Heat Seeker WS6

iTrader: (1)

I decided to refresh the T/A's motor so now I'm looking for cam suggestions while still saving up for a 'proper ' LS3 for it. I will be going ahead with the wild 6L80E at the same time as this.

Did the top end build with a CC305 & AFR heads back in 2002- 100k miles ago, and looking to extend it's life and then plan on selling this engine once the LS3 shows up.

Here's the other main hardware assuming (hoping) the block stays a 350ci:

speed density (if that matters)
OEM crank & pistons
AFR/TPiS 195cc heads (refreshed)
Crane Gold 1.6rr's
custom 6L80E trans
3.73's

thanks!

atlantadan

I ran a custom Comp grind in my old 350 and really liked it. Paired with AFR 180's. Great all-around street cam. "LT3312/3314/HR112+5". Specs are 212/224 Duration @ 0.050. 487/502 Lift (1.5 ratio), 112LSA with 5 Deg Advance.

I've got it sitting on the shelf in the garage, too. Ran it for about 1000 miles before I pulled the trigger on the ERE 383 (the cam is about 9 months old. Been on the shelf for 6 of those 9). $100 and its yours.

Edit: how it sounds at idle

BALLSS

Lloyd Elliott would be good to contact for one of his custom grinds

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

I'd just throw the same cam in it if your plan is to change out the motor altogether. That way you save on tuning at least...

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

100k miles from a cam swap on a lt1 with no spun bearings? That's impressive! I have 560 miles on my cam swap and would be happy if it runs for another 10-30k. AFR heads, ls3's.......the thing im learning is on the street torque is king. Next build has to be at least a 383. I have a 215/224 .533 lift LE speced cam with stock heads and i feel its plenty fast enough for street cruising. Makes great torque but i would love a 383 with ported heads built especially for torque fun.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

As long as the cam bearings stay lubricated you should have no trouble.

StealthFormula

iTrader: (35)

Yeah I agree, that seems to be most logical course of action. I figure why waste additional money on a new cam and new tuning when you could just put that $$$ towards the LS3.

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

SS RRR........My oil pressure is 60psi cold, 40psi at 1500rpm warmed up. Doesn't drop to 20psi until its idling at 800rpm. Does this reflect cam bearing health? I mean where does the oil pressure sensor get its reading from? Ideally it would have been nice to have new cam bearings but the shortblock stayed in the car during the build.

I agree with the others.....keep the same cam and worry about the power gains with the ls3!!!!!!

KW Baraka

iTrader: (7)

THIS......is what I'd do!

KW

SS MPSTR

iTrader: (1)

Wise advice.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

that pressure seems to be normal. depending on the year the sensor is either tapped into the block behind the intake manifold or above the oil filter.

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

Its a brand new sensor thats screwed in behind the intake manifold.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

The back of the intake and above the oil filer use the same passage to read pressure.

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

Interesting illustratration

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Does it at least help answer your question? Just remember when oil is cold it is much thicker and will produce a higher pressure than when warm. The readings you supplied are normal for our engines.

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

It does, your advice is always appreciated. Good to know my engine appears to be in decent shape for 100k. I picked a good cam in the fact that i dont have to strees the bearings reving past 5800rpm for max power. Car pulls hard from 2500-5500. 215/224 cam is great for a semi tired shortblock.

Heat Seeker WS6

iTrader: (1)

Plan A for this is assuming the cam is fine I'd like to keep using it, which I really think its in decent shape- BUT, I'm thinking ahead to a Plan B in the case where it should be replaced is what I'm looking for recommendations.

But I also want to keep this engine running to sort out any bugs the new trans may have so when the LS3 goes in, there's no surprises.

350 groundpounder

iTrader: (5)

My experience is always buy a billet steel cam. My cast cam quality control was junk when i opened it up and inspected the lobes. It was another $75 over the price of a cast cam for me, good piece of mind. Overkill....?...probably.

KW Baraka

iTrader: (7)

In that case.....if you must install a new cam, get a cam that's a known quantity. In other words.....get a new cam that's identical to the one you have.....another CC-503.

At least that way, you won't have to mess with the tune.

IMHO.....

KW

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Yeah that's what I meant. Either use the same cam, or use a profile very close to what you had and call it good.