Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Is smaller base circle really that big of a deal?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 14, 2002 | 01:41 AM
  #1  
QUASAR's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, Michigan
Default Is smaller base circle really that big of a deal?

On a factory LS1 valvetrain (with aftermarket springs) how big of a deal is a cam with a smaller base circle? People have said the change in geometry is enough to screw your car up in a few thousand miles, and others have said it will work no probelem. I just wanted to clear this up.

The LS6 cam and some aftermarket cams have smaller than stock base circles, so is anybody with these kind of cams having probelems when using stock components (stock pr's, heads not milled ect.)

any insight appreciated

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Reply
Old May 14, 2002 | 05:37 AM
  #2  
LS1derfull's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 2
From: new england
Default Re: Is smaller base circle really that big of a deal?

John, no problem here, but small base circle changes lifter preload not geometry. I would be concerned if it did change geometry but it doesnt.
What your thinking of is valve length changes on 02 lS6 heads, this changes rocker position on valve stem.My base circle gives me .039" less lifter preload with stock pushrods, no problem with my setup.
Reply
Old May 14, 2002 | 11:02 AM
  #3  
QUASAR's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, Michigan
Default Re: Is smaller base circle really that big of a deal?

Thanks, the geometry part had to do with the different LS6 valves, gotcha. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> So the hydraulic lifter preload will make up for the small "gap" when using a cam with a smaller bc.

How many miles do you have on your setup LS1derfull?

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Reply
Old May 15, 2002 | 06:05 PM
  #4  
heavyhttr's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Default Re: Is smaller base circle really that big of a deal?

A smaller base circle also make you have a faster ramp rate. Just like a small tire vs. a big tire the cam has a steeper incline to achieve the same lift in a combustion cycleas a bigger base circle
Reply
Old May 15, 2002 | 08:42 PM
  #5  
LS1derfull's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 2
From: new england
Default Re: Is smaller base circle really that big of a deal?

I had about 10,000 miles when i changed cam, etc. i have 13,500 now.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:16 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE