spinmonsters cam LS3
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 42
From: CT
Coil packs have nothing to do with surging. Get to a tuner that can restore a stock tune and get the airflow and timing tables tuned correctly. There must be 3 dozen cars running this cam on this forum with zero issues. Your car is mobile so drive it to a tuner that factually got one tuned right. A road trip is way cheaper than a cam install. All of this assumes it is installed correctly with no air leaks in the intake tract. I know how frustrating it can be, not knowing what the problem is.
This is a very low overlap cam and if a tuner can't tune this, forget anything bigger. I wish you were close to Colorado.
Where was the cam sourced?
I'd want it cam doctored if you do take it out.
This is a very low overlap cam and if a tuner can't tune this, forget anything bigger. I wish you were close to Colorado.
Where was the cam sourced?
I'd want it cam doctored if you do take it out.
the cam was from Texas speed.
oldmotorhead - yes there are plenty of cams around. no one has a tune. they were all tuned by shops from what i see.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Hey Spin, you are correct. i'm frustrated. anyhow we made progress. it's the fueling. with the o2's swinging in CL at ~14.8 afr she is not happy. we went open loop for a test around 12.8-13afr per the WB and that missing/surging went away. my WB is in the kooks x pipe on the passenger side just before the 3" race cat.
the cam was from Texas speed.
oldmotorhead - yes there are plenty of cams around. no one has a tune. they were all tuned by shops from what i see.
the cam was from Texas speed.
oldmotorhead - yes there are plenty of cams around. no one has a tune. they were all tuned by shops from what i see.
Long shot here but did you get a ported throttle body? If that was done wrong it opens a world of Pandora pain if they ported past the blade.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 140
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From: Chicago
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 42
From: CT
Spin, stock throttle body. everything is stock aside from the cold air intake cam and longtube exhaust.
you are correct with the length of time to tune remotely. that's where i'm frustrated. so currently that surging is gone if i run the car in open loop with a13.5 afr. my new problem is we are tuning the VVE with MAF disabled. just steady state cruising the car will go extremely lean and buck then come back to normal. i was told this is dynamic air because the MAF is disabled. outside of the current issue it seems to be driving rather well.
i didn't realize you tuned, let me know your thoughts on the above. appreciate it.
you are correct with the length of time to tune remotely. that's where i'm frustrated. so currently that surging is gone if i run the car in open loop with a13.5 afr. my new problem is we are tuning the VVE with MAF disabled. just steady state cruising the car will go extremely lean and buck then come back to normal. i was told this is dynamic air because the MAF is disabled. outside of the current issue it seems to be driving rather well.
i didn't realize you tuned, let me know your thoughts on the above. appreciate it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 42
From: CT
update.
Tuner say's all the data looks good. it looks good to me as well. still have some surge when afr's are over 13~. at light throttle
i noticed some increased drivetrain slop when letting off and on the throttle. wondering if this is causing what i feel and think is the engine. could be just a coincidence. torque tube is not making any noises that i can hear. may have to rip that out and take a look over the winter.
Tuner say's all the data looks good. it looks good to me as well. still have some surge when afr's are over 13~. at light throttle
i noticed some increased drivetrain slop when letting off and on the throttle. wondering if this is causing what i feel and think is the engine. could be just a coincidence. torque tube is not making any noises that i can hear. may have to rip that out and take a look over the winter.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 220
Spin - I hate ordering custom stuff becauseof all the mistakes that usually happen.
What is your take on running the TSP stage 2 turbo or SC cams?
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8567-t...turbo-cam.aspx
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8554-t...-camshaft.aspx
don't understand all the specs well, but they are similar with more lift...
I do want to go boost afterward so a turbo/SC cam isnt too far off from what I'd like to run.
Planning on running stock heads, slightly lower compression pistons (TBD how much less in the future..)
What is your take on running the TSP stage 2 turbo or SC cams?
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8567-t...turbo-cam.aspx
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8554-t...-camshaft.aspx
don't understand all the specs well, but they are similar with more lift...
I do want to go boost afterward so a turbo/SC cam isnt too far off from what I'd like to run.
Planning on running stock heads, slightly lower compression pistons (TBD how much less in the future..)
