Cam/stall
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Cam/stall Hey everyone I’m debating on a cam for my ls im going back and forth with the BTR stage 2 and the BTR stage 3 cam I want peoples opinions on them! Also what size stall converters people are using for each cam! This will be basically just a cruiser/daily driver I want a cam that gives it a lot more of a chip while at idle so I’m also open to cam suggestions! Thanks everyone! This will be going inside a 2005 GTO 6.0!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,889
Likes: 1,137
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Unless someone has ran both cams in the same engine, I'd take any advice I get online with a grain of salt. I could give you an opinion, but I have no experience with those cams. I run a BTR LS3 Stage 4 in my SS, and I love it, but I have a 6 speed manual. If you want a noticeable idle and daily drivability, I'd find something in the high 210s/low 220's on the intake side with a significant amount of overlap. Probably would equate to around 109-111 LSA when all is said and done, but that number is just a byproduct of specs created to increase overlap. But lots of overlap can cause tuning headaches at times, so you have to figure out of you have a capable tuner. As for a stall converter, spend the money on a really high quality converter and use the company's expertise to make a choice on stall. I once went from an el cheapo 2400-2600 converter to a quality 3400-3800 converter, and the higher stall actually slipped LESS under part throttle conditions, which made my car much more fun to drive. But I haven't had an automatic performance car in like 16 years, lol.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 196
Likes: 72
From: Grand Rapids, MI
I have a very mild 216/220 .560 lift cam in my 6.0, this makes tuning really easy and the engine is well mannered. I have the ability to get good fuel mileage (21+mpg). This is all tuned by me. It is not very choppy at idle but it is all tuning.
I also use a cheapy 3200-3500 stall, and as LS1Formulation said above, it slips alot, but this makes it really fun.
The engine is the most responsive engine I have ever driven. If I floor it, just as the throttle hits the floorboard the engine is already 5500+rpm. Like the rpms are already high before the transmission downshifts.
The cam I have is probably small enough to use the stock converter on a 6.0L. If I were to get another converter it would be a Circle D billet deal.
I also use a cheapy 3200-3500 stall, and as LS1Formulation said above, it slips alot, but this makes it really fun.
The engine is the most responsive engine I have ever driven. If I floor it, just as the throttle hits the floorboard the engine is already 5500+rpm. Like the rpms are already high before the transmission downshifts.
The cam I have is probably small enough to use the stock converter on a 6.0L. If I were to get another converter it would be a Circle D billet deal.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 317
Likes: 52
From: Charleston, SC
I would go with the smaller cam. Why sacrifice good drivability for only an overall 2% power increase (say 410 rwhp vs 400 rwhp). Not a great risk vs reward. I have a Yank SS3600 and I’m really happy with the drivability and I have 2.73 gears. In hindsight I should have got a SS3800.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 336
Likes: 47
I run a Tick SNS Stage 3 cam with a 4000 stall and 390 gears. Zero drivability issues once the tune was on par. If you're going with the stage 2 came I 'd say 3600 stall minimum, but for a stage 3 I'd go 4000. If your tune is good, you shouldn't have any issues.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,889
Likes: 1,137
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Also, as a general rule, LS engines like a lot of stall. The stock LS1 has a 4400 RPM torque peak, IIRC, and you want your converter to flash to right about 500-700 RPM before the torque peaks. Add a larger cam and the torque peak will shift even higher.
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,290
Likes: 3,615
From: Central Cal.
Because truck cams generally have more conservative specs that keep the torque curve in the lower end of the RPM scale, obviating the need for a higher stall converter.
YANK 3,200, high stall ratio FTW!!! Have had a 3,200 stall, high stall ratio Yank in my 2000 A4 C5 since 2005, 70,000+ miles, no issues. Just put the trans in D/OD, and GAS IT!!! Get the highest stall ratio Yank offers. The 3,200 stall will be fine with either cam, but probably best with the stage 3. You'll love it, trust me. 
EDIT!!!!!
This converter worked great with a 238°/242°, 114° LSA, .650" lift cam.. It was in a 427, but a 228°/232°, 114° LSA, .580"-.600" lift cam in a 350 should be fine, too. My .02.....
EDIT!!!!!
This converter worked great with a 238°/242°, 114° LSA, .650" lift cam.. It was in a 427, but a 228°/232°, 114° LSA, .580"-.600" lift cam in a 350 should be fine, too. My .02.....
Last edited by grinder11; Dec 14, 2022 at 03:55 PM.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,889
Likes: 1,137
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Ever driven or taken a ride in a stock Grand National? The reason I ask is this: If you just take off from a dead stop in a GN, it's slow as hell until about 40-50 feet out, then the turbo comes on like a light switch. Driving a car with a larger cam and a stock converter has similar drivability. Hardly any torque down low, and then it comes on in a rush. Even if you punch it to the floor, it's going to bog a bit before beginning to pull hard. A stall converter, when built correctly, will allow your engine to rev through the low torque dead zone at WOT, and still have good part throttle manners. If you're only planning on driving this car around, as you say, why cam it at all? Because, regardless of racing, you want it to be faster. A well matched converter is going to greatly multiply the gains you'll get from a cam, and you'll enjoy driving it more.