JimiHendrix

Was thinking about putting TSP stage 4 cam in my ls3. Many have stated that large amounts of overlap on an LS3 doesn't work out too well..... YET, Ls3 with big cams like the TSP stage 4, G6X3, Vindicator, etc, have the highest quarter mile or cam only records. Is the low speed bucking issues the only real issues, or can one actully get more power with a smaller cam in a ls3?

old motorhead

To me, yeah, it's WAY too much cam. If you're looking for an all out, ***** to the wall, naturally aspirated, dedicated quarter mile pure race car....then that could work. You'd also need something like 4.56 gears in the rear if you're M6 tranny and/or 4500 rpm stall converter for an A6. For a street car, you need to look at average power through the RPM range you're using. Plus, the bucking, surging, and shaking gets old real fast. If you need more than 500 at the wheels, add a blower.

BadAV

Nobody NEEDS more than 500 hp at the wheels. 😉 Wants or desires, yes.

old motorhead

Needs? Wants? Gets real stupid real quick, doesn't it? Fun to get there though! Spent a little time with my lowly underpowered Vette today. I'm in a better mood for it..

double06

Too much. Basically whatever duration a 427/454 LS has take 10 degrees out on I and E to get same power ban. Then for drivability take another 10 degrees out since you seem to be focusing on max effort cams. Your probably in the 220-230 duration at a 114-116 lobe separation. Maybe some other LS3 guys can chime in. Its not worth the small amount of hp for the low speed bucking surging if you have a stick. Also make sure you have support mods for the cam. If you have gears lower than 3.42 (say 3.73 or 3.90) that also helps.

JimiHendrix

I think what Im looking for is, when I hit the gas pedal to the floor, I'm out pulling any other naturally aspirated cammed vette out there...ls2/ls3. The cam surge and bicking don't really bother me much. Car is a weekend cruiser. I just wanted to know if a smaller cam can perform the same, and if I'm at the point of diminishing returns.

Turbo6TA

Just my opinion, but a real big cam will be lots of fun for awhile ... However, after a certain period of time, you will wish you had never installed that big of a cam.

Wait and see

You heard it here first

saplumr

Personally I wouldn’t listen to anyone about what you want. I’ve had a huge blower cam for years with ill street manners but I wouldn’t have it any other way but I certainly don’t drive it every day.

old motorhead

A well sorted stock cammed Vette can absolutely kill a big cammed Vette in whatever realm you choose to race it. There's that..

JimiHendrix

Well, do you have a build in mind that would fit that ticket? That is with the stock rotating assembly? Im curious. Big cams eat valve trains for lunch if you over rev. So if I could get similar power with less pressure on springs and lifters...would be nice...

bigron1212

I have the famous spinmonster cam in my LS3 and I love it. Check out my build thread if you'd like.

Makes 500whp and drives almost like stock!

JimiHendrix

That's quite impressive actually.... !!!!!! Also, what exactly does the "Rod" do in that intake. I don't understand where the performance enhancement comes from. I did contact Spin at one point his year. But i didn't follow up because I became busy at work. After looking at your build, it seems that this is an optimized setup.

bigron1212

The rods act like "velocity stacks" essentially to an already great designed intake from the factory. The fast 102 is not worth the 1k for a extra 5-10hp IMO.

JonnyCap

I have a TSP Stage 2, and I'm following Ron's lead on the Spinmonster. The lope of 12 degrees of overlap is fun for a while, but it gets old.

Turbo6TA

Yup .... +12 degrees of overlap is a lot since the stock LS3 cam has -26 degrees overlap.

That a difference of 38 degrees !

Dave_in_VA

My only recommendation is to add a 2 piece timing chain cover.

That way if/when you get tired of that cam changing to a new dosent involve removing the rack. Removing the rack is 50% of the effort!

Also, make sure you don't have to fly cut the pistons with that much cam. I've never done it, but flycutting appears to be a least a weekend alone of effort.

Dave

JonnyCap

And that F-35 cam has 19.5 degrees of overlap! And .649" of lift, I'd say that's way too aggressive OP.

JonnyCap

Do you know of a 2 piece cover that doesn't suck? Everyone I've seen has bad reviews.

JimiHendrix

I think I’m like you. I love big cams. I’m just worried about the breakage of parts. That all really. Plus, with the tuning parameters you have nowadays, even the bad manners of a F35 could be dealt with......less bucking and surge.

old motorhead

Go get you one of those bad boy cams. If you get it built with the latest and greatest valve train friendly lobes, it shouldn't eat parts. Love the sound of a healthy cam, just don't want to live with one again.