Last edited by Ahrmike; Dec 16, 2023 at 09:02 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
Spin - I hate ordering custom stuff becauseof all the mistakes that usually happen.
What is your take on running the TSP stage 2 turbo or SC cams?
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8567-t...turbo-cam.aspx
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8554-t...-camshaft.aspx
don't understand all the specs well, but they are similar with more lift...
I do want to go boost afterward so a turbo/SC cam isnt too far off from what I'd like to run.
Planning on running stock heads, slightly lower compression pistons (TBD how much less in the future..)
What is your take on running the TSP stage 2 turbo or SC cams?
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8567-t...turbo-cam.aspx
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8554-t...-camshaft.aspx
don't understand all the specs well, but they are similar with more lift...
I do want to go boost afterward so a turbo/SC cam isnt too far off from what I'd like to run.
Planning on running stock heads, slightly lower compression pistons (TBD how much less in the future..)
The first cam you linked is almost exactly the cam I'm running now. I've been running it for 5 years and 50K miles with 0 issues, great drivability, and good power. Sure, there is more power to be had with a bigger cam but I'm not willing to live with the drivability and efficiency tradeoffs.
Tx Speed cam: 225/234 .629"/.600" 115+3 LSA
My cam: 226/234 .620/.620 115+4 LSA Custom ground by Cam Motion
I'm running CNC ported and milled heads on a stock bottom end LS3. Tx Speed did the porting ($700 at the time). Pretty good bang for the buck mod if you have to pull the heads off anyway. Not sure I would have ported them if I didn't have to pull the heads for a lifter upgrade. Mine did 500/454 Std on a Dynojet.
My static CR is about 11.3:1. I can still add a blower if I have to scratch that itch. It will just have to be a flex fuel setup. Just about any forced induction rig will benefit from E fuels though. Doing a fuel system compatible with flex fuel isn't that much more expensive than just a fuel pump upgrade for pump gas. I wouldn't lower your static CR at all. Lots of LS engines running around at stock CR with forced induction.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 220
Thanks, Motorhead. With the .20" lift difference, do you think that would be significant for a non turbo car? I was worried about the lift spec on the supercharger cam, but TSP seems to like the high lift stuff.
The "stg 1" SC cam from Tx is: 223/231, .629"/.629", 115 LSA, 112 ICL - would that be nearly the same as yours, just with a 3 degree retard, and slightly more lift?
The "stg 1" SC cam from Tx is: 223/231, .629"/.629", 115 LSA, 112 ICL - would that be nearly the same as yours, just with a 3 degree retard, and slightly more lift?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
Thanks, Motorhead. With the .20" lift difference, do you think that would be significant for a non turbo car? I was worried about the lift spec on the supercharger cam, but TSP seems to like the high lift stuff.
The "stg 1" SC cam from Tx is: 223/231, .629"/.629", 115 LSA, 112 ICL - would that be nearly the same as yours, just with a 3 degree retard, and slightly more lift?
The "stg 1" SC cam from Tx is: 223/231, .629"/.629", 115 LSA, 112 ICL - would that be nearly the same as yours, just with a 3 degree retard, and slightly more lift?
I'm no cam guru. Just an old redneck that's had enough cams in LS engines to know what floats my boat. I tend to err on the side of liking less vs more when it comes to cam specs. I also think it's really dumb to spec a cam that's stupid small. If you're spending the time and money to do a cam swap, get your money's worth.
Another cam to consider is Summit's Ghost cam. Summit Racing SUM-8715R1 Summit Racing™ Pro LS Automotive Camshafts | Summit Racing If looking for a "shelf" cam, that's a damn good one.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,668
I agree with Motorhead. If you err, do it on the conservative side. Also, in the best interest of correct figures, .20" lift difference is incorrect. It should read .020". If it was .20", you'd have a +.800" lift cam!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Spin - I hate ordering custom stuff becauseof all the mistakes that usually happen.
What is your take on running the TSP stage 2 turbo or SC cams?
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8567-t...turbo-cam.aspx
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8554-t...-camshaft.aspx
don't understand all the specs well, but they are similar with more lift...
I do want to go boost afterward so a turbo/SC cam isnt too far off from what I'd like to run.
Planning on running stock heads, slightly lower compression pistons (TBD how much less in the future..)
