Hello, I have a few questions as I am about to start a head/ cam swap on my LS1. This is just going to be my summer daily driver, so it probably wont be seeing a track.
The car is a 2001 WS6 and I going to be installing a 228R cam, 243 heads, GM MLS head gaskets, 1 7/8 headers, catted y pipe and associated parts.

First I was wondering what spark plugs and gap you'd recommend for my engine. Torn between tr55 vs tr6 plugs.

Next I want to mill the 243 heads for a small boost in compression but Im not sure how much to remove. I read I can go up to .030 with the 228R cam before ptv issues. I don't think I need to go that much though, Would .010-.015 be recommended? I need a reply to this quickly, Im sending the heads out tomorrow.

Now for oil, Ive read that with a bigger cam, I'll need better oil with more zinc. In the past I was running Mobil 1 0w-40 because it is affordable and locally available. Is it worth switching to something like Redline 5w-30, Amsoil 5w-30 or Joe Gibbs LS30? Can I run a cheaper oil when first running after the swap? If so what oil? Im planning on changing it after like 100 miles and don't want waste really expensive oil.

Is there any kind of break in required after the swap?

Lastly, I plan on having it tuned after but could it be driven before the tune? Just to get some heat cycles in and make sure everything is as it should be. Oh, and to get it to the tuner haha.

If someone could clear this stuff up I would really appreciate it, the last few threads I've posted have not really gotten any replies, and Im don't know why...

Thanks!!

 

What thickness head gasket you running? I would mill the heads .010 and run a .040 thick head gasket with that cam.
I would run a TR6 plug.

 

I got the GM MLS head gaskets, they are about .054 compressed.

 

drive it to the tuner and get it done instead of driving it at all. Mobil1 is fine as long as it is regularly changed, I do mine once a year but usually only put 3000 miles a season on it.
you might need bigger injectors, I put in 36# injectors but drive it to the tuners with the stockers still in.

 

Thanks for the replies, I decided to go with the TR6 plugs, and have the heads milled .015" that should leave plenty of clearance.
I hope I don't need new injectors, all this is adding up faster than I expected haha.
Still not sure about the oil, I may just keep using mobil 1 0w-40.
When I have more questions I will be posting them on this thread.

 

I was in the same boat OP after the cam swap my duty cycle was pretty high so I went with FIC they will resize your injectors for about 30$ an injector and supply all the HPT data really cant beat it.

 

You will max out your injectors period.

.015" will be ok without any issues, however I would run .040" cometic gaskets.

you need to swap the timing chain, lifter trays, lifters, oil pump, OP O-ring, new front crankshaft seal, head bolts, balancer bolt......etc

I recommend stepping up to 10w-30 or 10w-40 and adding a bottle of zinc.

best of luck!

 

I guess I will find out how bad the injectors are after it get tuned. If I end up larger injectors, will it have to be re-tuned? Or just throw them in and go?
I have all the parts I will need for the swap, at least I hope haha
I still need to order a thermostat though, what temp should I go for? Right now Im thinking stock 187.
Oh, how long should I run the oil right after the swap? 100 miles?

 

It will have to be retuned just get yourself a set of 42lb's bring them with and swap them before the tune do it right the first time.

 

From the reading I've done, sounds like 36lb would be plenty for my set up. What is the most budget friendly, bang-for-your-buck injector set up. I found a set rebuilt and flow matched Bosch 36lb (GTP) injectors on ebay for $215. Good deal?
What is the reason I have to bring them to the tuner while the stockers are still installed? Why cant I just swap them while I'm doing everything else?

 

If you swap the injectors before getting it tuned you will wash down the cylinders and probably ruin your engine. Without the proper injector data the bigger injectors will dump to much fuel. I have heard good things about the 36lb GTP injectors since they are from a gm car they are very easy to tune.

 

Oh I see. I talked to the tuner I'm going to use and he assured me that the stock injectors will be fine for my set up. If it turns out they are not, I guess I will deal with it then.