Cam decision (one day only)
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Launching!
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Cam decision (one day only) So, while my new Z06 is getting murdered out I started thinking over the mods that are taking place next week. I decided I might as well do the heads and cam now instead of waiting, since headers/halltech are going on and it's getting tuned.
As of this moment I've picked out some PRC LS7 heads, now I'm just trying to pick the cam to go with it. I've come down to two: TSP LS7S and Katech's LS7 Torquer. What's your vote and why? The dyno numbers are great for both, but I don't think this engine is going to see a lot of high RPM runs to get every last hp out of the cam. As of right now I think the Torquer might just give me the bang on the street I'm looking for.
As of this moment I've picked out some PRC LS7 heads, now I'm just trying to pick the cam to go with it. I've come down to two: TSP LS7S and Katech's LS7 Torquer. What's your vote and why? The dyno numbers are great for both, but I don't think this engine is going to see a lot of high RPM runs to get every last hp out of the cam. As of right now I think the Torquer might just give me the bang on the street I'm looking for.
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Your stock cam has a 120.5° lobe separation angle . Cutting that all the way down to 110-112° with extended durations will really give you a wild idle, but if that's what you're after, then do it. It helps more at the top end of the RPM range, of course.
I had a custom grind based upon both of the cams you mentioned, except with a 116° LSA to smooth out the idle, and will make just as much power under the curve, even though i may give up 4-8HP at the top end.
Have you heard that torquer idle? check youtube. It sounds really rough which really detracts from what (in my opinion) a Z06 is all about. A daily driven race car. I like a little lope at idle, but that chop is just too much, in my opinion.
Your stock cam has a 120.5° lobe separation angle . Cutting that all the way down to 110-112° with extended durations will really give you a wild idle, but if that's what you're after, then do it. It helps more at the top end of the RPM range, of course.
I had a custom grind based upon both of the cams you mentioned, except with a 116° LSA to smooth out the idle, and will make just as much power under the curve, even though i may give up 4-8HP at the top end.
Your stock cam has a 120.5° lobe separation angle . Cutting that all the way down to 110-112° with extended durations will really give you a wild idle, but if that's what you're after, then do it. It helps more at the top end of the RPM range, of course.
I had a custom grind based upon both of the cams you mentioned, except with a 116° LSA to smooth out the idle, and will make just as much power under the curve, even though i may give up 4-8HP at the top end.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Washington
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 256
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Have you heard that torquer idle? check youtube. It sounds really rough which really detracts from what (in my opinion) a Z06 is all about. A daily driven race car. I like a little lope at idle, but that chop is just too much, in my opinion.
Your stock cam has a 120.5° lobe separation angle . Cutting that all the way down to 110-112° with extended durations will really give you a wild idle, but if that's what you're after, then do it. It helps more at the top end of the RPM range, of course.
I had a custom grind based upon both of the cams you mentioned, except with a 116° LSA to smooth out the idle, and will make just as much power under the curve, even though i may give up 4-8HP at the top end.
Your stock cam has a 120.5° lobe separation angle . Cutting that all the way down to 110-112° with extended durations will really give you a wild idle, but if that's what you're after, then do it. It helps more at the top end of the RPM range, of course.
I had a custom grind based upon both of the cams you mentioned, except with a 116° LSA to smooth out the idle, and will make just as much power under the curve, even though i may give up 4-8HP at the top end.
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Launching!
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After more research I actually narrowed it down to the Katech Torquer and the QM550. I'm going with the Torquer, good drivability with little to no bucking and surging (tune depending) and LOTS of power in the mid-range. This car is going to be fun.
Just my $.02. You've got a $70,000 car.. spend the extra $100 and get a truly custom spec'd cam which will do exactly what YOU want, not what someone thought someone else might want.
Katech has done all the engine R&D work and engine building for Chevy's Corvette Racing Team for the past 9 years their record speaks for itself when it comes to knowing what works and what doesn't in a 427 LS series engine ..they are a first class outfit and only build first class parts. Their torquer cam is a fine choice to say the least...
TSP's LS7 camshafts are far too large for your LS7 motor, they're higher rpm swingers. The LS7 heads really stop making substantial power gains above 235 degree intake duration, and will just add drive ability issues for little power gain. I made the mistake myself of going with a 242/256 cam I spec'ed out. While it was "OK" to tune and daily drive, the new cam I spec'ed at 235/250 is light years better, and DEFINITELY has more *** to it down low, and still makes killer power.
If you wanted a good overall power camshafts look at these:
https://www.vengeancerd.com/ecart/categories.php?category=C6{47}Z06{47}ZR1-Corvette/Cylinder-Heads{47}Valvetrain/Camshafts/LS3{47}LS7-Custom-Spec-Camshafts
http://speed-eng.com/store/comp-lsr-...a-p-10272.html
I would lean towards this one: https://www.vengeancerd.com/ecart/pr....595-115%252b3
but if you want more lift go for the LSL/LSR lobes from Speed Inc. or Thunder Racing at 235/251, but remember at a cost of drive ability.
If you wanted a good overall power camshafts look at these:
https://www.vengeancerd.com/ecart/categories.php?category=C6{47}Z06{47}ZR1-Corvette/Cylinder-Heads{47}Valvetrain/Camshafts/LS3{47}LS7-Custom-Spec-Camshafts
http://speed-eng.com/store/comp-lsr-...a-p-10272.html
I would lean towards this one: https://www.vengeancerd.com/ecart/pr....595-115%252b3
but if you want more lift go for the LSL/LSR lobes from Speed Inc. or Thunder Racing at 235/251, but remember at a cost of drive ability.
Our LS7X is VERY popular in the C6Z crowd. STOCK drivability, excellent power thru the entire RPM range and nice lope at idle. Check out our specs online or give me a call tomorrow at the shop.
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From: Washington
The duration looks fairly healthy, but I have to agree that a 115° LSA is a good choice for driveability. After a good street tune, does the idle settle in around 800RPM with that cam?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 546
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From: Washington