Okay, guys. I've been reading cam threads until my eyes have bled for the past day or two, especially the "Hotcam vs everything else" threads. I have some pretty specific requirements in a cam...I'll even put them in order of priority.

1. Cost
2. Work well with stock LS1 heads
3. Broad powerband (not just a high-peak cam that needs to be spun like mad, preferrably not spin higher than 6500)
4. Won't require spring change every 25-30k miles (Comp 918s)

The Hotcam looks most attractive, mostly because of price and that it won't beat the snot out of the top end. I've been looking at some FMS, TR, MTI, and other cams...but usually the ramp rates all require spring changes after a while. Would an off-the-shelf Comp cam be a better idea? If so, who gives the best deals?

I dunno. It's all blurring together right now. Help!

 

Other cams I'm looking at... TR224 and Comp XR275HR.

 

Talk to Jason at TSP --> sponser

he can recommend you a good cam.

Im going to be installing a TSP 231/237 in a few weeks with stock heads. Ive seen anywhere from 390-410 on stock heads at the wheels.

 

You might check out our camshaft packages We have 231/237 camshafts & Torquer camshafts for $310!!! I would definately look to some of the sponsors camshafts over the hot cam. The 231/237 has a less aggressive lobe which would definately help with spring life. We recently had a customer put 50k miles on a set of 918s with a 231/237

 

No offense to you or him, but I'd rather not ask a vendor to recommend products.

 

What's the ramp rate on the 231/237, and what's the powerband on it? I don't want to have to spin up to crazy RPMs to make power.

 

Ok well he has more than one cam.
Many different sizes/durations to fit the needs your aiming for.

Heres an idea talk to many vendors if you think one will be biased

There are many cams out there, a good deal of them are similar in size, but just a different vendor. Check out the dyno archives and see the results some are having.

 

My vote would be for the venerable TR224. I think it matches all of your requirements almost perfectly. It has an extremely usable powerband and has produced solid dyno numbers and track results time and time again.

Josh

 

Boy, that one will getcha smacked around!

Ed

 

Actually the vendors give the best advise. They make a living working with LS1's and developing parts and see firsthand what works and what doesn't

 

Yup... there are others you know...

Sorry about this one though...

 

The vendors have alot of Cams that are tested for stock heads.The questionable Cams are if your going with ported heads.That is when you need a custom grind.

 

I installed a tr224 I couldn't be happier. Even on stock tune it drive's like an ACE. Based on my reading I was expecting a lot worse w/ stock tune. There is a def. SOTP increase once you get up over 3500rpms. Has a nice lopey sound to it, and mine is idling fine right at 650rpm.

 

Okay well...what about spring life with the TR224?

 

https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...ing+life+TR224

Nice thread I found using the search button about spring life w/ the TR224.

 

Back when I ordered my Patriot heads equipped with Patriot Gold Dual springs from TSP I talked to one of the guys there and he said 40-50K miles easily with the small .561 lift and ramp rates of the TR224. I will be checking open and closed pressures every 15K miles however just to be on the safe side. It really all depends on how you drive the car, the more rpms and track runs you throw at it the less life you will get out of valvesprings. Drive like an old lady with the occasional WOT burst and you should get awesome life out of the better dual springs on the market now.

FYI When I was running my TR224 on my stock heads with 918s Tit retainers and chromoly pushrods the 918s had lost considerable open @ closed pressure after just 4800 miles. Something around 15-18lbs open from when they were new. Brand new on my gauge the 918s spec 129lbs open and after 4800 miles they were down to 115lbs open. Hence I could not sleep good at night with the thought of maybe droping a valve a destroying my motor so I went with the new heads @ dual springs for peace of mind.

 

How long ago did you use the 918s with the TR224? I read a post from Geoff at Thunder Racing stating that Comp Cams has improved the metallurgy in the 918s after a few bad batches. I guess that's where the "blue stripe" set came from that are available now.

So far, the TR224 and Comp XR275HR are my top two picks.

 

you could also take a look at the FMS cams...they're known to put down good numbers and be easy on the springs. You could look into a dual spring kit. You get everything you need in there and dont have to worry about finding everything on sale just to save some $$. The 224 though has been proven to pass emissions on a 114 and still make great power..alot of people get close to 400hp with it and great #'s at the track.

 

Emissions isn't a concern.

 

EdFvC, The 918s I ran with my TR224 for 4800 miles were the new blue stripe version.