Is a cam for me?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2006
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Is a cam for me? I am buying myself a z28, SS, WS6... whatever and 90% chance of it being an M6... what modifications would you recommend a street, occasionally tracked car to cover before going with a cam, if at all. I want the most power, without things starting to give out (expensive things at least)... I will drive the car alot... even in winter months as long as the road conditions allow it. I would like to know if a cam is for me, and if so... what? I am new to this and have tried to read however at times it's just TOO much. I just know your idle is low, it sounds like the car wants to stall out... and it makes you go faster, and is an internal component. I am used to working with Turbo 4 cyl... (sold my *****) so V8 hasn't been my thing neither has internal modification. How much does the part or parts cost and what kind of labor costs are involved?
If you're wanting to go with a cam and it is going to be an M6, then at the very least you need to go with a set of longtube headers and a rearend gear. You'll never get the most power out of these engines that they are capable of it seems like sometimes. You may want to invest in an intake unless you buy an 00-02 ls1, because they come stock with an LS6 intake. As far as the cam you need to set down a figure out what you want out of ur car, ET times, dyno queen, top end, low end torque, the list goes on and on. There is no "right" cam out there for everyone. Are you right for a cam?? I don't know, but if you're serious about ur car and you want the **** to back it up when you run ur mouth to the local mustang's than hell yeah go for it!!
you want to get the supporting mods first before you do a cam also (headers,catback..ext) also if you want to get a stock ls6 intake ($300 if you dont..not to big) look for 01-02 models only. Plan on a $2000-2500 to do it right.
What they said, make realistic goals within your budget......Im shooting for 11's in my 2002 z28 m6 with a tr 230/224, with great street manners. Just get your car first and drive it for a while and start getting used to the power first and slowly start adding bolt-ons, since you come from the 4-banger import crowd, its going to be like night and day with the awesome power of our motors.
Before you go cam, go bolt ons. Headers, catback, intake (ESPECIALLY lid), maybe rear end... after that i say you're green light for a cam (220 - 234 durations 4 daily driver IMO). Just make sure you understand all the peripheral parts that must accompany a cam swap (oil pump, timing chain, etc). Plan for unexpected expenses.
Welcome to the wonderful world of 8 cylinders
Welcome to the wonderful world of 8 cylinders
lid ($100-$150), ls6 intake manifold (~$300 if you don't already have one), long tube headers+y-pipe+cat back (2k to do it right), gears (most m6 guys go with 4.10s = ~$200 - $300)...and then get a cam. chances are that you'd end up getting all of these mods after your cam anyway just to get the max potential out of it.
as for the question, "is a cam right for" you? well, i don't think i can remember one time i heard someone say anything along the lines of "man, i got a cam and i regret it." as long as you do your homework and get the right one, you'll be golden.
but, yes, in my opinion, a cam sounds right for you
as for the question, "is a cam right for" you? well, i don't think i can remember one time i heard someone say anything along the lines of "man, i got a cam and i regret it." as long as you do your homework and get the right one, you'll be golden.
but, yes, in my opinion, a cam sounds right for you
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2006
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Part of the reason I want an LS1 is to indeed back up my mouth... If I did gears I'd probably do 3.73's... 4.10's are a little too much for DD I think but I'm not positive. What was said above is what I want... a walk the walk car with excellent street manners. It is more of a street car than a DD and most of the competition will probably be friendly highway pulls... Could someone break down the parts and labor expenses...?
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Part of the reason I want an LS1 is to indeed back up my mouth... If I did gears I'd probably do 3.73's... 4.10's are a little too much for DD I think but I'm not positive. What was said above is what I want... a walk the walk car with excellent street manners. It is more of a street car than a DD and most of the competition will probably be friendly highway pulls... Could someone break down the parts and labor expenses...?
try and get involved with your local f-body guys in your town.....look at different set ups IN PERSON, some of the best deals on parts ive gotten have been from fellow board members here on this site in the "parts for sale" section as well as your local forums. Absorb as much knowlodge as you can on these cars, you can save alot of money by doing your own header and cam installs on your own, its not that hard