Stock LS1 Cam options and opinions
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Stock LS1 Cam options and opinions
Hey fellas, i'm swapping a 98 LS1 out of a camaro, 99k miles on it, wondering what cam would be a good street-able, autocross, very occasional drag track cam.
Our HP goal is 400 wrhp
Ls1/4L60E is going in a pro touring 70 Camaro.
Any other opinions/options for this build that might save us some headache would be greatly appreciated. I am doing my research but it's always easier when people offer up their experiences freely.
p.s. this will be my 2nd fuely transplant, i swapped an LT1/T56 in my 69 Camaro.
Our HP goal is 400 wrhp
Ls1/4L60E is going in a pro touring 70 Camaro.
Any other opinions/options for this build that might save us some headache would be greatly appreciated. I am doing my research but it's always easier when people offer up their experiences freely.
p.s. this will be my 2nd fuely transplant, i swapped an LT1/T56 in my 69 Camaro.
Last edited by snowhunter87; 12-18-2014 at 11:30 AM.
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Some companies do make a small bore LS3 head for 3.9" bore but they are $$$$
Personally, I would run a cathedral port head on a street car in most cases anyway unless it's a larger cube motor. For ls1, ls2, 5.3, or 6.0 I'd rather have the velocity of a good ported 243 style head than a stock or ported ls3 head.
Personally, I would run a cathedral port head on a street car in most cases anyway unless it's a larger cube motor. For ls1, ls2, 5.3, or 6.0 I'd rather have the velocity of a good ported 243 style head than a stock or ported ls3 head.
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thanks dr, i just read that and was on my way back here to correct my own mistake but you beat me to it, ls3 jazz needs a 4 inch stroke to work, i had this ls1 confused with my lq4 that i snagged for my car.
Would it be a better option to find some rectangular port heads for this swap, i've heard they flow way better. I guess our goal of 400 wrhp is not a ton, we just want it to be a great all around motor.
Would it be a better option to find some rectangular port heads for this swap, i've heard they flow way better. I guess our goal of 400 wrhp is not a ton, we just want it to be a great all around motor.
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rectangle port heads typically can flow better
cathedral port heads seem to work better in a street car due to flow velocity
for a goal of 400rwhp the heads that are already on the engine should be fine, and you could always clean them up with mild porting or a good valve job and some milling
cathedral port heads seem to work better in a street car due to flow velocity
for a goal of 400rwhp the heads that are already on the engine should be fine, and you could always clean them up with mild porting or a good valve job and some milling
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We are under the understanding that with LT headers, a free flowing exhaust (we are running the QTP cuttouts for fun time) and a good intake (probably an LS6 with a larger TB, maybe a 90mm??) we should be able to get the horsepower with a good cam and tune.
Would it be better finding a set of head to use or just sending the stockers off for porting?
Any opinions for porting, no experience with that?
Would it be better finding a set of head to use or just sending the stockers off for porting?
Any opinions for porting, no experience with that?
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One thing that has failed to be mentioned is tranny work. The stock 4L60E won't last very long under that power, if you take it to the track of course. Also, the 10 bolt rear end is not a world beater either.
I am new to the LS world but from what I have read of late is a semi-built 4L80(E?) is the way to go. From the factory is will handle more torque. You will need a new driveshaft with that conversion as well. As for the rear end I believe it was Strange Engineering that made an S60. Cheaper than a Moser 9" but should be able to handle the power you are wanting.
EDIT: Almost forgot to mention a stalled converter. Not sure how the heck you properly spec one aside from see what others have done.
I am new to the LS world but from what I have read of late is a semi-built 4L80(E?) is the way to go. From the factory is will handle more torque. You will need a new driveshaft with that conversion as well. As for the rear end I believe it was Strange Engineering that made an S60. Cheaper than a Moser 9" but should be able to handle the power you are wanting.
