Need help on choosing right cam.
Im wanting to go for a good lope, but maintain an average amount of drivability. Will a MS3 cam be OK? If so, then what LSA and why. If not what would be good to mate with my 4k stall and reasons.
All input will be appreciated! The time is getting close for me to buy a cam and I want to get the best one that suits my car.
Thx,
Aaron
Also, even though you have a 4k stall you still have a stock bottom end. You don't want to push your limits on the PTV are too much. IF you ever got a good amount of valve float with a MS3/4 you may still have contact issues.
I would call up comp and tell them what you plan on doing and what you want in your cam and get a custom grind. There are some proven shelf grinds out there that are great.
The car is going to see mostly street use, which doesnt mean Im going to be puttin around either, and with a few trips to the track of course to see what it runs after all this...
Id like to hear some cam recommendations also. And hopefully someone with a similar setup can give me info, and pros and cons.. With real world experience of having the setup.
For example, currently the cam I have has 10 degrees of overlap. I would consider the sound moderately aggressive. Through the GMMG exhaust and headers with cats..it will get your attention.
But, for your current mods I might suggest cams with ~ 6 degrees of overlap. About a year ago I started a thread of what is the 'sweet spot' of overlap. I.E., how much is required for ample power and sound, but is not to difficult to tune. The experts centered on ~ 6 degrees of overlap.
For example..A 224/224 112 +2 Cam has 0 degrees of overlap. a 228/228 112+2 has 4 degrees of overlap. A 228/230 112+ has 5 degrees of overlap. Someone can check my math..that is what I came up with..
So, I might not go bigger than the examples above. Matching it with your stall..might need some other cam experts to comment. There are some neat software programs (free) that you can utilize to find various cam specs and overlap amounts. Some are available in the stickies, or in previous threads on this forum.
Hey, good luck in any case. Thought I would at least give you some suggestions to look at.
Let us know how it goes.
..WeathermanShawn..
The more valve overlap you have the more lope you are gonna get. My 244/248 had 16° of overlap and my truck only has -4° on that 221/226. They both lope pretty hard, but the 16° was VERY inconsistent. Your MS3 would probably sound about the same. I have an idle clip somewhere. https://ls1tech.com/forums/staff-veh...peels-99s.html
That MS3 on a 112 separation has 15.5° on it. on 113 it has 13.5° and the 114 has 11.5°.
Trending Topics
Is there a less complicated way to suggest a cam. Like a cam kit from Comp, TSP, etc... Or if I have no choice but to go with a custom grind, custom grind is most likely out of my budget. Thanks guys for the help! I'm goin to sleep though and will post later.
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Is there a less complicated way to suggest a cam. Like a cam kit from Comp, TSP, etc... Or if I have no choice but to go with a custom grind, custom grind is most likely out of my budget. Thanks guys for the help! I'm goin to sleep though and will post later.
You can always call any of the Sponsors that regularly post on this board. I know Texas Speed has done some extensive engine testing on various cams. Perhaps they can give you some suggestions, along with other forums members.
I think you can find the right cam. So, again..Good Luck!
..WeathermanShawn..
Here is a secret (well not really). A custom grind costs the same amount.

Most people don't know that.
If I read your mods correctly, you will be utilizing the LS6 manifold, correct?
If that is the case, in all reality you just need a cam that does not exceed an IVC of ~42-46 degrees. Probably closer to ~42 degrees to maximize power under the curve. You also do not need to exceed ~6 degrees of overlap.
Really no need to exceed .600 lift on your cam profile.
How about a 228/232 112 +2 LSA. That gives you an overlap of 6 degrees, and you could probably rev it up to 6400-6600 Rpm's. Any bigger, and you will just be over-camming (IMO).
I am a novice cam student..not an expert. You could always PM Predator-Z or Patrick G. They may be busy, but they are some of the best on this forum.
Keep reading. You have to do a lot of homework to successfully talk about cams and valve events..You are getting there though.
So, those are my suggestions for your current mods...
Later..
..WeathermanShawn..
Specs: 232/234 .595/.598 112,113, or 114 LSA. The 112 will bring the power in more down low than the 114. I run this cam and with a good tune she has great street manners and a nice lopey idle. In my 99 M6 daily driver, I made 401 / 389 through midlengths, ls6 intake, lid, pulley, and cutout. My y pipe is only 2.5", so if I were to switch to LT's and port my tb, Id approach 410-415+ in a cam only car with stock heads. Using my car (despite being M6) should give you an example of what the T2 can produce powerwise and heres an idle clip.
T2 through a Corsa:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAr6H...eature=related
The others suggestions of custom cams are a good idea as well. Hope this helps
And BTW, a custom grind doesn't cost that much more.
You can also just give Geoff at EPS a call and have him do a custom grind.
Last edited by 99Bluz28; Jan 21, 2010 at 12:33 PM.
Anything will "work" for the most part. Mark and Patrick are great people to ask. I learned quite a bit from Mark (Pred-Z) over some late night threads about cams that I was not aware of.
You will love what you end up with most likely anyway, but key to drivability will be 80% in your tune.
Anything will "work" for the most part. Mark and Patrick are great people to ask. I learned quite a bit from Mark (Pred-Z) over some late night threads about cams that I was not aware of.
You will love what you end up with most likely anyway, but key to drivability will be 80% in your tune.
Aaron

