Cam for L92 Heads: Lessons Learned
Hi everyone.
I thought to discuss my combination and get people's opinions on my setup.
I have an LS2 with CNC L92 heads and 11:8.1 compression, a ported FAST 102 manifold, 2200rpm stall converter, fully rebuilt 600HP 4L65E auto, thermostat, and a 219/227 .625 .619 112LSA+4 camshaft specced out by the man Ed Curtis of flowtech induction.
My goal is to have maximum torque at all rpm with an emphasis on low down torque as my car is a daily. the powerband of this cam is from 2000rpm-6200rpm. Ed goes the timing events for this setup are very precise and spot on and will work very well.
Peak power is not my main concern.
I have had a big camshaft before which made 470rwhp with same setup(stall speed was at 3200rpm back then) but drove like absolute crap along with having a very narrow power band. was from 3000-5000rpm then would drop off quick after that. Big cams are not for me especially for the street.
Would appreciate anyone's opinion feedback
I thought to discuss my combination and get people's opinions on my setup.
I have an LS2 with CNC L92 heads and 11:8.1 compression, a ported FAST 102 manifold, 2200rpm stall converter, fully rebuilt 600HP 4L65E auto, thermostat, and a 219/227 .625 .619 112LSA+4 camshaft specced out by the man Ed Curtis of flowtech induction.
My goal is to have maximum torque at all rpm with an emphasis on low down torque as my car is a daily. the powerband of this cam is from 2000rpm-6200rpm. Ed goes the timing events for this setup are very precise and spot on and will work very well.
Peak power is not my main concern.
I have had a big camshaft before which made 470rwhp with same setup(stall speed was at 3200rpm back then) but drove like absolute crap along with having a very narrow power band. was from 3000-5000rpm then would drop off quick after that. Big cams are not for me especially for the street.
Would appreciate anyone's opinion feedback
that being said,i always like smaller cams for the street.even more so with those L92 heads.you will love the added power down low,and will still carry good peak #s as well.just make sure to get it tuned right.
I'm trying a 230/236 .629 .629 112 LSA with ported/milled LS3 heads in a LS2 SB. My builder says it has enough PTV with GM LS2 gaskets. The cam is installed but the engine is still on a stand. Now would the time to change the cam..
Any comments?
Any comments?
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Camshaft finally installed After months of agony I finally have Ed curtis Camshaft installed and tuned on my setup.
I have an ls2 with cnc L92 heads 11:8 compression, ported fast 102mm manifold and a 2200rpm stall converter, 3:91 diff gears.
I have been through two camshafts with this setup a 224/232 115LSA and a 229/242 114LSA.
Both felt like crap and were sluggish and slow even though they made very good numbers.
420rwhp and 470rwhp. Both of these cams still had the standard 3.46 gears and a 3200rpm/2500rpm stall.
Now with Ed's cam which is a 219/227 .625 .619 112LSA+4, the engine has really come alive.
I cannot believe how much torque the engine has made. It pulls hard down low, is ultra responsive, and quick as hell at any speed. 2nd gear pulls are insane and the top end is just as crazy. Off the line performance smashes my two previous cams.
This camshaft made 400rwhp (lost a little peak hp because of the 3.91 gears) but my god it feels way faster than that. the acceleration rate is just so quick and brutal.
The peak torque it made was as much as my larger camshaft but far better spread out and this is on a much smaller stick!!
My goal with this setup was maximum torque throughout the whole rpm range and Ed surely delivered it if not more.
I'm still shocked at how ballistic this small cam is.
The air velocity feels very intense and the engine is so ferocious.
The torque curve comes on hard at 2000rpm, and holds on till the red line.
Just unbelievable. Feels like a different car.
What I have learnt and also from Ed, is that l92 heads are EXTREMELY fussy with cam selection.
It really takes an engineer to give you the correct part.
I was about to remove these heads and go back to LS2 heads because they did not feel good. If it wasn't for Ed, these heads would have been off by now.
Couldn't be happier.
