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cam choice, what cam do u recomend?

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Old 01-03-2009, 03:32 AM
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Default cam choice, what cam do u recomend?

i kno most of you are going to think this is a pointless thread. most will waste time and say dumb ****, but im looking for some help and thats what this site is for. i am looking to put a cam in my ls1. it is a daily driver so i dont want ne thing too radical. but i do want to gain some power.so i need to find a happy medium. i also would like to be able to run stock valvetrain, to make installation easier. thanks in advance!!!
Old 01-03-2009, 03:43 AM
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There is no cam beside stock that will allow you to run stock valvetrain. You'll need springs and pushrods and with 74K also a timing chain.
Cam should come last after all bolt ons done so get headers first.
Best entry cam is a 224/224 cam like TR224 on a 112 LSA
Old 01-03-2009, 03:56 AM
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i have headers and y pipe. just not installed. a buddy of mine says he put a cam in his ls1 and didnt have to change nething. im not saying ur wrong but i didnt kno if it was possible. (i didnt think it was)
Old 01-03-2009, 03:59 AM
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any certain brand names? also is changing the pushrods necacery? thanks
Old 01-03-2009, 04:02 AM
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Your buddy is not too smart if he did so. Even if you put just a LS6 cam in you need to change at least springs. Pushrods are recommended because with harsher seat pressures, they just flex, but you can get away without them on small cams like GM Hot Cam.
Old 01-03-2009, 04:11 AM
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ok so new springs and do i need like retainers or shims? or small stuff?
Old 01-03-2009, 04:16 AM
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Originally Posted by 2001ws6-500hp
ok so new springs and do i need like retainers or shims? or small stuff?
from wat i understand u dont have to do more than springs but its good to do.
Old 01-03-2009, 05:16 AM
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It all depends on the cam. Take for exemple a TR224
With it you'll need Comp 918s or Pac singles (can reuse retainers, need new locks)
TR sells complete packages.
Also you'll need to budget 4>500$$ for a tune. So all in all you are looking at ~1000$ for a complete cam package.
There are cheaper options, like I mentionned Hot Cam, you can reuse stock pushrods, you'll need LS6 springs (02>04), but still will need a tune.
Caming without a tune is retarded and harmfull to your motor.
Old 01-03-2009, 08:55 AM
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TR224 - 112
PAC 1218 springs
Hardened Pushrods
Timing Chain
Tune

Optional:
LS6 Oil pump
Old 01-03-2009, 08:59 AM
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Mine is my daily and in a month or so Im either ordering a TSP Torquer v2 (232/234 .595 .598 112LSA) or a Speed Inc. SI5 (231/237 .598 .595 112LSA) going to run a 3600-4000 stall and a 150-175 shot
Old 01-03-2009, 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
It all depends on the cam. Take for exemple a TR224
With it you'll need Comp 918s or Pac singles (can reuse retainers, need new locks)
TR sells complete packages.
Also you'll need to budget 4>500$$ for a tune. So all in all you are looking at ~1000$ for a complete cam package.
There are cheaper options, like I mentionned Hot Cam, you can reuse stock pushrods, you'll need LS6 springs (02>04), but still will need a tune.
Caming without a tune is retarded and harmfull to your motor.
yup that is why it isnt worth it to try and do a budjet cam install, you are looking at around a $1000 anyways so you might as well get a decent size cam and some dual springs which arent that much more money to get more bang for your buck...

hey predator i got a ported 92 coming in the mail haha
Old 01-03-2009, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by chrs1313
yup that is why it isnt worth it to try and do a budjet cam install, you are looking at around a $1000 anyways so you might as well get a decent size cam and some dual springs which arent that much more money to get more bang for your buck...

hey predator i got a ported 92 coming in the mail haha
Since when does budget have anything to do with a cam choice?

It will cost him double if he stuffs a stupid big cam in there and hates driving his car and only has to change it out.

