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LS6 cam and springs question

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Old 06-28-2010, 08:30 PM
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Default LS6 cam and springs question

I am going to install an LS6 cam when I do my turbo install later this year. I will be installing 317 heads as well. Are new LS6 springs enough of an upgrade over stock LS1 springs with an LS6 cam (probably won't take it much over 6200 RPM)? They're about half the price of a dual spring type setup...not that I'm trying to skimp on necessary parts or anything - but they are paired with the LS6 cam from the factory, after all. I plan to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 HP at the crank.
Old 06-28-2010, 08:33 PM
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How much boost to you plan to use?
Old 06-28-2010, 08:48 PM
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I haven't decided yet...it's the stock short block so I'm not going to try running 20 PSI or anything crazy like that. I was going to see what happened when I got it to the tuner to really decide...maybe start around 8 PSI and go from there.
Old 06-28-2010, 08:57 PM
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You'll need to know how much boost in order to determine proper seat pressure.

You may be able to shim the LS6 springs if there is enough bind clearance. Your engine
builder should know how to set this up.
Old 06-28-2010, 09:06 PM
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I hear ya, I guess I won't know for sure how much boost I can run until I get it to the tuner and see if I'm getting detonation and what my timing is.

Maybe I should just err on the side of caution and get the better springs. I want to have the springs I'll be running on the heads, prior to me putting them on the car. It's a lot easier messing doing valve spring swaps when they're not on the car!
Old 06-28-2010, 09:09 PM
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the LS6 springs are much better then stock. you can see the difference visually quite easily. the install height is 1.80 and its 90# closed , 275-285# open. so you might have to watch how much you shim them. GM says .550 is max lift at standard install height. but coil bind is at .575 so you have a good amount of leeway to shim it up if need be.
Old 06-28-2010, 11:00 PM
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The previous replies are good.. I just can't see skimping on the springs for a turbo build. You're going to have to at some point.. and the used LS6 springs may even be down a little on pressure. With an LS6 cam, I'd just throw some PAC 1218's in and forget about it.




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