Need help choosing a cam for my setup
07-19-2009, 07:36 PM
#1
Staging Lane
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Need help choosing a cam for my setup First V8/American car I've owned and love it btw. I tried to do some learning and have a general idea, but I want to be sure before I throw $600 on a cam. I'm about to order the following- SLP lid, FAST intake manifold, 92mm tb, comp cams valvetrain upgrade, LT headers with E-cutouts before the cats, so straight pipes, I'm mostly going to use the car on the strip, but still need it to be driveable and have decent road manners, I want the basic power range to be in the 4-6k area, let me know what you guys think, and if you have any other suggestions for performance parts, thanks.
07-19-2009, 07:55 PM
#4
Staging Lane
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Never thought about the heads, well my budget for engine parts is 3k, 3.5k tops but would like to keep it under 3k, the other 2-3k im spending on suspension, wheels, tires, and drivetrain.
07-19-2009, 08:19 PM
#6
Staging Lane
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll just stick with the setup I got going for now, thanks though. So what sounds like a good cam? I don't think I'd be going past 6.5k, so as long as it pulls to 6k its fine, thanks again.
07-19-2009, 09:53 PM
#7
Teching In
iTrader: (13)
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Saint Louis, MO
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For the price you're going to pay for that 92/92 setup, that's heads right there. I'm not trying to be rude, but I really don't see the point in anything bigger than an ls6 intake on stock heads (ls1/6). Most of the ideal behind doing a 90/90 or bigger setup is that you are losing airflow over X amount of CFM so you are trying to remove the restrictions. This only really becomes a worry when aftermarket heads (or ported) can flow over 300cfm @ .600 lift. Don't get me wrong, the FAST is a great intake but without good flowing heads, I just think the money is better spent elsewhere.
So figuring a $3000 budget, assembled prc 2.5 ls6 heads + cam + pushrods for 1850.00 (or the stg 2.5 5.3 + cam package for like 1600) (here's a link to give you an idea of the power https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...e-doctors.html ), ls6 intake and ported throttle body for like $300. set of tsp 1-7/8th headers $500, lid for like $100, set of manual cutouts (not that hard to reach under and open with wingnuts on, also alot less likely the motor will fail and leak) $75, then maybe an UD pulley for like $200. Up to you... but that's before shipping $3075. Figure around low 400whp range with a good tune. 228R cam is the one used in that link, good cam, wide power band. Or a 224/228. Alot of good cams out there, around a mid-high 22X should give you the power band you're looking for. Or have Pat G spec you a cam.
So figuring a $3000 budget, assembled prc 2.5 ls6 heads + cam + pushrods for 1850.00 (or the stg 2.5 5.3 + cam package for like 1600) (here's a link to give you an idea of the power https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...e-doctors.html ), ls6 intake and ported throttle body for like $300. set of tsp 1-7/8th headers $500, lid for like $100, set of manual cutouts (not that hard to reach under and open with wingnuts on, also alot less likely the motor will fail and leak) $75, then maybe an UD pulley for like $200. Up to you... but that's before shipping $3075. Figure around low 400whp range with a good tune. 228R cam is the one used in that link, good cam, wide power band. Or a 224/228. Alot of good cams out there, around a mid-high 22X should give you the power band you're looking for. Or have Pat G spec you a cam.
Trending Topics
07-20-2009, 01:56 AM
#10
Staging Lane
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If that head combo comes with everything like pushrods and valve springs, etc ill go for it, I want to go for a head kit that comes with everything needed.
Last edited by THEhomelessONE; 07-20-2009 at 02:44 AM.
07-21-2009, 10:02 PM
#13
Staging Lane
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why is the LS6 one better? I'm on a tight budget, so if theres not much of a difference I don't want to pay more for the head and get it milled. So w/o milling, which head would give me more power and around how many more horses? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just worried about spending 2k on something im not sure about.
07-23-2009, 01:29 AM
#14
Teching In
iTrader: (13)
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Saint Louis, MO
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
just my opinion... ls6 was originally designed for a 3.900 bore where as 5.3 was not. Here are the original as cast numbers for both heads... http://www.smokemup.com/tech/ls1.php
How bad do you think the velocity was affected on the 5.3 head vs the ls6 head. Don't get me wrong, if i was going to go forced induction, i'd probably rock a 5.3 head on a 347. Otherwise, nah.
How bad do you think the velocity was affected on the 5.3 head vs the ls6 head. Don't get me wrong, if i was going to go forced induction, i'd probably rock a 5.3 head on a 347. Otherwise, nah.
07-23-2009, 09:28 AM
#15
Why is the LS6 one better? I'm on a tight budget, so if theres not much of a difference I don't want to pay more for the head and get it milled. So w/o milling, which head would give me more power and around how many more horses? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just worried about spending 2k on something im not sure about.
07-23-2009, 02:01 PM
#16
TECH Resident
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hey HomeLessOnee, I want to help you pick the beest setup for you,your budget, and goals. What kind of car do you have right now, what sized motor, what do you use the car for, is it a DD or track only car, or mix of both? What is your budget?