Questions about cammed LS1's...
 

well, I just picked up a 2001 SLP SS....6 spd. How much does a average cam install run?? Also, im looking for a Mild cam that I could DD and use the stock valve train....anyone have any good suggestions on cam's?? Just went from a turbo v6 camaro to this SS, so Im new to the cammed LS1 world (dont even have the SS yet, I pick it up from the dealership tuesday)

thanks for the help....also, I want an affordable setup.

Your going to get tons of different opinions...

But, I would say an upper 22X cam would be fine for a DD. And just spend the extra ~200 or so for the springs for extra insurance, its going to suck if one fails on ya. Dont forget the $$ for push rods and a tune. But, if you dont have headers, intake/lid, might as well do the bolt ons 1st.

Install it yourself... It pretty simple and tons of write ups, take a full day and get it done.

i have a 224/224 114 comp cam.. good for a daily driver..its pretty mild not real lopey,i have no idea what an install runs cuz i did the work myself.. ur gonna need new valvesprings, pushrods. a new timing chain and a larger oil pump are highly recommended

its a SLP SS so it has the CME (which i love and am going to keep) and already has a Lid and filter from what I saw...

looking at picking up some headers right now as we speak...prolly gonna go with some pacesetters since its a new car and money is a issue right now untill i can get my funds back up again.

where do you live??

Upstate NY

What happened to your V6? I've seen you on here a few times. I liked that car. There's not too many Turbo 6r's out there.

For the cam I would go with a custom grind. Talk to Patrick or Predator and they will hook you up. Your gonna have to lose the stock valve train though so you may as well plan on that. A low 230's grind seems to be about the best mix of all out power and driveability. Good luck.

230/232 cam here absolutely love it and would daily drive it in a heartbeat (allthough it is not my DD)

i'd listen to him, installin isn't actually as hard as it seems. have with modding your car!

Where in Upstate?

Definatly go to New Era Performance in Rochester, NY. They have great prices and awesome service.

Oh ya, I went with a 228 232 custom cam on a 112 lsa. I was very nervous going with this came because I drive every season except winter. It honestly drives almost like stock with no issues what so ever. New Era Performance did a great job tuning it. I believe I only lost only 1-2 miles per gallon if that. Huge differance at WOT.

Had no problem daily driving my 232/234 cam. Id say anything from low 220's to mid 230's would be a good duration to drive daily

ANY cam, no matter how small, will require new valvesprings and pushrods. These components must be factored in as the price of admission for a cammed car. I would suggest a gold or platinum dual kit as a little extra insurance, although depending on the size, you may have some cheaper options out there.

Do you know any owners of cammed LS1-powered vehicles? If so, ask them for specs and test drives so you can get some first hand experience. Drivability is hugely subjective, heavily dependent on tuning, and somewhat dependant on driving style. If you do not know any owners, attend some meets and ask for rides. Make note of cam specs, rear end gear ratio, transmission, and stall if applicable.

Though I am reasonably happy w/ the results of my H/C/I/E/bla, I wish I would have went a little smaller than my advertised 224/228 110lsa. I do not drag and drive like a grandma often. I may throw an occasional WOT burst in there. ;) Low end torque is what puts a smile on my face.

ETA
I made my cam selection based on advice and info here, and I very much appreciate the assistance. If I had sought out and obtained “real experience” (test drives) though, I think I would have selected a slightly smaller cam. The only person who can accurately determine what is “good drivability” for you is you.

how about cheater cam ??

Try getting used to it a bit first but I would suggest either a TSP 224R or a TR224 on a 112 lsa or so. I would reccomend a custom cam spec'd by PatrickG but it runs a little more by bout $40 but I think it is well worth it.

With parts included & a tune $1,700 ish.

I speak from experience on that issue.. change the springs... i tried not changing mine and all i put in my car was a 214/221 and hit fried the springs and 400 dollars later i had my heads fixed with a new set of springs on

a larger oil pump? :D

thanks alot guys...

im just looking into it and getting idea's because down the road, this is what im going to be doing and maybe throwing a 100 shot at it...

one of my good friends has a 99 WS6...6 Spd.....my SS for some odd reason made his WS6 feel like a go cart??? I will post pics of the car and stuff when I pick her up tuesday and get more into depth with whats done to it.

PM Pat G he can spec you a cam based on your needs, especially if you plan on spraying