I almost passed out when I saw Pred recommend the TR224.
One thing though, you dont need to change locks with stock retainers.
The PAC springs are true drop in replacements. You re-use your OEM retainers and so the locks go with them.


Sticking around the TR224 or 224/228 is good way to go. You'll have plenty of power under the curve (more usable form). Bigger cams move the power band up and not every one likes having to keep the rpms in the upper range to pass someone. Bigger cams make more power up top and unless your rpms are up top your are not utilizing that power. Gas consumption goes way up as well. There are trade offs. Yes the bigger cams pull like a freight train once you hit their sweet spot but the power getting to that point is quite unimpressive and in some cases just plain poor.

Last edited by 99blancoSS; 01-03-2009 at 01:33 PM.
Old 01-03-2009, 01:26 PM
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TR224@114 for awesome midrange power, zero loss driveability. youll need better springs and tune. get the matching thunder racing cam kit
Old 01-03-2009, 01:28 PM
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I second going with a 224.

But to the original poster, I'd suggest just installing the exhaust upgrades you've ordered first and enjoy the car as is for awhile. Good headers will perk the car up nicely and you can always do more invasive/costly mods later on. Plus you might discover you hate the noise level and a more aggressive cam will just make it more so.
Old 01-03-2009, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by streetassasin
Mine is my daily and in a month or so Im either ordering a TSP Torquer v2 (232/234 .595 .598 112LSA) or a Speed Inc. SI5 (231/237 .598 .595 112LSA) going to run a 3600-4000 stall and a 150-175 shot
thts is some DD!!!!!
Old 01-03-2009, 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by 99blancoSS
Since when does budget have anything to do with a cam choice?

It will cost him double if he stuffs a stupid big cam in there and hates driving his car and only has to change it out.

I almost passed out when I saw Pred recommend the TR224.
One thing though, you dont need to change locks with stock retainers.
The PAC springs are true drop in replacements. You re-use your OEM retainers and so the locks go w


Sticking around the TR224 or 224/228 is good way to go. You'll have plenty of power under the curve (more usable form). Bigger cams move the power band up and not every one likes having to keep the rpms in the upper range to pass someone. Bigger cams make more power up top and unless your rpms are up top your are not utilizing that power. Gas consumption goes way up as well. There are trade offs. Yes the bigger cams pull like a freight train once you hit their sweet spot but the power getting to that point is quite unimpressive and in some cases just plain poor.
good info thanks
Old 01-03-2009, 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Blorton
I second going with a 224.

But to the original poster, I'd suggest just installing the exhaust upgrades you've ordered first and enjoy the car as is for awhile. Good headers will perk the car up nicely and you can always do more invasive/costly mods later on. Plus you might discover you hate the noise level and a more aggressive cam will just make it more so.
good point, i should run the new exhaust for a bout a month to see if im satisfied. but thats never the case with me and motors
Old 01-03-2009, 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 99blancoSS
Since when does budget have anything to do with a cam choice?

It will cost him double if he stuffs a stupid big cam in there and hates driving his car and only has to change it out.

I almost passed out when I saw Pred recommend the TR224.
One thing though, you dont need to change locks with stock retainers.
The PAC springs are true drop in replacements. You re-use your OEM retainers and so the locks go with them.


Sticking around the TR224 or 224/228 is good way to go. You'll have plenty of power under the curve (more usable form). Bigger cams move the power band up and not every one likes having to keep the rpms in the upper range to pass someone. Bigger cams make more power up top and unless your rpms are up top your are not utilizing that power. Gas consumption goes way up as well. There are trade offs. Yes the bigger cams pull like a freight train once you hit their sweet spot but the power getting to that point is quite unimpressive and in some cases just plain poor.
i agree with you completly, and when i said a good size cam i was talking around 228-230...

i meant good size in comparision to the ls6 cam mentioned...
Old 01-03-2009, 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 2001ws6-500hp
thts is some DD!!!!!
it would be considered mild around here
Old 01-03-2009, 10:38 PM
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tr224....



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