Hey all, I am looking for cam recommendations and could use some help.

Car is a 79 Monte Carlo with a LS1/4l60e out of a 2001 Trans am, factory car weight was right around 3150lbs, I am upgrading the rear end with 3.90 gear ratio (currently a 3.08), wheel diameter is 27.7 (245/40/20), I also plan on using a FTI converter with probably a 2800-3000 stall. Car is basically a weekend/ fair weather cruiser and spends most of its time currently in the lower rpm range also will never see the track but some stop light racing from time to time. I have been looking at some of the Summit Racing brand cams but not sure what to go with. I plan on upgrading the springs and possibly the push rods if needed but want to stay around the $500 price mark.

What would you suggest ? None of the planned parts are purchased yet so I can make some adjustments here or there Long as it stays in the price range of what I am currently expecting to spend. Cam/springs $500, Converter $500ish FTI, rear end $560 Quick Performance

 

Can't make a proper suggestion without more info. Do you want a smooth idle, nasty lope, or something in between? Do you have your own tuning capabilities, or are you at the mercy of a "tuner"? Do you have cats, and if not, do you have an aversion to smelling the exhaust at idle? Would you find the valvetrain noise common with some of the more aggressive cam lobes to be a nuisance?

 

Training Day, love it! If you want torque/smoking tires, go with a 220/228 112 cam. Otherwise, for good times and solid power, go with a Summit 230/242 113 cam. Both work great, just different personalities. If you want quiet, smooth power, Lingenfelter GT11.

 

As far as the idle I would say something in between but not real aggressive. Car has a Holley terminator and I have the ability to tune it myself, I'm no expert but learning as I go. Has 2.5" exhaust with high flow cats and I guess I could live with a little valve train noise but would like to keep it to a minimum 🤷🏽‍♂️

 

Sound wise I like the Texas Speed 224/228 600 lift 112 lsa. That kit is about $100 more than the summit kit but it also comes with push rods so overall about the same money. Just wasn’t sure if it was a good fit for what I’m looking for, tire roasting torque sounds like more where I want to be not looking to be making high power at 7k

 

Cam Motion has off the shelf cams, but also make custom grinds. For spring longevity I’d consider lower lift and/or a design known for softer lobe ramps. Cam Motion is known for their soft ramp designs. This takes a lot of shock out of the valve train.

Wont cost you anything to give them a call and pick their brain. Cam companies love to talk about their stuff, so perhaps call a few for comparisons. Due diligence!

 

I doubt I drive this car enough miles to worry about wearing the springs or any other components out but I will take that into consideration. Replies like this is the reason I asked questions not gonna get on here and pretend I know the slightest lol.