I have an ls2 with cnc L92 heads 11:8 compression, ported fast 102mm manifold and a 2200rpm stall converter, 3:91 diff gears.
I have been through two camshafts with this setup a 224/232 115LSA and a 229/242 114LSA.
Both felt like crap and were sluggish and slow even though they made very good numbers.
420rwhp and 470rwhp. Both of these cams still had the standard 3.46 gears and a 3200rpm/2500rpm stall.
Now with Ed's cam which is a 219/227 .625 .619 112LSA+4, the engine has really come alive.
I cannot believe how much torque the engine has made. It pulls hard down low, is ultra responsive, and quick as hell at any speed. 2nd gear pulls are insane and the top end is just as crazy. Off the line performance smashes my two previous cams.
This camshaft made 400rwhp (lost a little peak hp because of the 3.91 gears) but my god it feels way faster than that. the acceleration rate is just so quick and brutal.
The peak torque it made was as much as my larger camshaft but far better spread out and this is on a much smaller stick!!
My goal with this setup was maximum torque throughout the whole rpm range and Ed surely delivered it if not more.
I'm still shocked at how ballistic this small cam is.
The air velocity feels very intense and the engine is so ferocious.
The torque curve comes on hard at 2000rpm, and holds on till the red line.
Just unbelievable. Feels like a different car.
What I have learnt and also from Ed, is that l92 heads are EXTREMELY fussy with cam selection.
It really takes an engineer to give you the correct part.
I was about to remove these heads and go back to LS2 heads because they did not feel good. If it wasn't for Ed, these heads would have been off by now.
Couldn't be happier.
TECH Addict
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 467
You are correct in what you have said.
Ed's cam is finally installed and its unbelievable.
It absolutely smashes my previous 229/242 cam and my 224/232 cam also.
In the straight line, 2nd gear pull and even up top.
My car only made 400rwhp but the peak torque was as much as my large stick.
This small cam is just insane.
My car is so much faster and I couldn't be happier.
Ed really is a VERY smart man.
Ed's cam is finally installed and its unbelievable.
It absolutely smashes my previous 229/242 cam and my 224/232 cam also.
In the straight line, 2nd gear pull and even up top.
My car only made 400rwhp but the peak torque was as much as my large stick.
This small cam is just insane.
My car is so much faster and I couldn't be happier.
Ed really is a VERY smart man.
Ed is a very smart man when it comes to cams.if he says it will work for your goals,it will.
that being said,i always like smaller cams for the street.even more so with those L92 heads.you will love the added power down low,and will still carry good peak #s as well.just make sure to get it tuned right.
that being said,i always like smaller cams for the street.even more so with those L92 heads.you will love the added power down low,and will still carry good peak #s as well.just make sure to get it tuned right.
^^ very nice results!!
Do you have a built shortblock? Im wondering how you came up with 11:8 compression without milling (ive heard ptv clearance is much tighter than with the ls3 because of valve shrouding)
Do you have a built shortblock? Im wondering how you came up with 11:8 compression without milling (ive heard ptv clearance is much tighter than with the ls3 because of valve shrouding)
TECH Addict
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 467
My engine is standard. It has not been built.
The whole setup was done for the 229/242 lingenfelter camshaft but I was not told that the low end torque curve would suck big time as my camshaft knowledge was not that good. I wanted maximum numbers but not at the expense of a poor low end as my car is a daily.
The l92 heads were milled.
I think 0.35 thou was taken off. Now that I think about it, compression may have even been set at 12:.1.1
Im still running the standard valves but of course the valve springs etc have been upgraded to suit.
We never ran into any PTV clearance with the lingenfelter camshaft and that had .631 lift so with this smaller stick, also no problem.
I took it for a run tonight to test it further.
From 50mph-90mph, the vehicle is quicker than both of my previous camshafts.
Also from 50mph, the car loses traction. I have the new michelin pilot super sport tyres plus the eaton tru track diff and all stiffened suspension bushings in the rear subframe etc and it still manages to lose traction.
