LS3 swap - which cam question

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Aug 2, 2016 | 06:36 PM

cdoggy81

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From: FL

LS3 swap - which cam question

Hi guys,
I'm doing a LS3 swap in my trans am & having a hard time deciding which engine to get or what aftermarket cam to use.
Basically I have it narrowed down to 3 different options:

1 - Stock LS3 with 430 HP & go with an aftermarket cam like the BTR stage 2
225/238 .612"/.585" 113+3
BTR springs & pushrods
$6600

-or-

2 - GM525 LS3 with 525 hp & the ASA cam
226/236 .525”/.525” 110+4
$7290

-or-

3 - Stock LS3 with 430 HP & go with a custom grind aftermarket cam to use stock springs & pushrods:
226/236 .555”/ .545” 114+2
$6300

I guess it boils down to if I buy the GM525 crate engine how much HP am I giving up not using a little more agressive cam like the BTR?
If I do a cam swap afterall & keep the stock springs & rods (option3) how much as I loosing over just biting the bullet & getting the higher lift cam?

There are pro/cons to each but I wanted to get some opinions on the matter. Half of my friends say get the GM525 drop it in & be done ( as it will be 1000x better than the tried 400 iron anchor in there now). The other half say get the stock ls3 & put the BTR cam setup in there as it is more cost effective & will make more HP

Then I have one cheap friend who came up with option 3... LoL

Aug 3, 2016 | 10:00 AM

patrick335d

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From: Dubai UAE

I would do option nr 3.
Im at this point at the moment, i have the 525 and need more power but want to keep the flat torque curve.

Aug 3, 2016 | 11:48 PM

cdoggy81

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From: FL

one vote for #3 :]

Aug 4, 2016 | 07:52 AM

Dyno Junkie

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I've got a LS3 with CompCam 231 239 .617" .624" 113 in our 3,900lb Holden Monaro which has run a best of 11.08 in the quarter.

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Aug 4, 2016 | 08:32 PM

joyridin'

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I went with option 1 and put in a BTR Stage IV cam. If you can do the work yourself, it isn't a bad deal. If you have to pay somebody to do the work, go with 2 or 3.

Aug 8, 2016 | 11:25 PM

cdoggy81

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From: FL

if I can do it myself go with option 1
if I cant go option 2

I know this is a pretty subjective question but any HP ideas on option 1 or option 3 ?

Aug 9, 2016 | 07:23 AM

joyridin'

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My guess would be you are going to be about the same across all the options. I would think option 1 and 3 MIGHT give you a bit more driveability, but nothing major.