Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Is a cam swap worth it???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-19-2006, 09:31 PM
  #1  
TECH Fanatic
Thread Starter
iTrader: (30)
 
nokeman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Is a cam swap worth it???

Ive been reading a lot lately about the problems people have been having after changing cams. I only have $1000 to spend and not a whole lot of time to go without my car. I just wanna know if its worth all the trouble.
Old 03-19-2006, 09:33 PM
  #2  
ЯєŧąяĐ Єl¡m¡иąŧøя ™
iTrader: (18)
 
orangeapeel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Justin, TX
Posts: 16,083
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

the right question should be...how is it not right?!

Yeah man, go for it. I pulled up your page just to see if I could decipher whether or not you were an M6 or A4. So you need not worry about a converter then. Anyway...You might be able to play your cards right to where you can get a cam and necessary parts and possibly squeeze in a decent tune with $1k!
Old 03-19-2006, 09:33 PM
  #3  
Launching!
iTrader: (4)
 
lowchevy2go's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: memphis, tennessee
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

well if you valve train is completely stock you wont be able to hgo with a big cam. I at about 2600 bucks with all new topend and a MS3 with timing kit and oil pump etc.
Old 03-19-2006, 09:34 PM
  #4  
ЯєŧąяĐ Єl¡m¡иąŧøя ™
iTrader: (18)
 
orangeapeel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Justin, TX
Posts: 16,083
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

that being said, you would almost have to install it yourself....which isnt hard at all.
Old 03-19-2006, 09:51 PM
  #5  
TECH Fanatic
Thread Starter
iTrader: (30)
 
nokeman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yeah i plan on doing it myself...or with some other people from this board anyway. Im just worried about problems afterwards. I plan on getting used stuff too so that should save some money
Old 03-19-2006, 10:12 PM
  #6  
ЯєŧąяĐ Єl¡m¡иąŧøя ™
iTrader: (18)
 
orangeapeel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Justin, TX
Posts: 16,083
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

FWIW: I have had a number of cams...all of them used and installed by me. Never had any problems. *knock on wood*
Old 03-20-2006, 08:13 AM
  #7  
TECH Fanatic
Thread Starter
iTrader: (30)
 
nokeman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thats encouraging...Thanks! Im hopeful. If I dont do than I will be kicking myself in the *** untill I eventually do it. I might aswell safe my self the *** kicking and just do it now.
Old 03-20-2006, 08:51 AM
  #8  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (14)
 
TN94Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I think it is worth it. But that is my opinion. The install is not that hard especially on the LS1s. Just make sure that you take your time and do it right. Do just throw it together. That is usually where all of the problems afterwards come in.
Old 03-20-2006, 03:30 PM
  #9  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
 
Camaro99SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

You'll need cam, springs, pushrods, and maybe Comp lifters if you go big with a cam. Since you have an 01, you already have the LS6 oil pump and shouldn't have to do anything about that. I noticed in your pictures that you have almost 60psi at 1700rpm, definitely nothing wrong there.

That said, I'd look into an F13 or F14 cam from Futral. It's a Cam Motion grind meaning it's not really considered a spring killer like the Comp XER grinds, but many on here have reported outstanding gains throughout the rpm range. You do have 4.10's, so even a larger cam like the F14 would be a great match for your car. I say go for it, and find someone who's done a cam swap before to help you since it's your first time. You'll love your car even more once it's done.

Jason
Old 03-20-2006, 03:38 PM
  #10  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (14)
 
TN94Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Don't forget about the tune. That will be important to get full use out of it.
Old 03-20-2006, 04:46 PM
  #11  
ЯєŧąяĐ Єl¡m¡иąŧøя ™
iTrader: (18)
 
orangeapeel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Justin, TX
Posts: 16,083
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

Tune is key with any cam.
Old 03-20-2006, 08:24 PM
  #12  
TECH Fanatic
Thread Starter
iTrader: (30)
 
nokeman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yup im defintely going to get a wicked tune. Im leaning more towards something like the 231/237 or 233/239. Nothing higher because I want useable power...not just saying I have rediculous power and not being able to use it. I still want a wicked lope too so...we shall see what happens
Old 03-21-2006, 06:19 AM
  #13  
TECH Senior Member
 
PREDATOR-Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: BFE
Posts: 14,620
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts

Default

Since your funds are light, do it wisely. Pick a cam that will give you good benefits, but require the least amount of supporting mods and maintenance.
The cams you've picked are too big for your budget.
With those cams, your clutch will need changing and your rear will not last long.
IMO go with TR224, 112.
You can run this one with 918's, stock retainers, even your stock chain if you do not have too many miles on it.
You'll need:
Cam
7.425 p-rods
918 springs
a good wideband tune.

That will fit nicely in your 1000$ budget and you'll enjoy a proven power making cam that has a nice lope to it on a lower idle with your loudmouth.
Do not follow the big cam hype, it is costly.
Follow your budget and squeeze the most ou of that.
That is just my 2 cents of wisdom.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:32 AM.