My big cam never used to do that even though it made that much torque with the 3:46 gears.
I'm still in awe at the power acceleration rate, and brutality of this combination :-)
The whole setup was done for the 229/242 lingenfelter camshaft but I was not told that the low end torque curve would suck big time as my camshaft knowledge was not that good. I wanted maximum numbers but not at the expense of a poor low end as my car is a daily.
The l92 heads were milled.
I think 0.35 thou was taken off. Now that I think about it, compression may have even been set at 12:.1.1
Im still running the standard valves but of course the valve springs etc have been upgraded to suit.
We never ran into any PTV clearance with the lingenfelter camshaft and that had .631 lift so with this smaller stick, also no problem.
I took it for a run tonight to test it further.
From 50mph-90mph, the vehicle is quicker than both of my previous camshafts.
Also from 50mph, the car loses traction. I have the new michelin pilot super sport tyres plus the eaton tru track diff and all stiffened suspension bushings in the rear subframe etc and it still manages to lose traction.
My big cam never used to do that even though it made that much torque with the 3:46 gears.
I'm still in awe at the power acceleration rate, and brutality of this combination :-)
You are correct in what you have said.
Ed's cam is finally installed and its unbelievable.
It absolutely smashes my previous 229/242 cam and my 224/232 cam also.
In the straight line, 2nd gear pull and even up top.
My car only made 400rwhp but the peak torque was as much as my large stick.
This small cam is just insane.
My car is so much faster and I couldn't be happier.
Ed really is a VERY smart man.
Ed's cam is finally installed and its unbelievable.
It absolutely smashes my previous 229/242 cam and my 224/232 cam also.
In the straight line, 2nd gear pull and even up top.
My car only made 400rwhp but the peak torque was as much as my large stick.
This small cam is just insane.
My car is so much faster and I couldn't be happier.
Ed really is a VERY smart man.
Im currently stuck between 2 cam choices both Eps grinds for my daily driver Ly6/4l60e street build gbody. I plan on milling the heads as much as i can safley. I'm aiming for at least 10:5. Power goal is ballpark 420/400 rwhp/rwtq.
222/230 .600 114 lsa or
226/234 .600 113
I have no doubt both cams will perform, but like you my knowledge of cams is limited.
I want to go fast when i get that itch to go down to the track, but not at the expence of my around town fun. I am leaning towards the 222/230.
Last edited by Hy82e; Apr 30, 2012 at 01:08 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Experience is a good thing. That way you learn things.
To be honest, I would contact Ed Curtis from Flowtech Inductions as I did.
He will give you the most sound knowledge and you will be more than pleased with the end result if the tuner you use installs it exactly as the cam specs state and gives it a good tune.
I went through so much crap with my cam.
The mechanic I used did not degree it properly. Instead of advancing it four degrees, he installed it straight in.
To cut a long story short, everything got done properly in the end by someone else and I have never been happier.
To get a small cam to make as much peak torque as my previous 229/242 cam shows how well suited the camshaft is to my combination. I lost 70hp as opposed to my large cam but it doesnt feel like it at all. In fact it feels like I have more power. The car actually accelerates quicker at all speeds.
The powerband begins at 2000rpm and holds on till the red line. Never drops off.
That big 229/242 cam had a bad torque curve.
The car had no torque from idle till 2800rpm and then the torque curve would begin at 3000 and then completely drop off after 5000rpm.
I found afterwards that cam was originally designed for the LS6 corvette and is an old grind and was not suited to the rectangular port style heads.
If you don't choose to contact Ed, I would go the first cam you said but I would lower the lsa to a 112 or 113. One thing I do know is, once you start going over 220 on the intake your bottom end torque begins to suffer and begins feeling soft.
Cheers
To be honest, I would contact Ed Curtis from Flowtech Inductions as I did.
He will give you the most sound knowledge and you will be more than pleased with the end result if the tuner you use installs it exactly as the cam specs state and gives it a good tune.
I went through so much crap with my cam.
