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TSP Magic Stick or TSP 231/237?

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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 01:13 PM
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Default TSP Magic Stick or TSP 231/237?

Hey guys I don't post a whole lot, but I read the threads on here often. You guys really know your stuff...so I'd really appreciate some input. I'm doing a build up this spring on my now stock '98 M6 SS. I'm doing SLP LT's Borla Exhaust, LS-6 Intake and either a TSP Magic Stick or TSP 231/237 cam with new springs and push rods. I'm also planning on staying with the stock 3.42's. I don't race at the track, so basically what I'm looking for is a cam with a mean lope at idle that will pull really hard from mid range through 6500 RPM. I'd like to use the Magic Stick because of it's strong mid to high RPM power, but I'm wondering how it will work with the 3.42's. I am also wondering if it will need an adjustible timing set and if it will need fly cutting of the pistons. If the Magic Stick is too agressive for 3.42's how will the 231/237 perform? Any help would be great, I'm just learning here, so I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 01:22 PM
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Magic stick won't need flycutting.
My impression is that the Magic Stick essentially has 231/237 characteristics, but on steroids. I really enjoyed the 231/237. It was a great cam. But given a choice between the two, I'd go with the Magic Stick. Only factor swaying a decision towards the 231/237 would be spring life, as the lunati lobes are a bit lazy and are pretty easy on springs in comparison to today's aggressive grinds. Either way, a good tune is in order. Also, no need for an adjustable timing set, just get a new one to freshen things up.
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Sparks
Hey guys I don't post a whole lot, but I read the threads on here often. You guys really know your stuff...so I'd really appreciate some input. I'm doing a build up this spring on my now stock '98 M6 SS. I'm doing SLP LT's Borla Exhaust, LS-6 Intake and either a TSP Magic Stick or TSP 231/237 cam with new springs and push rods. I'm also planning on staying with the stock 3.42's. I don't race at the track, so basically what I'm looking for is a cam with a mean lope at idle that will pull really hard from mid range through 6500 RPM. I'd like to use the Magic Stick because of it's strong mid to high RPM power, but I'm wondering how it will work with the 3.42's. I am also wondering if it will need an adjustible timing set and if it will need fly cutting of the pistons. If the Magic Stick is too agressive for 3.42's how will the 231/237 perform? Any help would be great, I'm just learning here, so I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!
Those are both great cams, i can tell you from expierence with the 231/237 the 3.42 gears just arent enough. I would consider changing those. but if you really dont want anything down low i go for the Magic stick.
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 01:54 PM
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Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. When you say "longer spring life" what do you mean? With upgraded dual springs, will I have to replace the every 5 or 10 thousand miles? less? more?
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 02:26 PM
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15K-20K miles seems to be the norm for intervals with aggressive cam selection. It's good to pull a spring or two every 12-18 months and check how it's holding up, and if they're doing fine, you can keep them in there.
The 231/237's lobes are softer, therefore the interval would be longer.
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 02:27 PM
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And ditto what LSmokin1 said about 3.42's not being enough for the 231/237. You'd need a 4.10 back there.
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 02:28 PM
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Thanks for the help guys!
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 02:55 PM
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I would say to buy some Kooks or QTP headers instead of the SLP's. Or you can get the coated pacesetters and save alot of money.
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 03:35 PM
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Another vote for QTP's and no SLP's. I can't believe I overlooked that.
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 03:47 PM
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TRMIN8R uses 3.42's with the ms3. SPARKS said he never goes to the track. seems like he just wants a fun street car. I emailed TRMIN8R and he said that the ms3 is great on the street, even with 3.42's.
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Old Feb 12, 2006 | 05:53 PM
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Yeah, I was wondering what gears Termin8r was running in his car, being that he laid the smack down on practically everything in that video. yeah, a fun street car is really what I'm looking to build. right now I'm going for a boost in performance when I floor it and a rough, lopey idle. I figure if I want to start running it at the track in the future I can throw a 12 bolt and some 4.10's on it. thanks for all the input and the research. I'll let you know how everything turns out!
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 05:37 PM
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One more thing I forgot to ask last night....my motor has almost 65,000 miles on it. Would my engine be able to handle a cam like that with that kind of mileage? I've seen LS1's with over 100k handling 14 lbs of boost out of a turbo and not having any problems. Or should I consider a new engine? Thanks again for all the help.
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 06:37 PM
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Here is another vote for the Magic Stick with gears.
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 06:52 PM
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I have the 231/237 and I'm happy with it. It pulls hard but I wish I went with a more agressive cam (nomagic stick when I cammed my car). I'm still running 3.42's but I would go with a steeper gear. I don't want to go all the way to 4.10's so I'll probably go with some 3.73's. I'd get the magic stick if I could do it again. Nothing's wrong with a steeper gear.
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 07:15 PM
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Do the MS3, I'd at least go with 3.73s tho. I run 3.73s in my big cammed street car.

Do the Pacesetter headers over the SLP garbage.

I installed a cam in my car recently at 106K...no problems and pulls like an animal up top. I do recommend getting the LS6 oil pump and LS2 timing chain as well as the dual springs kit and hardened pushrods. Just make sure all the little things are up to date also such as plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter and the mileage won't effect your gains.
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 08:18 PM
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woah 106k and new cam....that's impressive. I do plan on doing the oil pump/push rods/ springs, etc. Alot of you guys don't agree with the SLP headers. The reason I'm going with them is because where I live emissions are an issue....although the magic stick cam definately won't pass the smog test, I'd at least like to have the outward appearance of being law abiding. (i.e. having cats) The SLP headers can be ordered from LS1Speed.com with cats, y pipe, and install kit for 1200 bucks. seems like a pretty good deal to me. If I lived in a state where no emissions were needed, I'd definately go with some hookers or QTP headers with dual dynomax resonators and axle dumps.
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 08:33 PM
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^ On my old car, I gained 35rwhp by going to QTP HVMC LT's from SLP LT's (I also swapped from LS6 to FAST90mm intake at the same time). Nevertheless, SLP's are outperformed by most any other brand out there, plus SLP's hang real low.
1200 bucks is rape for that system (not because of the price, but because of the headers themselves, but then again, yes, they should not cost that much in the first place).
If you're going to spend that much money, Dynomax Supramaxx catted kit is the way to go for a comprehensive setup.
My vote goes to QTP HVMC LT's ($750 for the best flowing headers out there, stainless steel) or KOOKS with a catted Y-pipe, which is no different than the SLP setup in terms of components you get for the "kit".
Stay away from SLP.
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 09:38 PM
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I have the 231/237 in my car with the 4.10's and I pulls very hard. I'm happy with that cam.
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 09:46 PM
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.....new to all of this ls1 cams stuff....where can I even get these cams? Magicstick, MS3, TSP?
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Old Feb 13, 2006 | 11:02 PM
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TSP= www.Texas-Speed.com. The MS3 is the Magic Stick, version 3.

I got rid of the 231/237 in my car and put a MS3 in instead. It pulls a lot more up top and pulls a lot longer, and I also changed my gears from 4.10s to 3.73s.
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