Which Camshaft is Right for Your LS1 Camaro or Firebird?

Educate yourself and make sure that you are buying the right camshaft upgrade for your Camaro or Firebird.

In the modern era of performance cars, there are few terms that are as common as the “cammed LS1”. It seems like just about every Camaro and Firebird at the track has an aftermarket camshaft, so for someone just getting into an LS1 car, swapping to a more aggressive cam is an attractive option. However, picking a camshaft for your car isn’t like buying a set of mufflers. The biggest isn’t always the best, and with so many options on the market, it is crucial to do your homework and pick the cam that is best for your car and your plans for the car.

The problem is that many people don’t know where to start when it comes to doing their homework on a camshaft swap. Some people will come to a LS1tech and ask for recommendations, which will often lead to positive results, but for the best bang for your buck, you will want to make the final decision yourself. That is where this incredible thread by LS1Tech forum member “jrp” comes into play, as he explains pretty much everything that you could need to know when changing the camshaft in your LS1 Camaro or Firebird.

The Introduction

When the OP first started this thread, he began with some key pointers to keep in mind when reading through this all-inclusive explanation of how a camshaft works and what you need to do to change to a more aggressive unit. If you are completely new to learning about how the top end of an engine works, you should understand that there is a ton of information to take in and the thread is very long, but the information is excellent and if you plan on modifying your car, it is best to have a working knowledge of what goes on under the hood.

The LS1 like any other engine works as a system, treat it as one, you want to get as much air in and out as you can. The plethora of mods out there will allow you to do that. Things to consider before you start on your modding process:

1) There is no “best” part when it comes to mods.
2) When you want to start modding your car come up with a tangible plan.
3) Do not go into modding blindly; you will end up wasting money, time, and effort.
4) Do your research before you buy mods.
5) Find out your states/counties emissions requirements before choosing mods
6) Be realistic on what you’re going to do with your car
7) Usable power under the curve is what you want to shoot for, do not just look at peak gains
8) Work within your budget
9) If you are still under warranty Contact your own dealership and discuss your warranty and modding issues.

(Credit given where applicable. Info/pics taken from personal experience, around the Internet, and ls1tech/ls2.com.) Special thanks to the guys on ls1tech (J-Rod, JMX, etc.)

Learning about Camshafts

Next, the OP goes through a detailed explanation of what exactly a camshaft does and all of this information applies to all overhead valve engines, not just the LS1 Camaro and Firebird. He explains what the camshaft does and with a simple diagram, he highlights the components of the camshaft. As this first portion goes on, the OP explains lift, duration, lobe separation angle and advance/retard.

As you get further into the thread, there is a “cam glossary”, as well as cam charts with information on many aftermarket units and two different how-to write-ups on installing a new camshaft in your LS1 car.

Other Components

When changing the camshaft in your LS1 Camaro or Firebird, you don’t just change the actual camshaft and call it a day. You generally have to change things like the valve springs, the pushrods, the rocker arms and the timing chain, and the OP goes into elaborate detail on what each of those things are, how they work and how to pick the right pieces for your setup.

In short, if you plan on buying a new camshaft and installing it in your LS1 Camaro or Firebird, this thread has literally everything that you need to carry out the project from beginning to end. After reading through the entire piece, you will know how everything in the top end of your engine works, how to pick proper replacements for all of those items and how to install everything.

Join the LS1tech forums today!

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com