Milder cam for LS3 based 416?
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Pinetop, AZ
Milder cam for LS3 based 416? I've had this 416 in an 02 Camaro and now an 04 Z06. Used for rr and around town as well as a few 1/2 mile events. Engine overheated in traffic and started popping and the shop thinks it had blown a head gasket.
I'm at the point that I no longer have the budget for racing and the eventual engine issues and considering just selling the car once it's repaired or, putting a milder can in it and start using it as a backup dd.
Current cam makes around 620chp and could use a little better street manners with less off idle bucking and not such a pronounced idle and a little better mpg. What would be a milder cam to accomplish this? I don't have all the cam specs but I was told this has over .650 lift. Thx!
I'm at the point that I no longer have the budget for racing and the eventual engine issues and considering just selling the car once it's repaired or, putting a milder can in it and start using it as a backup dd.
Current cam makes around 620chp and could use a little better street manners with less off idle bucking and not such a pronounced idle and a little better mpg. What would be a milder cam to accomplish this? I don't have all the cam specs but I was told this has over .650 lift. Thx!
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 133
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I run a 235/247 .62x/.62x 114+2 cam in my 408 w/ ls3 heads and it drives really well....it's an automatic. I'd say besides the sound and more power everywhere,it behaves like stock until you stick your foot into it.
It makes 620hp/551tq on an engine dyno.
It makes 620hp/551tq on an engine dyno.
Last edited by drew408; Aug 10, 2015 at 01:56 AM.
I would like to get the specs of the cam before recommending something else to you, but our 231/236 should be fairly mild in a 416cid and produce a good amount of low end and mid range torque while still offering a noticeable idle.
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Verdad Gallardo With the huge amount of R&D put into our shelf stocking cams these days, there really isn't a need for "custom grind" cams. I could bet we have a shelf stocking cam for 99% of the applications we run into. In the rare instance we need a custom grind cam, it's usually something we have used before and had success with. At the end of the day, if we spec the cam correctly to the application, a "custom grind" cam would not make any more than 5-10 horse more.
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With all due respect I would not want a cam every Joe has. Also the price is generally the same as a off the self cam. With any of the cam guys listed. You can have your cam your way. Not just one sitting on a shelf with specs for a general build. He can have 1 built tailored to his build. Don't let 10 post fool you. Some may know Who I am. Nothing against you guys at Texas Speed. But Y buy a cam that has been sitting on a shelf and I can get one custom made for my application at no extra expense. Food 4 Thought.
For what it's worth, those cams sitting on our shelf have been proven performers for 10+ years. Not saying there isn't a need for a custom grind cam. Some applications do require custom specs, but for 99% of builds, one of our off the shelf cams will fit the bill.
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I'm with you but with his build why not get one made and no need for speculation with the problems He's had. BTW how much is a shelf cam. $399.00 for a custom cam. Made 2 his liking. I'm with you. Do you guys make cams or out source cams?
I know your tying to make a sale but you can not beat the names listed for a cam.
Nothing but love for Jason and you guys over there but shelf cams have played out.
I know your tying to make a sale but you can not beat the names listed for a cam.
Nothing but love for Jason and you guys over there but shelf cams have played out.
Last edited by *LSX RACING*; Aug 12, 2015 at 01:16 PM.
We sell all Non-DOD/VVT cams for $399.99, custom or shelf stocking, and we will certainly grind him a custom cam if he wants it but we have used the 231/236 in a 416/418 motors before and they work great!
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Yea he's looking for something very kind on parts. I know how he feels about keep spending cash on something that will never pay him back in cash but lots of fun. But when things start breaking and you keep chasing your tail time to tone it down. I hope they finish my stuff this week. $1200 on springs and valves and this is only a street engine. Had to get Comp Cams 7/16 trunion kit for bigger studs #1299121 not for sale to the public. BTW. Saved over 1000 by not running shaft mounted rockers. If I went that route I would have around 4500 invested in a Ls3 head.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 133
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Yea he's looking for something very kind on parts. I know how he feels about keep spending cash on something that will never pay him back in cash but lots of fun. But when things start breaking and you keep chasing your tail time to tone it down. I hope they finish my stuff this week. $1200 on springs and valves and this is only a street engine. Had to get Comp Cams 7/16 trunion kit for bigger studs #1299121 not for sale to the public. BTW. Saved over 1000 by not running shaft mounted rockers. If I went that route I would have around 4500 invested in a Ls3 head.
Granted mine isn't an off the shelf grind but it is considered a large cam. Mine drives stock.....
With all due respect I would not want a cam every Joe has. Also the price is generally the same as a off the self cam. With any of the cam guys listed. You can have your cam your way. Not just one sitting on a shelf with specs for a general build. He can have 1 built tailored to his build. Don't let 10 post fool you. Some may know Who I am. Nothing against you guys at Texas Speed. But Y buy a cam that has been sitting on a shelf and I can get one custom made for my application at no extra expense. Food 4 Thought.
In TSP's defense, custom cams are based off of one persons experience or opinions. They don't always work out though. Shelf cams are normally tested with some R&D behind them and are often times proven for a given combo.
I'd expect someone asking for a "milder cam" would probably be just fine with a shelf cam so long as the street manners are adequate.
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Quick question? I keep seeing guys with 13:1 or 12:5 comp. on pump gas. I understand running a larger cam helps bleed off cylinder pressure. But with Temps. around 100-110 here in the city. How is it possible to ensure that it doesn't go BOOM. In traffic or while running things like A/c. Was speaking with a guy about a week ago who has 12:8 Comp in a C6 zo6 on 93 oct. Sounds good in theory and I'm sure some have done it. I asked did he have a meth kit to lower temps. Reply was good cam and a good tune.
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With all due respect I would not want a cam every Joe has. Also the price is generally the same as a off the self cam. With any of the cam guys listed. You can have your cam your way. Not just one sitting on a shelf with specs for a general build. He can have 1 built tailored to his build. Don't let 10 post fool you. Some may know Who I am. Nothing against you guys at Texas Speed. But Y buy a cam that has been sitting on a shelf and I can get one custom made for my application at no extra expense. Food 4 Thought.
Which cam vendor's veil are you hiding behind?
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Joined: Aug 2015
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Nope but me spending time and money counts for something. No cam vendor mask. Just my thoughts on buying a cam. Hope you did stain your clothes. Theres nothing wrong with a off the shelf cam if that's What You like. I like things tailor made when the price is the same.
example:
You go to purchase a new car.
Car A has no options the list are set in stone.
Car B has unlimited options.
Both are priced the same. Which car do you choose?
Theres nothing wrong with car A but I would take car B. Same thing goes with a shelf cam or a custom cam.
example:
You go to purchase a new car.
Car A has no options the list are set in stone.
Car B has unlimited options.
Both are priced the same. Which car do you choose?
Theres nothing wrong with car A but I would take car B. Same thing goes with a shelf cam or a custom cam.
Last edited by *LSX RACING*; Aug 13, 2015 at 11:43 AM.