DannyR

There has been allot of discussion concerning a desire to change cams for more power, yet not have to worry about changing valve springs. The ASA cam seems to be a good cam. However, it is only available with an LSA of 110 which provides more of an idle issue that some might want. If one wished to use the LS6 heads and valvetrain (for flow and rpm improvements) on an LS1 block, what do you esteamed folks think of a custom grind with the aforementioned specs?

224/224 with 550/550 lift on an LSA of 114.

DannyR

someday

just get the tried and proven TR224/114... the difference between .550 and .563 isn't worth the trouble of experimenting with a new grind...

DannyR

I gather the stock LS6 valvetrain would work well with the TR224 with a lift >0.550? I have seen folks indicate the LS6 springs are good to 0.570.

turbotacoma

iTrader: (1)

I would put 918's springs on it with ti retainers. I wouldn't take a chance with the ls6 springs. The ramp rates on the tr224/224 cam are harder on the valve train...the the zo6 cam. Just my 2 cents.

jub jub

I would think if they're not XER lobes and you keep the revs below 6500 you should be OK with the stock LS6 (02+) springs.

Camaroguy

iTrader: (2)

with this "new" cam cant you just use the Comp 918's and never have to worry about swapping springs again?

AN1313

I believe the TR lobes are almost as aggressive as the Comp XER lobes meaning that the valves will be opening and closing quicker than a GM cam putting more stress on springs. Even with 918's you would still need to check spring pressure with mileage. I do not know how frequently, however.

DannyR

Interesting....so what factor impacts the frequency for spring changes more, the 224/224 or the .566/.566? There are several cams out there that are between 220/220 and 224/224 with lifts between 0.530 and 0.570. The stress on the springs and subsequent need to check and/or change the springs was why I was thinking about a custom cam with 224/224 with lifts around 0.550.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

It's more the ramp rates that drive the requirement for stiff springs than the lift. The problem is, to get much lift at all without going to steep ramps will result in a lot of overlap, because it will need a longer ramp to get up to that lift. And all that overlap is going to give you idle and low-end torque issues. It will be like big cams were back in the '60s with flat tappet, non-roller lifters. So there is no free lunch. You might as well install some comp 918's so you can take full advantage of your engines nice roller valve train, and just resign yourself to changing springs. It really isn't that big a deal after you have done it once and have all the correct tools.

If you really hate the spring hassle that bad, you could install some long stem valves and modify the heads to use taller springs and taller valve covers. You would also need longer push rods and a way to get the rockers higher. It would be something like the guys do that run a 750 lift solid roller cam. That would be an expensive route to take though, especially if you want to still have sodim-filled valves like an LS6 normally has.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

with the springs and tools we have now spring swaps arent that big a deal.

and i agree with everything cal said.

DannyR

Ok. I guess I could deal with the spring swap periodically. However, I don't like the potential for increased valvetrain noise in the cab. It appears I need to ride in a few cars with different cam specs to figure out what cams and springs produce what level of noise.

Thanks for the information. I really appreicate you folks taking the time to address the cam questions.

I am going to the Puyallup swap meet on Saturday, perhaps I will see some of you folks there.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

from a newbie to . thats exactly what you need to do . my old tr230/manley combo had the sewing machine noise but it was drowned out by the lope

918's would probably be your best bet for quietest aftermarket spring.

DannyR

Thanks again, guys. Now, to find some rides with various cams in the Western Washington area,,,,,time to contact some of the local clubs.

mrr23

iTrader: (3)

the VHP/ Crane duals are also one of the quietest springs on the market today.