76
From: Virginia
I went down this road recently. I took a 10.58@131 bolt on car and slowed it to 10.62@134 head cam car lol. Personally after all I have been through I am taking a 236/254 cam out for a modest 226/236. In my current combo i was utilizing a very short runner intake that made peak power at 7400 and carried on out to 8000+ I could shift gears at 8000 or 7200 and the car ran the same ET but mph a little less..... Go figure. The reason I stated this if your not going to utilize the additional RPM of the cam by putting 3.90 or 4.10s in the rear I would shy toward a stage 2 cam a rod modded LS3 intake and have fun running 10s in a car that can still get 25+ MPG.
Last edited by lazerlemonta; Feb 10, 2020 at 05:59 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
I went down this road recently. I took a 10.58@131 bolt on car and slowed it to 10.62@134 head cam car lol. Personally after all I have been through I am taking a 236/254 cam out for a modest 226/236. In my current combo i was utilizing a very short runner intake that made peak power at 7400 and carried on out to 8000+ I could shift gears at 8000 or 7200 and the car ran the same ET but mph a little less..... Go figure. The reason I stated this if your not going to utilize the additional RPM of the cam by putting 3.90 or 4.10s in the rear I would shy toward a stage 2 cam a rod modded fast intake and have fun running 10s in a car that can still get 25+ MPG.
Last edited by old motorhead; Feb 10, 2020 at 05:41 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 296
Likes: 76
From: Virginia
115+3
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
I did mine on a 115+4. I ordered the cam before deciding to mill the heads along with using a thinner head gasket. 11.3 SCR if my figures are correct. Had I known I'd be milling them, I'd have gone with 3 degrees of advance. Worked out OK though as the tuner said he didn't make any compromises due to the higher DCR. Makes 350 ft/lbs from 1400rpm on up and 400ft/lbs from 3300 on up. I can actually run through the gears without ever touching the accelerator pedal. It won't pull up to 750 rpm idle speed after the 5/6 shift though. Holds about 35mph (400rpm) and vibrates like hell..
Racer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 296
Likes: 76
From: Virginia
My heads are milled .042 and I use a .041 gasket too. Gear is key to these cars. I wish I could get 4.33 or 4.56 in the stock carrier. I recently sent my transmission off to swap the 2.97 gear set and make it level 6. I also use a clutch set up that weighs less than most pressure plates. I used a 5.5” triple disc Tilton in my bolt on set up and now I’ll utilize a 7.25” quarter master triple that weighs around 19 pounds complete with the flex plate to start the car.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 187
Likes: 32
I did mine on a 115+4. I ordered the cam before deciding to mill the heads along with using a thinner head gasket. 11.3 SCR if my figures are correct. Had I known I'd be milling them, I'd have gone with 3 degrees of advance. Worked out OK though as the tuner said he didn't make any compromises due to the higher DCR. Makes 350 ft/lbs from 1400rpm on up and 400ft/lbs from 3300 on up. I can actually run through the gears without ever touching the accelerator pedal. It won't pull up to 750 rpm idle speed after the 5/6 shift though. Holds about 35mph (400rpm) and vibrates like hell..
My heads are milled .042 and I use a .041 gasket too. Gear is key to these cars. I wish I could get 4.33 or 4.56 in the stock carrier. I recently sent my transmission off to swap the 2.97 gear set and make it level 6. I also use a clutch set up that weighs less than most pressure plates. I used a 5.5” triple disc Tilton in my bolt on set up and now I’ll utilize a 7.25” quarter master triple that weighs around 19 pounds complete with the flex plate to start the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
I didn't check, but I don't think PTV is a problem in mine. TxSpeed sinks the valves in the heads .010 when doing the valve job. Pretty much means the valves start .010 further away from the pistons. I only milled my heads .010. The thinner head gasket tightens things up just a bit, but not enough to worry about. I've read where a wider LSA also helps with PTV. And I've seen some pretty big duration, big lift, narrow LSA cams used with no PTV issues. Mine's a baby cam compared to some of those.
When I chose my cam specs, I was in pretty familiar territory. I've had two other cams (226/234 114+2 and 224/234 116+2) with similar duration and lift on unmolested LS3's.
