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MS3 vs VRX5

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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 04:48 PM
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Default MS3 vs VRX5

I'm getting close to buying my cam, and I am kind of stuck right now. This is a budget build, using stock ls6 heads, LTs, ory, and a LM catback along with a ls6 intake mani. As you can see, I also have 4.10's listed in my sig. Now I know both are proven performers, and the only difference between the two is the Cam kit cost difference. Ms3 cam kit, using 918 springs, and TSP pushrods is under $600....From Vengeance, vrx5 cam kit, using TEA duals, and comp pushrods, is near $800. I know both kits are very good, and both are proven performers, but is there really a difference, and is the extra $200 for the vrx5 justifiable? I also have an offer from a seller on here, getting rid of his TSP 5.3 stage 2.5 heads, and ms3, for around 1300. While I do not want to buy used parts (heads excluding, since springs and everything is being replaced) should I just jump on that deal, since that is also a proven performer, or should I go ahead and get the VRX5 since that what I am leaning towards at this moment, aside the price difference. Or should I buy a custom grind, with kit, for around 900. Only problem I have with that, is I do not know the specs on the grind, until I actually buy the cam. So recap...

TSP ms3 kit
Vengeance VRX5 kit
Used 5.3 heads w/ ms3
Custom grind cam

Although I wont be buying this week, I want to make my purchase hopefully within a month or so. Anyone with some input, feel free to enlighten me please. Thanks all.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 05:43 PM
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I am personally a big fan of the MS3/2.5 5.3l heads and cam package. I have it on my car and I am really happy with it. The heads compliment that cam very well because of the smaller combustion chamber and smaller intake runner. Although I definately recommend looking at our PRC dual valve springkit for a cam that big, just to be safe. We are about to run a tax season sale on a lot of our heads and cam packages so keep a look out, we should have some pretty good deals going.

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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 06:00 PM
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oooooooooooo tax season sale
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 07:14 PM
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Ive been running the MS3(113) in my car for about two yrs now. Daily Driver. With the LS6 2.5 heads tho, I have different pistons. The 5.3 heads would be ALOT better. Its tuning could be better but no problems.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 10:39 PM
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I forgot who helped me today, but I did place a small order on some parts from you guys today. I know the ms3/5.3 is a good set up, but I know ls6 heads with a large cam is a good set up also. I still have about 2-4 weeks before I buy heads/cam/ect, so IDK what I am going to do yet. Someone have some graphs of ms3 vs vrx5 with stock heads, ls6 heads, ect ect?
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 10:51 PM
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Which ever cam you get is going to be great, but the heads I have are more for a larger engine, and I am going that route with a 416, with the Vindicator but with a 1.8 rocker arm. the MS3 is still going to power my 347 but maybe with some smaller runner heads and more compression. An overlay of both would be nice, but there isnt going to much differance. Both cams duration at .050 are close arent they? Both shops have great products. I ssen a bud that went from the MS3 to a VRX7 in a 408 and gained power, But he also added a unported 92/92 and more agressive tuning. Which really this is why.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 11:04 PM
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DAMN! You are getting one hell of a deal witht that used H/C combo! I just spent twice as much as that for those heads and MS3 from TSP. This combo has proven its power many times just do some research on it! That's where your best bang for your buck is!
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 11:05 PM
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Yea, since this is budget build, I wont be doing FAST until later. I just also can't decide if I should go new parts, cheaper route, or used parts, great deal. Jason (or John lol), when will the sale be starting?
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 02:10 AM
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The reason the Vrx5 cam kit costs more is because it comes with dual springs. Dual springs cost more than the comp behive that comes with ms3.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 02:12 AM
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Originally Posted by SuperSlow02
oooooooooooo tax season sale
shall we be expecting you to purchase it soon!
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Cape T/A
The reason the Vrx5 cam kit costs more is because it comes with dual springs. Dual springs cost more than the comp behive that comes with ms3.
In that case (I guess I over looked that part or something), if I were to get the duals with the TSP kit, it ends up being around the same price I guess. I still can't decide on which to go with though. Plus, the 5.3s with ms3 just sounds better and better when I really think about it.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 08:52 AM
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I personally would look into that used package. That's one heck of a deal. Used heads shouldn't really matter at all as there's not much to be said about "wear and tear" on them. As far as the cam, it's a safe bet that it's perfectly fine. Just try to get some info from the guy like how many miles, typical rev, etc.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 08:56 AM
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I sent him another pm, so I'm just waiting on his reply. I think he said only like 1k miles on the set up. I'll have to ask what kind of miles, shift points, ext. What headgaskets would give me enough PTV clearence? I'm thinking stock .050 (iirc), and .040 might not quite clear.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 09:04 AM
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Good call. Also ask why he ditched the setup, just out of curiosity.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 09:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Cape T/A
The reason the Vrx5 cam kit costs more is because it comes with dual springs. Dual springs cost more than the comp behive that comes with ms3.
We rarely sell the MS3 kit with beehives. The dual spring cam kit is $699.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 09:42 AM
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I shall ask him about that also. Thanks for the heads up.

Matt-Sounds like a good deal. I can't decide...both you guys' shops are great. Yall have helped me here on the forum, and also when I placed my order yesterday, and Ron has been emailing me about cam selection and supporting items and whatnot. Both of you guys are stand up shops for sure.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Matt@Texas-Speed
We rarely sell the MS3 kit with beehives. The dual spring cam kit is $699.
Arn't the comp 918 springs behive?
How long would the 918 springs last (mileage wise) compared to the dual springs?
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 11:13 AM
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Yes, 918's are beehives. I'd expect the dual springs to last close to twice as long as a 918 on the MS3.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Matt@Texas-Speed
Yes, 918's are beehives. I'd expect the dual springs to last close to twice as long as a 918 on the MS3.
Thanks, i will be placing an order soon!

Sorry O.P. for being off topic.
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Cape T/A
shall we be expecting you to purchase it soon!
Dont you worry your lil head about mine Might need to push that busted as T/A out of the way so I have room to work on mine though
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