Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
#1
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From: West Lafayette, IN
Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
Hey Guys,
I'm a newbie to all of this internal engine stuff, but I'm interested in learning what's out there as far as cams are concerned.
At this point, I'm interested in a cam that will provide a nice power gain (45 RWHP+) on stock heads without causing any excessive stress on the valve and drive trains, preferably with a stock-like idle. Basically, I want it nearly indistinguishable from stock in all aspects.
Which cam would you all pick for such an application on a six-speed car with all the bolt-ons?
Thanks,
Josh
I'm a newbie to all of this internal engine stuff, but I'm interested in learning what's out there as far as cams are concerned.
At this point, I'm interested in a cam that will provide a nice power gain (45 RWHP+) on stock heads without causing any excessive stress on the valve and drive trains, preferably with a stock-like idle. Basically, I want it nearly indistinguishable from stock in all aspects.
Which cam would you all pick for such an application on a six-speed car with all the bolt-ons?
Thanks,
Josh
#2
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
"Cal" sent me this when I asked a similar question:
"I saw a HOT ROD magazine LS1 build up where they used a custom Comp 224/224 .533/.533 112, XE lobes, and they were able to get over 400 rwhp out of it and some very good 1/4 mile times. Just proves that you don't need a spring-busting high-lift cam to make power; it's more the duration that's important. This cam was a custom grind, but Comp does custom grinds for no extra charge and only about 4 days extra time."
I'm goin' for the ASA Cam; it has relatively low lift but with plenty of duration (easy on valve train). It will not meet your good idle requirement, but sounds badass.
"I saw a HOT ROD magazine LS1 build up where they used a custom Comp 224/224 .533/.533 112, XE lobes, and they were able to get over 400 rwhp out of it and some very good 1/4 mile times. Just proves that you don't need a spring-busting high-lift cam to make power; it's more the duration that's important. This cam was a custom grind, but Comp does custom grinds for no extra charge and only about 4 days extra time."
I'm goin' for the ASA Cam; it has relatively low lift but with plenty of duration (easy on valve train). It will not meet your good idle requirement, but sounds badass.
#4
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
i don't think u'll get 400hp with 'stock like' sound and reliability on stock heads... i would think u could get it easy with a stage 1 head with comps 212/218-.56x/115lsa cam... should sound fairly stock...
#5
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
At this point, I'm interested in a cam that will provide a nice power gain (45 RWHP+) on stock heads without causing any excessive stress on the valve and drive trains, preferably with a stock-like idle. Basically, I want it nearly indistinguishable from stock in all aspects.
Which cam would you all pick for such an application on a six-speed car with all the bolt-ons?
#6
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
The Lingenfelter GT2-3 cam will idle smoother than stock. People have seen 380+HP on stock heads. you will however need to upgrade to comp 918 springs. The GT2-3 is an excellent sleeper cam
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#9
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
"Cal" sent me this when I asked a similar question:
"I saw a HOT ROD magazine LS1 build up where they used a custom Comp 224/224 .533/.533 112, XE lobes, and they were able to get over 400 rwhp out of it and some very good 1/4 mile times. Just proves that you don't need a spring-busting high-lift cam to make power; it's more the duration that's important. This cam was a custom grind, but Comp does custom grinds for no extra charge and only about 4 days extra time."
I'm goin' for the ASA Cam; it has relatively low lift but with plenty of duration (easy on valve train). It will not meet your good idle requirement, but sounds badass.
"I saw a HOT ROD magazine LS1 build up where they used a custom Comp 224/224 .533/.533 112, XE lobes, and they were able to get over 400 rwhp out of it and some very good 1/4 mile times. Just proves that you don't need a spring-busting high-lift cam to make power; it's more the duration that's important. This cam was a custom grind, but Comp does custom grinds for no extra charge and only about 4 days extra time."
I'm goin' for the ASA Cam; it has relatively low lift but with plenty of duration (easy on valve train). It will not meet your good idle requirement, but sounds badass.
#10
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
Here's the thread that shows the head flow chart:
https://ls1tech.com/threads/showflat...rue#Post509072
https://ls1tech.com/threads/showflat...rue#Post509072
#11
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
Since you have an M6, and you want reliability, GM's Hotcam is an inexpensive solution. If will NOT idle like stock, but it sounds awsome! I love the sound of my car now! You are not going to get 45hp from it, but your valvetrain will not suffer. Plus for $399 you get the cam and LS6 springs which are very reliable.
Tommy
Tommy
#12
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
My car is going in for a cam on June 10th. I am getting it from ls1speed, but I am not sure what to get exactaly. I have an A4 and will be using stock heads for $$$ factor. I want it to be dependable, but I also want it to run and sound like I had cam work done! Also, when it gets the cam done, it will be getting dynotuned, so that should help with some dependability issues. Please give me some suggestions for a HEALTHY sounding and running cam that is dependable enough to drive everyday about 60 miles to work and back.
#13
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
I still like the low lift 224/.533, but Comp Cams has a new cam out that is a 220/224 .530/.534 that would be better for an engine without headers. Look at the head flow chart that was posted recently; the difference in flow between .525 and .550 lift is only like 2% on stock heads. Why beat up your springs for that much?
#14
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
Since you have an M6, and you want reliability, GM's Hotcam is an inexpensive solution. If will NOT idle like stock, but it sounds awsome! I love the sound of my car now! You are not going to get 45hp from it, but your valvetrain will not suffer. Plus for $399 you get the cam and LS6 springs which are very reliable.
Tommy
Tommy
#15
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
I still like the low lift 224/.533, but Comp Cams has a new cam out that is a 220/224 .530/.534 that would be better for an engine without headers. Look at the head flow chart that was posted recently; the difference in flow between .525 and .550 lift is only like 2% on stock heads. Why beat up your springs for that much?
#16
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
Hey man just grab a zo6 (ls6) cam for $100.00. lots of f cars are getting 22rwhp. Zero problems!!! If you plan to go out racing on Patton Ave., I would get a pro-charger.Lots of bad cars will be out this summer.
#17
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From: West Lafayette, IN
Re: Want a Powerful but Safe Cam
Cool, thanks for all of the responses, guys. It looks like the TR 224 may be the best option, but the Lingenfelter cam looks nice, as well. I like the Z06 cam, but I see a lot of guys wishing for more after a few hundred miles. Sure can't beat the price, though.
If I do this, it will probably be in the next month of two, but I'm also looking at headers, I just can't decide which to do first. I know the headers seem like the more logical option, but I doubt I'll have the money to buy a cam for some time if I go with the headers, and vice-versa.
Anyway, thank you all again!
Josh
If I do this, it will probably be in the next month of two, but I'm also looking at headers, I just can't decide which to do first. I know the headers seem like the more logical option, but I doubt I'll have the money to buy a cam for some time if I go with the headers, and vice-versa.
Anyway, thank you all again!
Josh