I think the PTV issues Spin was referring to happened when milling LS3 heads enough to be used on an LS2 without losing compression ratio. LS3 heads have 68-70 cc combustion chambers whereas LS2 heads have about 64 cc chambers. It takes quite a bit of milling to get LS3 heads down to 64 cc or less. Quite a bit more than what I did.
When I chose my cam specs, I was in pretty familiar territory. I've had two other cams (226/234 114+2 and 224/234 116+2) with similar duration and lift on unmolested LS3's.
I think the PTV issues Spin was referring to happened when milling LS3 heads enough to be used on an LS2 without losing compression ratio. LS3 heads have 68-70 cc combustion chambers whereas LS2 heads have about 64 cc chambers. It takes quite a bit of milling to get LS3 heads down to 64 cc or less. Quite a bit more than what I did.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 296
Likes: 76
From: Virginia
I didn't check, but I don't think PTV is a problem in mine. TxSpeed sinks the valves in the heads .010 when doing the valve job. Pretty much means the valves start .010 further away from the pistons. I only milled my heads .010. The thinner head gasket tightens things up just a bit, but not enough to worry about. I've read where a wider LSA also helps with PTV. And I've seen some pretty big duration, big lift, narrow LSA cams used with no PTV issues. Mine's a baby cam compared to some of those.
When I chose my cam specs, I was in pretty familiar territory. I've had two other cams (226/234 114+2 and 224/234 116+2) with similar duration and lift on unmolested LS3's.
I think the PTV issues Spin was referring to happened when milling LS3 heads enough to be used on an LS2 without losing compression ratio. LS3 heads have 68-70 cc combustion chambers whereas LS2 heads have about 64 cc chambers. It takes quite a bit of milling to get LS3 heads down to 64 cc or less. Quite a bit more than what I did.
When I chose my cam specs, I was in pretty familiar territory. I've had two other cams (226/234 114+2 and 224/234 116+2) with similar duration and lift on unmolested LS3's.
I think the PTV issues Spin was referring to happened when milling LS3 heads enough to be used on an LS2 without losing compression ratio. LS3 heads have 68-70 cc combustion chambers whereas LS2 heads have about 64 cc chambers. It takes quite a bit of milling to get LS3 heads down to 64 cc or less. Quite a bit more than what I did.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 314
Likes: 81
From: Virginia
Another cam often recommended for street friendly LS3s is a 226/234 .633"/.633" 114LSA +4. This cam I hear is often recommended by a well know tuner on corvetteforum and LS1Tech. PM me for details.
The Titan 2 cam goes in tomorrow and in 3 or 4 weeks it'll get a dyno tune.
Dave
Last edited by Dave_in_VA; Feb 21, 2020 at 03:11 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 676
From: Lakeland, Florida
I'm currently installing the Titan 2 in my car, similar mods. Although I'm using Com cam steel 1.8 rockers for a little extra lift. No PYV issues.
Another cam often recommended for street friendly LS3s is a 226/234 .633"/.633" 114LSA +4. This cam I hear is often recommended by a well know tuner on corvetteforum and LS1Tech. PM me for details.
The Titan 2 cam goes in tomorrow and in 3 or 4 weeks it'll get a dyno tune.
Dave
Another cam often recommended for street friendly LS3s is a 226/234 .633"/.633" 114LSA +4. This cam I hear is often recommended by a well know tuner on corvetteforum and LS1Tech. PM me for details.
The Titan 2 cam goes in tomorrow and in 3 or 4 weeks it'll get a dyno tune.
Dave
Racer
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 314
Likes: 81
From: Virginia
Dave, i am preparing to select a cam for my 2012 GS M6 street use only but with occasional drag/race pulls. Came across this thread and your post. I am heavily considering the same Cam Motion TITAN 2. How do you like this cam, your experience driving with it ? Is the power increase noticeable and is it close to stock street manners ? My car is an M6 with Kooks 1 3/4 long tubes & midpipe , ATI Super Damper, Corsa Xtreme. I am looking for more HP/TQ across the RPM range with excellent street and highway manners. I know this is an old thread but throwing it out there anyway.
FYI, cam motion has an exception/outstanding cam guru that helps with cam selection. I'm pretty sure his name is Bobby. He is super knowledgeable, very friendly, and didn't mind answering my dumb questions. Strongly suggests calling him.
If you're open to another cam idea, for an LS3, I might suggest the SpinMonster cam. Spin is back, or was, active in the forum. Lots of examples of his cam and LS3s making great power. Driveability would not be as good as the more milt Titan2.
