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Buying cam, No idea where to start

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Old 12-22-2008, 02:56 AM
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Default Buying cam, No idea where to start

Okay, I have an 01 ls1 with bolt-ons. I am going cam/stall next and to be honest, I don't know the first thing about a cam. I have been looking around on Texas Speed and I have seen a few I like. I dd my car, so I am looking for something with good street manners and can give me an extra 40-50rwhp. Now, do you lose tq with a cam? I don't see why you would, but I have heard you lose a little low end. I am like a one legged man in an *** kicking contest at the moment. I don't even know where to start. Could anyone help me out please?
Old 12-22-2008, 02:58 AM
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Also, what else do I need to replace to support the cam? I wanna make sure I do this right.
Old 12-22-2008, 03:31 AM
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Read stickies, still not sure which one to get.
Old 12-22-2008, 03:46 AM
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I would start looking in the mid /upper 220's to lower 230's. After you get your cam you can pick a stall to compliment it.
Old 12-22-2008, 04:17 AM
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Originally Posted by SOMbitch
I would start looking in the mid /upper 220's to lower 230's. After you get your cam you can pick a stall to compliment it.
Probably a good size to get. If you really aren't sure get a 224r or 228r. Can't go wrong with either of those. If you aren't sure on the stall, get a yank ss3600.

There are a hundred posts like this, so search and see what other people have decided to get or pm other members on how they like there cam.

I thought you were getting a cobra?
Old 12-22-2008, 09:51 AM
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The easiest thing to do is call any of our sponsors and order up their cam swap kit.

If you pick any cam in the 224-228 intake duration range (at .050), you'll be just fine. All of the vendors make good cams in that size range and they are all very similar in power output. They key is more in the computer tuning than the cam selection.

For a first timer, don't get hung up on a couple of degrees of duration...it really won't make that much difference (within the daily driver cams).

However, if you want my advice, I'll offer it:
1. To keep you from having to degree the cam, which requires engine timing knowledge and special tools, don't go "custom". Pick a proven cam and install it with a good non-adjustable timing chain, a good set of valve springs, and the proper length pushrods. All of our sponsors offer good cam swap kits so it's easy to get what you need.

2. My personal choice for your first cam: LG Motorsports G5X1 (228/232 .588/.574 112 LSA)
Old 12-22-2008, 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by NOBR8KSS
The easiest thing to do is call any of our sponsors and order up their cam swap kit.

If you pick any cam in the 224-228 intake duration range (at .050), you'll be just fine. All of the vendors make good cams in that size range and they are all very similar in power output. They key is more in the computer tuning than the cam selection.

For a first timer, don't get hung up on a couple of degrees of duration...it really won't make that much difference (within the daily driver cams).

However, if you want my advice, I'll offer it:
1. To keep you from having to degree the cam, which requires engine timing knowledge and special tools, don't go "custom". Pick a proven cam and install it with a good non-adjustable timing chain, a good set of valve springs, and the proper length pushrods. All of our sponsors offer good cam swap kits so it's easy to get what you need.

2. My personal choice for your first cam: LG Motorsports G5X1 (228/232 .588/.574 112 LSA)
Do you have personal experience with the G5X1? I've been looking at it a little. I'm not sure what to think about the reverse split lift numbers though. Just something I haven't seen a lot of. What kind of power do they make in a bolt on A4 typically? Also, what is a good size stall to run with a cam that size?

Sorry for the
Old 12-22-2008, 04:05 PM
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I pretty much agree with the above statements. Something in the 228 to 230 range is a good place to start.

What you want to avoid is the tight LSA's. 112 should be fine, but I definitely wouldn't go with a 110.

slvr00brd - I don't have experience with the G5X1, but the standard G5, yes. I didn't tune it, but it pulled very well and had great idle/vacuum characteristics. It was put in chpmnsws6's C5, there's probably some info on that car around here somewhere(and it's demise)
Old 12-22-2008, 04:51 PM
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tr224, tr228, tr230.
Old 12-25-2008, 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by allbaugh_04
Probably a good size to get. If you really aren't sure get a 224r or 228r. Can't go wrong with either of those. If you aren't sure on the stall, get a yank ss3600.

