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Cam swap question

Old Jan 27, 2022 | 10:25 AM
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Hello I have a 2002 Pontiac trans am ws6 we thought it was stock but recently found out that the engine block is a 6.0 and it is cammed but I’m wanting to replace the cam with a stage 4 btr. How do I know if my heads will be able to handle it?
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Old Jan 27, 2022 | 10:28 AM
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I also don’t know which 6.0 or what cam it has now I just know that the last owner had it tuned for a cam. Would I have to retune the car after putting a bigger cam in it? And how would I find out what type of 6.0 I have?
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Old Jan 27, 2022 | 11:05 AM
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Is it an iron block? Is it Gen III or IV?
What do you mean, "if the heads can handle it"? Asking about springs? Which springs does it now have?
And yes, you need a new tune for a different cam.
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Old Jan 27, 2022 | 11:29 AM
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There are 2 particularly common 6.0 motors that have the same block and the same heads. LQ4 has dished pistons and came in 2500 trucks and such (think, construction site workhorse); LQ9 has flat-tops and a different cam, and came in Escalades, Yukon Denali, and such as that (think luxury SUV). Which one do you have?

If somebody changed the cam, there's a possibility other things got changed too. Is the bottom end stock? Are the heads stock? (317 casting) Have the heads had any port work done to them?

What's wrong with whatever cam is in it now? What is it? What makes you want to change it? What about the one you want to put in, makes you want that particular one?

Plus of course, all the things GAtsma asked, as well.
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Old Jan 27, 2022 | 01:21 PM
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Just an FYI, when the LQ9 came out, the LQ4 got its cam too. It picked up about 25+/- HP. The LQ4 HAD been using the LM7 (5.3) cam before.
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Old Feb 17, 2022 | 11:20 AM
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Heads will handle it fine, you just need to match springs to your cam, which BTR will sell you as well. I'd also look at pushrods and trunnion upgrade while you are there and a 15% ati underdrive. Also if auto, you will need at least a 3200 stall for that cam if manual you are OK. If you don't have gears it will feel sluggish, as stated in the other thread 3.73 for auto 4:10 for manual
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