Both cams will react much better if more compression, especially the SpinMonster cam.
If I had an LS3 and was willing for a somewhat less friendly driver, I would go Spin's cam.
@SpinMonster want to chim in on my thoughts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
You can go with more cam than that without big cam issues. Been there, done that multiple times. Manners can only be so good. Getting manners better than really good is a waste. Leave the cam stock and do a blower if you want more power and the thought of any kind of cam upgrade makes you lose sleep.
To me, a cam that size isn't worth the time and money it takes to do a cam swap. Not a fan of big cams by any stretch, but am a fan of getting my money's worth when spending money on power upgrades. Money spent on a tiny cam like that would be better spent on hookers and blow.
Disclaimer...never spent money and hookers and blow.
To me, a cam that size isn't worth the time and money it takes to do a cam swap. Not a fan of big cams by any stretch, but am a fan of getting my money's worth when spending money on power upgrades. Money spent on a tiny cam like that would be better spent on hookers and blow.
Disclaimer...never spent money and hookers and blow.
Drifting
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 676
From: Lakeland, Florida
DZ, I love the cam. This would make awesome camfor an LS3 and a very easy daily driver type cam. If you're open to the idea, i would pull the heads and send the to Texas Speed to be ported, polished, and milled with compression targeting 11:1 (or a little higher). FYI, TSP often runs a milling special on Black Friday.
FYI, cam motion has an exception/outstanding cam guru that helps with cam selection. I'm pretty sure his name is Bobby. He is super knowledgeable, very friendly, and didn't mind answering my dumb questions. Strongly suggests calling him.
If you're open to another cam idea, for an LS3, I might suggest the SpinMonster cam. Spin is back, or was, active in the forum. Lots of examples of his cam and LS3s making great power. Driveability would not be as good as the more milt Titan2.
Both cams will react much better if more compression, especially the SpinMonster cam.
If I had an LS3 and was willing for a somewhat less friendly driver, I would go Spin's cam.
@SpinMonster want to chim in on my thoughts.
FYI, cam motion has an exception/outstanding cam guru that helps with cam selection. I'm pretty sure his name is Bobby. He is super knowledgeable, very friendly, and didn't mind answering my dumb questions. Strongly suggests calling him.
If you're open to another cam idea, for an LS3, I might suggest the SpinMonster cam. Spin is back, or was, active in the forum. Lots of examples of his cam and LS3s making great power. Driveability would not be as good as the more milt Titan2.
Both cams will react much better if more compression, especially the SpinMonster cam.
If I had an LS3 and was willing for a somewhat less friendly driver, I would go Spin's cam.
@SpinMonster want to chim in on my thoughts.
Drifting
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 676
From: Lakeland, Florida
You can go with more cam than that without big cam issues. Been there, done that multiple times. Manners can only be so good. Getting manners better than really good is a waste. Leave the cam stock and do a blower if you want more power and the thought of any kind of cam upgrade makes you lose sleep.
To me, a cam that size isn't worth the time and money it takes to do a cam swap. Not a fan of big cams by any stretch, but am a fan of getting my money's worth when spending money on power upgrades. Money spent on a tiny cam like that would be better spent on hookers and blow.
Disclaimer...never spent money and hookers and blow.
To me, a cam that size isn't worth the time and money it takes to do a cam swap. Not a fan of big cams by any stretch, but am a fan of getting my money's worth when spending money on power upgrades. Money spent on a tiny cam like that would be better spent on hookers and blow.
Disclaimer...never spent money and hookers and blow.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
There are several cams mentioned in this thread that would be a nice upgrade over the Titan 2. My cam and the T2 have the same amount of overlap. Manners will be the same. I'd bet mine would equal it down low and kill it for total power. I'm guessing you're considering a cam swap to make more power and enjoy your Vette more.
Lots of ways to make power and still have decent manners. If you employ a cam with limited potential, you're limiting yourself before you ever turn a wrench. I'm no fan of the bigger cams that induce buck, surge, and shake either.
Spin's cam would be at the top limit of what I'd consider for a well behaved street cam in an LS3. I wouldn't consider it in an LS2. It has 4 degrees of overlap which some are OK with. There's a huge number of alternatives at similar amounts overlap available if you're willing to go custom. Not much if you're looking for a shelf cam with just slightly less than that.