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

the dangers of a cam?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-28-2008, 11:33 PM
  #1  
12 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (12)
 
whitew01ws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: westminster MD
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default the dangers of a cam?

i have a o1 ws6 A4 with 131 K on it, it burns a lil bit of oil but i run penzoil platnum full synthetic i wass looking to put a fairly heft cam in her like the MS4 but a lil smaller

how much risk am i taking with a cam in my high mileage motor?
Old 05-28-2008, 11:59 PM
  #2  
12 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (12)
 
whitew01ws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: westminster MD
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

just some opinions please all i ask?
Old 05-29-2008, 12:03 AM
  #3  
Banned
iTrader: (8)
 
ae13291's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: san fernando valley, california
Posts: 3,093
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

im sure the motor will take it fine as long as its the 99+ just dont get it crazy aggressive cam. i would put in a new oil pump and chain and sprockets while im at it!
Old 05-29-2008, 12:15 AM
  #4  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Fifedogg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: So Cal
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

You run a little more risk being that it is a high mileage motor. But I say go for it and hope for the best. The MS4 is a pretty big cam, you can make good power with cams that are a lot smaller and end up with more torque throughout the curve IMO.
Old 05-29-2008, 12:27 AM
  #5  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (21)
 
95 Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: West Seneca, NY
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by ae13291
im sure the motor will take it fine as long as its the 99+
I don't get it? I'd be much more concerned with how many miles are on the car than what year it is...
Old 05-29-2008, 12:29 AM
  #6  
12 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (12)
 
whitew01ws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: westminster MD
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

well i think the newer ls1s have stronger rod bolts or somthin
Old 05-29-2008, 12:32 AM
  #7  
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Ehatcher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Maryville,Tn
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

ive seen plenty of 100k+ mileage engines take large cams with no problems what so ever. I say go for the cam. Make sure you upgrade the appropriate valve train parts as well ( pushrods, vavle springs ect..). I would also throw a ported oil pump and a new timing chain on while you're at it for extra insurance.

I wouldnt really worry about the cam as much as the choice of converter you are going to need to handle it.
Old 05-29-2008, 12:34 AM
  #8  
12 Second Club
Thread Starter
iTrader: (12)
 
whitew01ws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: westminster MD
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

saweet aight well if she blows its all u guys faults lol JK but really it is
Old 05-29-2008, 01:38 AM
  #9  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (21)
 
95 Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: West Seneca, NY
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by whitew01ws6
well i think the newer ls1s have stronger rod bolts or somthin
I *think* the 01-02 cars got the good rod bolts. I replaced mine with ARP's when I did my cam for the piece of mind. Not really necessary though unless you're going to spin the **** out of the engine.
Old 05-29-2008, 01:50 AM
  #10  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (6)
 
1_bad_TA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Before thinking about a cam, I would take care of the slight oil burning issue. Then think about a cam swap.
Old 05-29-2008, 11:19 AM
  #11  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (49)
 
connexion2005's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: College Station, Texas
Posts: 966
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Camm'd mine at 116 it now has 123k and made the power in my sig with just a hot cam. Check your compression on all 8 cylinders first and then go from there...my car still made 170-180psi across all 8 so I knew I was golden...
Old 05-29-2008, 01:30 PM
  #12  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
NC98Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default


It will put you eye out kid!
Old 05-29-2008, 02:33 PM
  #13  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (20)
 
5_02ls1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

done mine at 150k+ id say your oil consumption is from the shitty pcv setup on our cars....I bet the intake has oil all in it....
I say go for it...

F.Y.I. the stronger rod bolts didnt come till 01
Old 05-29-2008, 02:37 PM
  #14  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (20)
 
5_02ls1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default hahaha

Originally Posted by NC98Z

It will put you eye out kid!
I suppose if you dropped the cam on your foot it may hurt.....
Old 05-29-2008, 02:42 PM
  #15  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (10)
 
SIC LSX's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Bossier city,LA barksdale AFB
Posts: 5,355
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

My cam has been in 20k or so now my car is a 99 with 111,000 miles and still strong Rev is at 6800rpm and see it alot!
Old 05-29-2008, 02:49 PM
  #16  
Super Hulk Smash
iTrader: (7)
 
JakeFusion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Pace, FL
Posts: 11,255
Received 137 Likes on 114 Posts

Default

I would say an erection lasting as long as you drive the car could be a viewed as a "danger."
Old 05-29-2008, 05:41 PM
  #17  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Datzneat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Around
Posts: 679
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

^Exactly what I was thinking. Also side effects might include lead foot and chronic smilage.
Old 05-29-2008, 06:18 PM
  #18  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
dutinsss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cairo, GA
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Datzneat
^Exactly what I was thinking. Also side effects might include lead foot and chronic smilage.
as well as an increase of getting laidage.
Old 05-29-2008, 06:45 PM
  #19  
TECH Apprentice
 
GMTECH4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus,Ga
Posts: 326
Received 7 Likes on 5 Posts

Default

i have 130mi cam, mild head work, and spray i'm on my 4th bottle. go for it! you will love the power but hate the mpg
Old 05-29-2008, 06:48 PM
  #20  
Banned
iTrader: (1)
 
Paint_It_Black's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Chi-town West Burbs
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Things to test:
1) Compression test
2) Leakdown test
3) Oil analysis

Those will tell you what kind of condition your engine is in. If everything checks ok, then go for it. Remember though, you'll be shifting an MS4 around 6800-7100.. do you really want to do that to your engine for a few extra HP?

You'll want to change:
1) Cam
2) Valve springs
3) Timing chain
4) Oil pump
5) Pushrods
6) Lifters
7) Torque convertor (or a big cam will run like crap on the street, and even moreso at the track)

Then shortly after, your transmission (If you plan on shifting at 6500 or more especially)

But yes, obviously it can be done if the engine has been taken care of.

edit: I forgot to add... when you're done, check your fuel system with a pressure guage, and see if you are losing pressure at 6500 WOT and your injector duty cycle is in the safe range. With 131k, you may need to address the fuel system. You may not though.

Last edited by Paint_It_Black; 05-29-2008 at 07:06 PM.


Quick Reply: the dangers of a cam?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:16 PM.