TroubledWine3

iTrader: (3)

Here's a question I've never seen asked/answered.

Why are LS1 cams so much more expensive than other single-cam motors?

SBC cams are $150 or so. LS1 cams are $400.

Why? What is so different and so radical to cause a $250 difference?

gollum

iTrader: (1)

Thay are "rifle barrel drilled" hollow to save weight.

JZ'sTA

iTrader: (23)

Because you bought a LS1.
Behappy you dont have 4 cams to replace like the new mustang guys.

cyphur

iTrader: (10)

I was always under the impression that it was somewhat due to the fact that there were a couple million someodd SBC motors and maybe a few hundred thousand LS1s. Also the SBC market has been around for 50 years and the LS1 barely 8.........

TroubledWine3

iTrader: (3)

Notice I said "other single cam motors", I already thought about the 4.6/5.4 SOHC/DOHC motors. Plenty of my friends have GTs and Cobras. If I gave a **** about what 4 cams cost, I'd be over at MustangWorks.com asking this question.

cyphur

iTrader: (10)

TroubledWine3.....how about dropping the shitty *** attitude hero. JZ didn't give you any reason to give him one.

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

wow dude....way to get your panties in a bunch


LS1 is new......simple as that.........cam (like all other companies) can charge a premium because the competition is still not near what it is for a 50year old SBC........

also realize that you are probably looking at a flat tappet grind cam in a SBC and EVERY LS1 cam is a roller cam........compare SBC roller cams to an LS1 cam cost and the price is not really much different between the two........

1fastWS6

iTrader: (3)

1) roller vs flat tappet
2) gun drilled
3) late model parts are always premium $$$
4) if you're buying a cam spec'd by a speed shop like the sponsors here, you're also paying for someone's time/effort to design the cam

DONAIMIAN

iTrader: (18)

ive seen 4 valve cams for for 1200 a set, im happy i got an LS1.

TroubledWine3

iTrader: (3)

All I was saying is I didn't ask about Mustang motors, obviously, and I mentioned that I was comparing prices only to other single-cam-operated motors. The answer "Because you bought an LS1" isn't really worth a damn, is it?

That was always my first guess and if I remember correctly, only a few years ago, LS1 cams were $800.

Reason I asked was I wasn't sure if there was more into the actual process of making/grinding the LS1 cam vs. other single cams or if it was just, "Well it's new so as a business, we'll capitalize on the lack of market."

I didn't take into count a roller vs. roller comparison, which was my fault from the beginning. I was just reading through Summit and noticed their cams were down to $60. Just didn't think about the flat tappet/roller difference.

Thanks for those who contributed serious answers.

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

that $60 cam is a grind profile that has been around since the fall of Rome.......they have long since made back their money on the "blank" so it costs them almost nothing to make.........it also is really slow ramp rates and makes pretty low power (compared to a "cutting egde" grind)........

TroubledWine3

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Doh to me for not figuring that one out myself.

I've always been around SBCs and BBCs so this $400 cam stuff is still new to me hahaha.

kpowr82

iTrader: (9)

I think a lot of it has to do with R&D as well. I'd like to give some of our vendors the benefit of the doubt and not think that they're charging so much because of lack competition.

You gotta figure it this way; it took a lot of research and a lot of guinea pigs to find out a 232/234 cam (at .050) isn't that big for an LS1. I talk to some of these old school SBC cats at work and they're eyes bug out when I tell 'em the size cam I'm going with, and how I don't expect to lose THAT much drivability.

Now Vettes are a different story. I cannot believe how much money *EDIT: vendors charge for * cat-backs alone! And I thought the GMMG was expensive

TroubledWine3

iTrader: (3)

Yeah I know what you mean, all my dad's friends go nuts when I tell them I'm putting a .595 lift cam in my car and expect it to be pretty much near-stock driveability after the tune.

SporkLover

iTrader: (2)

$400 isnt too terrible... $600 was what cams were for the 3.8L when I was searching for one for my GTP

JZ'sTA

iTrader: (23)

Damn bro you win the biggest dick of the day award.
Congs.
800 dollars for a cam for a LS1 a few years ago? Dont think so.
Face it you bought a LS1 and parts are more expensive.
Look at AFR heads for a shitstang vs a LS1. Our heads are nearly 2x more.
Look at headers.... Same thing.
How about motor's? Again same thing.
Parts are more expensive for the LS1 and sometimes it is just because we pay the prices asked, and sometimes its because it takes a few more bucks to make the product.
You being a complete *** hole isn't going to get you very far.
With that attitude maybe you should go post on KissMyAss.com

TroubledWine3

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for answering my question, bro.