What is your take on running the TSP stage 2 turbo or SC cams?
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8567-t...turbo-cam.aspx
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-8554-t...-camshaft.aspx
don't understand all the specs well, but they are similar with more lift...
I do want to go boost afterward so a turbo/SC cam isnt too far off from what I'd like to run.
Planning on running stock heads, slightly lower compression pistons (TBD how much less in the future..)
A 226/234 with mild ported heads making 500rw is a win and it drives nice. I'm old. That's what I like.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 42
From: CT
i like the spin spec'd cam in my vette aside from the issue i'm having which i'm planning on taking the torque tube out this winter to see if that's the cause of my issue. might as well throw a clutch in there while i'm at it. been busy with a g20 conversion van i bought 
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,668
We ended up putting some 291 camel back 2.02 heads on it, with the GM 350/350 cam, Edelbrock Torker, and a 650 vacuum secondary 7002 Holley, a Quadrajet replacement. It ran damn good!! Because I listened to sage advice and erred on the milder side on the cam. Excitement, and Walter Mitty thinking, can doom an engine.......
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,668
As long as I opened my Yapper, I'll also say I prefer motorheads choice of cam grinders, too. Not many have been unhappy with Cam Motion. I'm buying my 3rd Cam Motion cam this next spring. It'll probably be my last one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
^^^^This post^^^^ Is aka COMMON SENSE!! I remember the first cam I ever put in a Chevy V8 engine. My buddy was pretty good at doing SBCs, even in his late teens. I was a motorcycle engine guy. His dad gave advice. I never forgot it. I wanted to put at least a 3/4 race cam (as we called them 55 years ago!) in it. The dad says "You have a simple choice to make." Then he asked me "Are you gonna drive it to work, or are you gonna race it?" For clarity, it was a full size, 1975 Blazer, with the 350 SBC. Had all of 8.25:1 compression. Yes, 8.25:1!! 160hp stock. Can you imagine running a 3/4 race cam in a 5,000lb, 4x4, with 3.08 gears, on 8.25:1 compression?! We ended up putting some 291 camel back 2.02 heads on it, with the GM 350/350 cam, Edelbrock Torker, and a 650 vacuum secondary 7002 Holley, a Quadrajet replacement. It ran damn good!! Because I listened to sage advice and erred on the milder side on the cam. Excitement, and Walter Mitty thinking, can doom an engine.......
We ended up putting some 291 camel back 2.02 heads on it, with the GM 350/350 cam, Edelbrock Torker, and a 650 vacuum secondary 7002 Holley, a Quadrajet replacement. It ran damn good!! Because I listened to sage advice and erred on the milder side on the cam. Excitement, and Walter Mitty thinking, can doom an engine.......
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
^^^^This post^^^^ Is aka COMMON SENSE!! I remember the first cam I ever put in a Chevy V8 engine. My buddy was pretty good at doing SBCs, even in his late teens. I was a motorcycle engine guy. His dad gave advice. I never forgot it. I wanted to put at least a 3/4 race cam (as we called them 55 years ago!) in it. The dad says "You have a simple choice to make." Then he asked me "Are you gonna drive it to work, or are you gonna race it?" For clarity, it was a full size, 1975 Blazer, with the 350 SBC. Had all of 8.25:1 compression. Yes, 8.25:1!! 160hp stock. Can you imagine running a 3/4 race cam in a 5,000lb, 4x4, with 3.08 gears, on 8.25:1 compression?! We ended up putting some 291 camel back 2.02 heads on it, with the GM 350/350 cam, Edelbrock Torker, and a 650 vacuum secondary 7002 Holley, a Quadrajet replacement. It ran damn good!! Because I listened to sage advice and erred on the milder side on the cam. Excitement, and Walter Mitty thinking, can doom an engine.......
We ended up putting some 291 camel back 2.02 heads on it, with the GM 350/350 cam, Edelbrock Torker, and a 650 vacuum secondary 7002 Holley, a Quadrajet replacement. It ran damn good!! Because I listened to sage advice and erred on the milder side on the cam. Excitement, and Walter Mitty thinking, can doom an engine.......
Merry Christmas guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
Back at ya! Hope everyone has a safe and glorious Christmas season. And don't forget the reason for the season!