GIVE EM' THE BIRD

iTrader: (1)

First of all, I know that no one should answer this question for me, but I'm looking for a bit of discussion to help me with the pros and cons of upgrading to a bigger cam.

Bought this car as is and am wanting to get a bit more out of it...
Livernois Ls6 CNC'd heads
218 cam(baby cam) and 1.8 rockers as well as supporting valvetrain.
Built A4 and 3400 stall.

2.73 gears!

I'm thinking of swapping the cam and going up to a ms3 or something in that range (ms3 being probably the largest), maybe the 231/237 as well, just something bigger and in that range that will be easy enough to drive around on the streets and in traffic... No race only car or anything, but I have another DD and feel like I can get a bit more radical with this car and not regret it.

So what would be necesarry to swap the cam, aside from the lifter holder upper things??? haha I'm a mechanic at an independent shop so I'm not worried about the work itself, just wanna get a plan of attack together and have all of the parts and tools to do this job as quickly as possible.

Water pump gasket, timing cover gasket???? anymore, or less??? Never had an ls1 torn apart.

Another thing, any idea on what kind of power or times this setup could do? Car is pretty well full suspension but on street tires with the 2.73's.

Basically... Is this a worthy upgrade? I'm going to get the car tuned regardless b/c its not too good right now and I just feel like I'm wasting my time paying 350$ and driving up there to get it tuned as is, when I can essentially spend less than 500 extra and have a pretty decent cam in there that will make some real power, as oppossed to the mini me thats in there now...

Mazzenger

iTrader: (5)

The MS3 is a good step-up from your 218 cam. I currently run an MS3 and I a pleased with with it. However it will not be as great as it can be with 2:73s, but it will still work. You might contact some vendors and see what cam recommendations they have to offer for your current set-up.

I would be sure to check your Piston to valve clearance.
If you change your lifter trays, you might was well put in fresh lifters. You might change your timing chain as well.

mean_greenZ

iTrader: (1)

What numbers/times does it do currently?

z99ls1

iTrader: (12)

Ms3 would be a complete waist of time with that stall and those 2.73's. Your current setup would be better IMO. If you go up in to the 230's cams you need atleast a 3600 stall and higher is recomended. An ms3 is asking for a 4k stall or higher.

GIVE EM' THE BIRD

iTrader: (1)

Phew... Lots of upgrading to get a biggun in there obviously

That's probably enough convincing to reevaluate my plan here since I'm not even close to being ready for a big cam.

Any suggestions on the next mod anyone??? Aside from a legit tune? Some say gears, others say it's a waste of time... Just don't know where to go with it.

z99ls1

iTrader: (12)

A good start would be to list ALL your mods in sig. This will make it alot easier for us to help recomend stuff. Also whats your budget? Ect.

JB_97ws6TA

iTrader: (6)

I would put some 3.73's in and get a good tune, I am a big fan of "small" cams especially if it is a street car that gets some track time. Definately optimize what you have now before making any decisions

Sales4@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (4)

If you put some 3.73s in the rear end you will be in a much better spot to run a larger cam. Either of our torquer cams would be ok with a 3400 stall but the MS cams definitely require larger. In my opinion the MS cams need a 3800 stall at the smallest to run correctly.

1nasty86

iTrader: (63)

Id run the 231/237 if your stuck on a tsp camshaft. A 230's cam would do nicely in ur car with the stall you have imo. But id change gears before messing with the cam.

GIVE EM' THE BIRD

iTrader: (1)

Budget isnt infinite, but I wouldnt be opposed to spending 12-1500 over the winter on it...

Currently:
Stock bottom LS1
Livernois CNC'd 243 heads
218 cam with 1.8rr's and supporting valvetrain
Ls2 oil pump

Built A4 with 3400 stall. Not sure of other stall specs, but it will stall up to about 2700 on the street before spinning the tires.

TR diff cover with 2.73 gears

Adj panhard rod/torque arm/control arms/sfc's... Edelbrock adjustable fronts and progressive rears.

All on 285/35/18's.

Thats my mod list I believe... lol

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

Also keep in mind with most aftermarket cams larger than what you have those rockers will likely have to go due to aggressive ramp rates on the cam.

GIVE EM' THE BIRD

iTrader: (1)

Yeah that was another thing that I was concerned about... Do you think those rockers help out the cam that's in it now? I was curious as to why the guy built it like it is.

Mazzenger

iTrader: (5)

What year is your car?
You might try an aftermarket lid, LS6 intake, Long Tube headers and y-pipe, cut-outs.

I wouldn't change gears or stall until you figure out how far you want to take your car.

GIVE EM' THE BIRD

iTrader: (1)

It's got all of the above... Stainless lt's to a y then out the back.

Full bolt ons I figured to be assumed with a h/c/I car, but I apologize for not adding that

GIVE EM' THE BIRD

iTrader: (1)

Made some good street runs today chasing a ported pullied 03 cobra and was hangin in pretty damn well. Makes me think the 1/8th track times were not a good judge of the cars capability. Also had a 100shot ls1 run and he barely pulled me at 100(bottle was running dry tho).

gtotoocool1

iTrader: (6)

your car sounds like my old Z/28.all the bolt ons,ported heads,3000 stall but with a TR220 cam and 3.73 gears.i like smaller cams for the street.car was a blast to drive around town,and ran mids 12s at the track.could have hit high 11s if i would have got the tune straightened out and used street slicks(it would break loose on the 1-2 shift and hit the rev limiter on the 2-3 shift.best 60' was a 1.99).
you won't trap any higher,but the 3.73s will get you out of the hole a lot quicker.IMO,the best bang for the buck is to just get the gears and tune.it will feel like a different car,i promise you..and you won't have to rev to the moon to make power.

*02WS6TURK*

iTrader: (13)

EPS 226/234 or a 230/234 and some GM 3.73 gears.

GIVE EM' THE BIRD

iTrader: (1)

I think thats what I'm gonna do for now... Rear end is hummin louder and louder after thrashing it last night. Not trashed by any means but shes going.