The mechanic I used did not degree it properly. Instead of advancing it four degrees, he installed it straight in.
To cut a long story short, everything got done properly in the end by someone else and I have never been happier.
To get a small cam to make as much peak torque as my previous 229/242 cam shows how well suited the camshaft is to my combination. I lost 70hp as opposed to my large cam but it doesnt feel like it at all. In fact it feels like I have more power. The car actually accelerates quicker at all speeds.
The powerband begins at 2000rpm and holds on till the red line. Never drops off.
That big 229/242 cam had a bad torque curve.
The car had no torque from idle till 2800rpm and then the torque curve would begin at 3000 and then completely drop off after 5000rpm.
I found afterwards that cam was originally designed for the LS6 corvette and is an old grind and was not suited to the rectangular port style heads.
If you don't choose to contact Ed, I would go the first cam you said but I would lower the lsa to a 112 or 113. One thing I do know is, once you start going over 220 on the intake your bottom end torque begins to suffer and begins feeling soft.
Cheers
Your experiance is a good read for me.
Im currently stuck between 2 cam choices both Eps grinds for my daily driver Ly6/4l60e street build gbody. I plan on milling the heads as much as i can safley. I'm aiming for at least 10:5. Power goal is ballpark 420/400 rwhp/rwtq.
222/230 .600 114 lsa or
226/234 .600 113
I have no doubt both cams will perform, but like you my knowledge of cams is limited.
I want to go fast when i get that itch to go down to the track, but not at the expence of my around town fun. I am leaning towards the 222/230.
Im currently stuck between 2 cam choices both Eps grinds for my daily driver Ly6/4l60e street build gbody. I plan on milling the heads as much as i can safley. I'm aiming for at least 10:5. Power goal is ballpark 420/400 rwhp/rwtq.
222/230 .600 114 lsa or
226/234 .600 113
I have no doubt both cams will perform, but like you my knowledge of cams is limited.
I want to go fast when i get that itch to go down to the track, but not at the expence of my around town fun. I am leaning towards the 222/230.
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Is your car a daily and auto or manual?
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I would suggest you contact Ed curtis at flowtech induction.
I am in no position to say how it will work or if it would suit as timing events for the l92/ls3 heads are EXTREMELY fussy hence why I went through three cams that performed poorly till Ed made me a cam.
I am in no position to say how it will work or if it would suit as timing events for the l92/ls3 heads are EXTREMELY fussy hence why I went through three cams that performed poorly till Ed made me a cam.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
I'm certainly no expert, but I'd go with a whole lot less exhaust duration in order to get your overlap at 4 degrees or less. The cam I was leaning toward was a 231/236 originally, but I wound up Following Don's advice and getting one that was just a little bit smaller. He felt that the 231/236 I was looking at could still have some minor surging at low speeds. LS3 heads have such big intake ports and valves that they are sensitive to overlap, and from what I've seen on the forums, anything above the low 230s on the intake and mid-high 230s on the exhaust seems to be about the point where going any higher seems to start giving rapidly diminished returns in the power department, but really start to make idle quality suffer.
Bortous - why do you recommend to go narrower on lsa when the talk with LS3 heads is focused on reducing overlap? Or do you get away with it due to the smaller lobes?
Thanks guys.
Last edited by aussie-revhead; May 12, 2014 at 05:24 PM.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Do you guys find cam selection less critical with an automatic as the convertor absorbs some low end drivability fluctuations? My extra cubes will like the extra duration too I think.
Bortous's experiences are very interesting.
Re Ed Curtis- I emailed him for a cam recommendation and he said I have to order first then he will reveal what cam he sent me .... I am not comfortable with this idea, did you guys that bought Flowtech custom cams buy them this way?
Bortous's experiences are very interesting.
Re Ed Curtis- I emailed him for a cam recommendation and he said I have to order first then he will reveal what cam he sent me .... I am not comfortable with this idea, did you guys that bought Flowtech custom cams buy them this way?
Last edited by aussie-revhead; May 20, 2014 at 11:02 PM.
