ok, so my engine took a dive and spun a crank bearing, getting metal shreds all over the inside. it was brutal and depressing. Basically she's finished. No clue how it happened tho.... so instead of getting it rebuilt, i found a sweet deal for a almost brand new 2002 ls1 long block with 243 ls6 heads for 2400$$$
since the engine will be out of the car for a bit, i wanna do a cam swap. already have good heads so no biggy. my budget is 430$ for the cam, but i'd like to know what cam profile i should go for? i'd like to have good mid to high range torque. of course a lil something for the bottom too. Nothing too crazy. good muscle sound but not like a freaking funny car or anything super choppy. I don't want to lose mid or top end power. Im looking for something that will slap right in. nothing that would require modifying. Any suggestions and knowledge on this would be great. and if i would need to do springs as well.

 

Which valve springs are in the heads? Anything more than .550 lift will require .600 beehives at the least, and double springs for anything more than the beehives will handle. Your cam vendor will line you out on whatever is needed for the cam you use, but you will likely need different springs than what you have now.

 

Contact Cam Motion, Brian Tooley Racing, Tick Performance or Smallwood Racing.

All should be able to spec and deliver you a cam to fit your application and projected usage.

Or........you can simply go with the advice of us amateurs.

KW

 

I hate to hear about your issue but glad that you found an inexpensive solution to getting back on the road! From our arsenal of street camshafts, I highly recommend either our VRX4 or VRX5. Both will offer a nice lope at idle while still retaining very good driveability and make great balanced power on your combo. The VRX5 will be a hair more aggressive and focus power more in the mid-high RPM range, but is by no means a "max effort" camshaft. I've put some links below for each camshaft and idle clips for your reference, and offer kits as well if you need a full package for the install. Feel free to PM or call/e-mail us at any time if we can help!

VRX4
http://vengeanceracing.net/1998-2002...592-112-2.html


VRX5
http://vengeanceracing.net/1998-2002...8-602-605.html

 

If your gonna do a cam swap, id definitely suggest replacing springs and everything else.

For cams, i wouldnt run anything smaller than the TSP 228R.. solid all around cam. If you wanted to go a bit bigger than look into TSP Torquer 2. The specs are 232/234. Perfect for what your asking.

btw, i run the TSP 233/239. My goals are similar to yours OP. And this cam is the biggest id run.

 

It looks like I missed the OP's note about a cam that would "slap right in". Unfortunately if you want anything that will perform and sound well that's worth the time/money/effort to install in the engine, then you'll need to do valve springs and pushrods at minimum. We always recommend doing a Melling oil pump, better timing chain, and trunions while doing a cam as well, but springs and pushrods are going to be a must.

 

Give us a call. We do have camshaft made specifically for the LS6 valve springs that give you a great power curve. These camshaft retain the use of the factory pushrods but do require a spring change. The good news is the Camshaft and springs can be bought within your budget. Great idea to get a good quality budget build.