Adding a cam to my Ls3. What should my power expectations be?
#1
Adding a cam to my Ls3. What should my power expectations be?
The car is the one listed in my sig. Current mods are Airaid CAI and TSP long tubes. I have not had the car tuned nor have I had the car dyno'd since adding the headers. Most Ls3 Gen5 Camaros in my configuration are right in the 400 RWHP area. The cam I have and intend to use is a LS1 grind I already have, it's paid for and It will be cheaper for me to get the correct timing set to use it rather than buying a new Ls3 grind cam. What I want to know is can somebody give me an estimate of HP numbers with this cam and a good tune. The specs on the cam are: 226 INT / 228 EX .580 INT / .581 EX with a 114 LSA. Any help you can give with a guesstimate or expirence with power gains from a similar cam will be appreciated.
#2
I can't help you on the hp/tq numbers. Considering how much you already have in this car, can't understand why you would not order a cam designed for the LS3. Proper cam and a cnc port job (WCCH, AI....) could get you close to 500 rwhp - something I don't think you will get close to with the LS1 cam you have now.
#4
I agree and for starters you cant put the ls1 in an ls3. The cam sensor locations are different rear for the ls1 and front on the ls3 so it wont work. And even so that cam is not designed for an ls3, the rectangle port heads like a big exhaust split. sell that cam and buy one for the ls3. no offense but if your worried about 400 bucks then maybe you should hold off on the cam swap for a bit.
#5
Actually the cam will work with the Ls3. You have to get a timing set with the cam sensor pick up in the cam gear. I'm not trying to get huge numbers I want more power, better drivability and just to enjoy the car. My mind is made up about using the cam I was just curious what to expect from a mild grind like this in an Ls3. Thanks for your input gentlemen.
#7
this^... I wouldnt look at that cam to make good numbers at all its simply not designed well for the ls3. If you dont want big power then just do bolt ons and you'll be right around 420whp. You could easily sell the cam and spend a few more bucks and get one that will make more power and drive the same or better.
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#8
Actually for an LS1, it doesn't suck...at all. it's actually great all around street cam. It was one of the first cams I ran years ago (2002'ish)...but like has been said, for an LS3 it won't make enough power to justify the time/effort/cost of the swap. I'd look for something a bit bigger.
This is totally false. It can and is being done regularly using the correct timing set.
Originally Posted by redbird555
I agree and for starters you cant put the ls1 in an ls3.
#9
Id say about 430whp. That cam is way too small for an LS3, its barely bigger than stock. If you just want the sound of cam, then Id put it in. Other than that, Id save the 2 days work and accept the 15hp less difference of staying with the stock cam, full bolt on. Youre going to have to upgrade your valve train anyway, so Id sell that cam, and buy a package deal. Just my $.02.
#11
Actually for an LS1, it doesn't suck...at all. it's actually great all around street cam. It was one of the first cams I ran years ago (2002'ish)...but like has been said, for an LS3 it won't make enough power to justify the time/effort/cost of the swap. I'd look for something a bit bigger.
This is totally false. It can and is being done regularly using the correct timing set.
This is totally false. It can and is being done regularly using the correct timing set.
Its not false... Without changing the timing set to relocate the sensor it will not work. the op didn't state until the fact was brought up that he was using a different timing set.
Id say about 430whp. That cam is way too small for an LS3, its barely bigger than stock. If you just want the sound of cam, then Id put it in. Other than that, Id save the 2 days work and accept the 15hp less difference of staying with the stock cam, full bolt on. Youre going to have to upgrade your valve train anyway, so Id sell that cam, and buy a package deal. Just my $.02.
difference. fwiw i agree with the 430-440whp mark which would be about 15hp above a bolt on car