EDIT: Almost forgot to mention a stalled converter. Not sure how the heck you properly spec one aside from see what others have done.
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Thats what i've been reading too Jake89 is that the 60e's are not very durable under any power spike. I may have forgot to mention that we have a 12 bolt posi under the rear so i wouldn't be too concerned about it's integrity. I would be running a turbo 350 in this car but he wants that overdrive for freeway cruising when we head to Sturgis the end of June for the Camaro Rally. Any idea on strength of stock 4l60 and stock 4l80? I would think the 60 is maybe 350hp? 80e is probably more like 500?
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Thats what i've been reading too Jake89 is that the 60e's are not very durable under any power spike. I may have forgot to mention that we have a 12 bolt posi under the rear so i wouldn't be too concerned about it's integrity. I would be running a turbo 350 in this car but he wants that overdrive for freeway cruising when we head to Sturgis the end of June for the Camaro Rally. Any idea on strength of stock 4l60 and stock 4l80? I would think the 60 is maybe 350hp? 80e is probably more like 500?
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Who did your tune? That is another question i have. I had Street and Performance do my LT1 tune, but I don't any any choices for the Ls we are doing.
This car will have a line lock and nitto 555r/or nt05's.
This car will have a line lock and nitto 555r/or nt05's.
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Well I am the 4th owner of the car so I did not see who tuned it. The guy who owned the car before me told me XXX Motorsports in Pensacola, FL tuned the car. Pretty sure that was done before he owned the car as well. One of the only local tuning places around Mobile, AL is TDC Performance. I know they perform tunes for LS engines. Now I see you are in MT so that information doesn't really help you out any.
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Yeah, might look for someone closer when the time comes. I have alot of work to do until then. I also have a post going in the conversion section "1970 Camaro build in Montana" of this forum if you wanna see the build. Thanks for you input and help.
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Anytime. I will check out the build. I have a few ideas of what I want. 400whp was my initial power goal but since I am already around 340whp, based on my mods, I figured why not go more. If I am going to have to build the tranny anyways might as well beef it up for way more than I plan on building.
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yeah and we are not entirely against building a tranny. I am just trying to front the leg work before hand an not get caught with my pants down and be stuck not prepared. We have a pretty good budget but we also have alot to do. I figure if we front load the reseach and price shop, we can try to find the best deals.
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yeah and we are not entirely against building a tranny. I am just trying to front the leg work before hand an not get caught with my pants down and be stuck not prepared. We have a pretty good budget but we also have alot to do. I figure if we front load the reseach and price shop, we can try to find the best deals.
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Thats what i've been reading too Jake89 is that the 60e's are not very durable under any power spike. I may have forgot to mention that we have a 12 bolt posi under the rear so i wouldn't be too concerned about it's integrity. I would be running a turbo 350 in this car but he wants that overdrive for freeway cruising when we head to Sturgis the end of June for the Camaro Rally. Any idea on strength of stock 4l60 and stock 4l80? I would think the 60 is maybe 350hp? 80e is probably more like 500?
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We planned on running a big trans cooler, i figure the colder the better right? What kind of shift kit would I be looking for? Preferably I would rather cam this motor while is out of the car on the stand an clean, then a year down the road. Also, same goes with the trans, i'm just new to auto's, i have had a 4 speed and now a 6 speed in my 69. Thanks for your input fellas.
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I had an LS1/T56 swap done in my '68 ragtop this past spring. I reviewed all cam options and settled on the Texas Speed 228R with 114 LSA. Based on my research I would say I'm pretty close to 400 rwhp.
I'm not drag racing our autocrossing but this drive train is outstanding for "stress relief" and cruising. If I wanted it to really hook I'd need to deal with tires and rear suspension. She wheel hops like a mother!
I'm not drag racing our autocrossing but this drive train is outstanding for "stress relief" and cruising. If I wanted it to really hook I'd need to deal with tires and rear suspension. She wheel hops like a mother!