How do I optimize this H/C combination?
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: a dumpster in TX
How do I optimize this H/C combination? Here is the deal guys. I would like any input on how I can optimize my head and cam combination. Here are the parts I have:
Comp 265 hr 212/218 .522/.529.
ls6 springs
ls6 pushrods
ls6 #243 heads
slp head and cam install with stock head gaskets
ls2 chain
ls4 oil pump
I want to make the fastest possible car this combination. What do I need to do: install it all like it is, mill heads???
My mods are 3400 stall, 3.23, lt's, lid, td's., came with ls6 intake stock this year.
All input would be appreciated.
Comp 265 hr 212/218 .522/.529.
ls6 springs
ls6 pushrods
ls6 #243 heads
slp head and cam install with stock head gaskets
ls2 chain
ls4 oil pump
I want to make the fastest possible car this combination. What do I need to do: install it all like it is, mill heads???
My mods are 3400 stall, 3.23, lt's, lid, td's., came with ls6 intake stock this year.
All input would be appreciated.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: a dumpster in TX
Well, I got the cam and springs REALLY cheap. OEM springs are built to be tough too. This cam actually has less lift but a little more duration than the ls6 cam so I figured these springs would be durable enough. No big rpms for me. Does anyone suggest any other hints to make the most power from this combo? What kind of gains should I expect power wise as well as track time wise? I have heard of 20hp gains with ls6 heads over my 241 castings. I go consistent 8.0's in the 1/8th right now.
TECH Resident
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 907
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Originally Posted by baldurann
Personally, I'd at least buy some better springs and try to find like a used tr224 or something bigger. .
why did you choose that cam? the last thing you want to do is just toss a cam in there and hope for the best. you want the cam specs to match the flow of the heads. and you want to choose a cam that best meets your goals of the car.
whats an ls4 pump? ditch the ls6 springs, youll just break them and drop a valve. Get comp 918s
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: a dumpster in TX
Originally Posted by eamador11
I agree.
why did you choose that cam? the last thing you want to do is just toss a cam in there and hope for the best. you want the cam specs to match the flow of the heads. and you want to choose a cam that best meets your goals of the car.
whats an ls4 pump? ditch the ls6 springs, youll just break them and drop a valve. Get comp 918s
why did you choose that cam? the last thing you want to do is just toss a cam in there and hope for the best. you want the cam specs to match the flow of the heads. and you want to choose a cam that best meets your goals of the car.
whats an ls4 pump? ditch the ls6 springs, youll just break them and drop a valve. Get comp 918s
BTW: an ls4 pump is the oil pump used in the ls4 5.3's found in the newer Monte Carlo SS. It is supposed to be a cheap, reliable upgrade.
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do you have a ported tb or pulley? those would help some.
i, personally, am a big fan of custom cams, i just got mine from UPS today... i believe that a custom cam (or just a bigger cam) would help you out alot. if i were you that would be my next step.
i, personally, am a big fan of custom cams, i just got mine from UPS today... i believe that a custom cam (or just a bigger cam) would help you out alot. if i were you that would be my next step.
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+1, my FTI 228/232 6.12/6.00 111 lsa really woke the car up. titanium retainers and dual springs and the engine will really respond with those heads. the cam you have there will give minimal gains for the work. i just wanted to do it once right.
11 Second Club
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Troy,MI.
I would maximize compression.If you are going to use 93 octane fuel, then I would mill the heads .020" if you are going to use stock gaskets(.055).Also a underdrive pulley if you can find one cheap.
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Because i am the one who is going to be doing the install on the cam, I am going to also recommend a bigger cam. You will do just like you did with the 3600 stall and in a week you will want more. Just go ahead and do the trex now and save me having to swap cams and springs twice on your car.
you are asking to optimize your combo, and most of these guys are telling you the right things to to here.
a tiny cam like that is not optimal in any way for those heads, let alone some cam you found on a shelf.
I think a 224/228 with 56x to 57x lift cam on a 114 LSA would be a good choise with a Comp 921 Spring. With a A4 you don't need some crazy low LSA'a and if you want to stay reliable then 560 or 570 lift would be able to attaine that. A 224 or 228 cam would give you good power all the way through the power band with a stock LS6 head.
Use an LS6 oil pump. Trust me, I know budget. My first H/C combo was bought used for 1500 bucks and had a 218/222 .568" 114LSA cam, with ported 853 heads. Car ran 11.3 @ 122 4 years ago with that. It was cheap, but it was matched properly that is why the car ran so well.
If you want to "Optimize" your setup you have to get parts that will work together.
Stock springs, a miss-matyched oil pump, and a off the shelf cam will is far from optimization.
a tiny cam like that is not optimal in any way for those heads, let alone some cam you found on a shelf.
I think a 224/228 with 56x to 57x lift cam on a 114 LSA would be a good choise with a Comp 921 Spring. With a A4 you don't need some crazy low LSA'a and if you want to stay reliable then 560 or 570 lift would be able to attaine that. A 224 or 228 cam would give you good power all the way through the power band with a stock LS6 head.
Use an LS6 oil pump. Trust me, I know budget. My first H/C combo was bought used for 1500 bucks and had a 218/222 .568" 114LSA cam, with ported 853 heads. Car ran 11.3 @ 122 4 years ago with that. It was cheap, but it was matched properly that is why the car ran so well.
If you want to "Optimize" your setup you have to get parts that will work together.
Stock springs, a miss-matyched oil pump, and a off the shelf cam will is far from optimization.