LS6 Cam, what's needed
 

Thinking of swapping in an LS6 cam (which I can get for nothing).

I believe I need new pushrods, springs/locks/retainers and of course gaskets when I do the surgery. I'm on stock 241 heads.. and don't have any immediate plans to modify or change them out.


Anything I'm missing? Should I go with a nice aftermarket spring or will the LS6 springs be fine? Already planning on LS7 lifters while I have things apart.

I'm guessing I should see 340ish rwhp? I know it's a pretty weak cam in the grand scheme of things but I really want to retain that 'stock' idle and drivability. I did the CC306 bit on my old LT1 and I don't want to get to that level again.

Thanks guys. Sorry for all the questions.

i dont see why you would need to change locks and retainers just get a set of ls6 yellow springs and reuse the stock stuff, if its a 01 ls6 cam you can use stock pushrods but if its an 02-04 i think you do need longer pushrods

Yes you could just use your stock retainers and locks and just some ls6 spring from scoggin dickey.. to be honest there really arent that many gaskets you need to replace because all ls1 gaskets are reuseable with the exception of the head gaskets. i'd still do the water pump gaskkets but everything else should be ok. and you will need longer pushrods 7.425" to be exact I've got a set for sale in the classifieds now if your looking I dont need them for my build anymore

I was told that the stock pushrod would work .

Exactly why I was asking. :) People are telling me different things and I don't want this install to get held up on something stupid.

I believe the stock pushrods will not work with stock 241 heads-you will have to measure to see. You will also need to bump up the limiter with the 02 Z06 cam since your shiftpoints will be way higher than stock cam. You do realize the heads have to come off to get to the lifters?
Get a LS2 timing chain too while you have it apart. If anyone local to you has ported a stock oil pump you could do that too while you have it apart

Thats a nice stealth mod and you should net you about 2-3 tenths and 2 mph once you nail down your shiftpoints(6400-6500).

No they won't stock ls6s havelonger valves in the heads so the same pushrods can be used with the ls6 cam.7.425s are required because ls1 valves r shorter and the cam has a smaller base circle 7.4s will work on ls1 heads but they maybe noisy and not optimal for power.

If anyone has any reason to pull out the stock pushrods. Do no put the stockers back in there. Sure they will "work" just plan on bending one if your going to be turning more rpm's. Just go ahead and upgrade to a hardened pushrod and be done with it.

The ls6 cam has a smaller base circle... you will need longer pushrods from my understanding. I would go ahead and get pac 1218 springs instead of the ls6. That will give you some room if you decide to add some 1.8-1.85 rockers down the road.

copied from thunder racing:

LS6 Camshaft - 204/218 .551/.541 117.5 LSA Please note that this cam has approximately a 0.050" smaller base circle than a stock LS1 camshaft. This smaller base circle will require longer pushrods for applications with stock length valves and no milling for the head surface.

Exactly as said above... I got the longer pushrods cuz I was going rouse regular valves now I got a hold of the ls6 valves I no longer need the longer pushrods I have And they're hardened not trying to push a sale here but I just want them gone best of luck to u tho in ur decision

sorry I have a 6.0 with the 317 heads and was told the stock pushrods would work. do the heads make the diffrence

nope if anything the 317 head would need even longer ones because they have a bigger combustion cahmber making the heads sit even a little taller on the block. longer pr's would be even more important for u

Yeah this project started because I suspect I have a bad lifter and need to pull them out. Was going to replace with LS7 lifters and decided since I need a new waterpump anyways (135K on the original) I might as well just dig in and swap the cam out.


I believe I found exactly what I need for this project (springs, lifters, pushrods and cam)... just want to cover all the basics. Definately appreciate it guys!


Will the stock tune be ok for short period of time with that cam? I know it needs a tune to take full advantage..just wondering if I need to get it done the same time or not.

That's a good one. :D

That list about covers it and no you dont need a tune right away with that cam but I would eventually get one to take advantage of the power band the ls6 cam offers.

If you're going to pull the heads why not replace them with better ones? You can get yourself a set of 243's with springs for 500 bucks easy...

Too bad we are the only two that get what you said....

Im confused lol

Paypal me 500 and Ill slap new heads on. :) :chug:

Stock tune is fine. If you can find someone that has HP tuners/EFI live or if any used cheap handheld tuner has the ability to up the limiter please do so. The shift points are a big reason why you will pick up power with that cam.

If on a budget try to get a valve job and a clean up on your stock heads while you have them off for lifter fix. Will help a tad...