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5.3 cam question

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Old May 15, 2016 | 07:09 PM
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In the process of building a 5.3 for my 99 Z. Upgrading to LS6 intake, LS7 lifters, BTR springs with COMP trunion upgrade. Will be running headers with true dual exhaust. Has A4 with 2.73's. I'm looking at 2 cams: 227/241 duration @50 563/546 lift or 223/231 @ duration 50 610/617 lift? Would you recommend a stall or should we be good to go?
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Old May 15, 2016 | 07:24 PM
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223/231 @ duration 50 610/617 lift 100%
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Old May 15, 2016 | 07:35 PM
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My god man, get some gears!!

With only 4(3, really in a racing scenario) forward gears, any combo will benefit significantly from a stall.

You've got less cubes and bigger cam..will have to turn more RPM to make same power(or more power). So..gears and stall.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Mercier
My god man, get some gears!!

With only 4(3, really in a racing scenario) forward gears, any combo will benefit significantly from a stall.

You've got less cubes and bigger cam..will have to turn more RPM to make same power(or more power). So..gears and stall.
I don't plan on racing, but bigger gears would be in the future. Was not wanting to get a stall if I don't have to.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 07:57 PM
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I know a converter is a big pain in the *** to change, but it truly is one of the most performance-changing things you can do to an automatic car. By racing, my only meaning is that you don't usually use overdrive in drag type situations, so you have 3 gears to work with. But with 2.73s having fun on the street, you're probably only using two gears until you get out on the highway at higher speeds.

It's worth the trouble and anyone that tells you it isn't hasn't driven a stalled version of their same setup. Not getting a stall just because the cam you got won't completely fall on its face without a stall is the wrong mentality. Mostly stock car with a stall will still add more grin and seat of pants factor than most other additions. Gears next.

That being said, I HATE pulling automatics. This is why all of my projects are sticks.
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Old May 16, 2016 | 09:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Mercier
I know a converter is a big pain in the *** to change, but it truly is one of the most performance-changing things you can do to an automatic car. By racing, my only meaning is that you don't usually use overdrive in drag type situations, so you have 3 gears to work with. But with 2.73s having fun on the street, you're probably only using two gears until you get out on the highway at higher speeds.

It's worth the trouble and anyone that tells you it isn't hasn't driven a stalled version of their same setup. Not getting a stall just because the cam you got won't completely fall on its face without a stall is the wrong mentality. Mostly stock car with a stall will still add more grin and seat of pants factor than most other additions. Gears next.

That being said, I HATE pulling automatics. This is why all of my projects are sticks.
+1. Great post! I don't drive an auto, but I do know that if I had to work on one, the first three things I'd do to the car are gears, stall, and tubular front K.

I went all out on my motor, and now I can't use all of it, because I need gears. Do what nobody does and build the chassis first. Later on, when you have the power, you'll be glad you did.
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Old Oct 19, 2016 | 01:25 PM
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Well I went with the Texas Speed 228R cam but not sure on what trans I will be running yet. Going to choose between TH350, TH400 and 700R4.
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Old Oct 19, 2016 | 05:19 PM
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Between the two camshafts listed I would definitely go with the smaller 223/231, and also install an aftermarket torque converter. Even if you were running a stock camshaft I would still recommend a converter because its going to be one of the best modifications you can do for the setup.
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Old Apr 17, 2017 | 03:32 PM
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I went with the 228R and 4L60E. Just got to get this converter thing nailed down. Driving on the street not the track.
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