There are a hundred posts like this, so search and see what other people have decided to get or pm other members on how they like there cam.

I thought you were getting a cobra?
I am still going to get a cobra(hopefully), but not until I pay off the z.

I was thinking of going with a torquer v.2 from texas speed and a circle d 3600 stall. What do you guys think?
Old 12-26-2008, 10:28 AM
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Call Texas speed and talk to Matt or Jason, they will advise you on the right camshaft, they Know what they are doing, Just buy the cam from them and help support their business and advice. They are a sponsor on this site. I have never heard a single bad thing about TSP.
Old 12-26-2008, 10:45 AM
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228 or a 230 230 like i got will work great...i am leaning towards 228/228 for your application...also get a good converter you get what you pay for, dont be cheap, it will bite you in the *** later...
Old 12-26-2008, 05:15 PM
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From what I hear, circle d makes a good product. And I have always heard good things about texas speed, so i'm wanting them to do the installs and such on my stall and anything else I end up buying. I also hear they do good tunes.
Old 12-26-2008, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Slvr00Bird
Do you have personal experience with the G5X1? I've been looking at it a little. I'm not sure what to think about the reverse split lift numbers though. Just something I haven't seen a lot of. What kind of power do they make in a bolt on A4 typically? Also, what is a good size stall to run with a cam that size?

Sorry for the
They are basically the same lobes...the only reason the lift is different is because of the wider 232 @ .050 measurement. For all intents and purposes, though, the .006 inches of lift doesn't matter when you account for the accuracy of the cam grinders +/-.005.

Its a cam that closely matches the recommendations of the knowledgable cam guys on this forum, and it's an off-the-shelf grind, so you can install it straight up and be ready to run.

The other recommendations...TR224, TS228, etc. will all perform about the same.
Old 12-26-2008, 07:59 PM
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not to hijack the thread, but i've also read in a lot of posts on here of people having to flycut with their "off the shelf" cam in order for valve clearance.

is there any good information on this? just like when you need to, how to check it to make sure clearances are good, yadda yadda yadda(and fyi, i have read the GOOD article on here that's floating around with the pictures, but i'm dumbfounded still, just sounds scary for someone doing it for the first time on their own).
Old 12-26-2008, 08:08 PM
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for you i would say something like the tsp 228r
Old 12-26-2008, 08:22 PM
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id say 228r or vrx4 cam my cam is almost the exact same specs as the vrx4 it was custom grind done by texas speed my dyno numbers and mods are in my sig...cam has very good street manners and has a nice pull from around 2k till 6,500 its almost like stock pull but harder all the way across the band. Good Luck
Old 12-27-2008, 07:11 AM
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Best place to start is some basic reading. Here is an article written by David Vizard that explains some of the parameters and what affect they have on the motor. In my opinion a cam is somewhat a personal choice as it will dictate the behavior of the car. There are more guys than will admit who have over-cammed and ended up with a car that is a pain to drive. There are also some good books out there, one written by David Vizard that provide more in depth information, albeit a little out of date with regards to the actual cams.

David Vizard Article in Popular Hotrodding
Old 12-27-2008, 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
Best place to start is some basic reading. Here is an article written by David Vizard that explains some of the parameters and what affect they have on the motor. In my opinion a cam is somewhat a personal choice as it will dictate the behavior of the car. There are more guys than will admit who have over-cammed and ended up with a car that is a pain to drive. There are also some good books out there, one written by David Vizard that provide more in depth information, albeit a little out of date with regards to the actual cams.

David Vizard Article in Popular Hotrodding
+10

David Vizard has some good books to help you understand cam theory. I think most of the cams mentioned are in the range for what you are looking for. I vote for the tried and test mamo 224/228 114 or 112. I think the 112 is better for f-body's due to the fact our cars weight more then the vettes.
Old 12-27-2008, 08:45 AM
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Vengeance has a really good list from the DD to the hardcore. And gives you the option to buy your springs and pushrods as well.

http://www.vengeancerd.com/cart/products.php?cat=111




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