LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

cc503 vs cc306…

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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 03:32 AM
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Default cc503 vs cc306…

...in a 355ci (A4) with stock heads and upgraded valve train, 3500 stall , Ported intake manifold, CAI+52mmTB, LTs+ORY, Cat-Back, EWP, 3.73 gears, IGN, 36#injectors+FPI, PCM mail tune, and some free mods
Which one is a better choice in terms of:
- More HP/Torque
- Better E/T and speed
- Drivability
- Loopier idle

Please, I need opinion/advice from those who tried and have a first-hand experience with any of these cams, I ve already read the (*Stock Head Cam/Cam Swap Guide*) sticky thread but still need to know more,,,ur input would be appreciated . thx
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 04:27 AM
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The 503 is about as big as you would ever want to go on stock heads, so my vote goes for that. Here's some more specific answers though.

- More HP/Torque

Depends where you want it. The 503 is overall the best choice on stock heads because the 306s power curve is simply too high so it gets choked by stock heads. Its not a bad cam, but I honestly wouldn't pick it even with ported or aftermarket heads simply because there are cams that provide the same or more benefit while maintaining a nicer power curve. Put simply: the 306 needs to be revved to the moon, the 503 doesn't.

- Better E/T and speed

I'm sure others can better answer this because I am simply going off of a guess, but my vote goes to the 503 because it has more power under the curve.

- Drivability

Both should be drivable, the 503 is probably a bit more civilized.

- Loopier idle

The one category where the 306 comes out on top. I'll admit it SOUNDS badass
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 04:43 AM
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thnks NH15,lot of info there,,,so u mean i can almost get the same power gain (HP) with both cams but in a diffrent RPM range
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 04:51 AM
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No problem, man. Hopefully some guys that have more experience with the 2 can chime in, but that's my understanding of them. The 503 will usually make about 350-370 RWHP with supporting mods depending on if the car is auto or manual and of course all the other little variables.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 05:09 AM
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ehhh.. 503 will probably make closer to the 350 range than 370. My buddy had a cc306 in a STOCK motor (even stock stamped rockers - i know, stupid) with stock heads, etc on 220k miles. The car was a 6spd, and I will admit, it hauled *** for having untouched factory heads and just simple bolt ons (headers and exhaust, not even intake). I don't see anything wrong with a cc306 on a stock motor, just make sure you get good valvesprings.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 05:23 AM
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of course the cc306 would work fine on a stock top-end but with that setup do u have any idea howmuch power ur buddy made on the dyno or maybe the E/T
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 05:27 AM
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he ran consistant 7.8's with 1.9 60's in the 1/8 and right around 368whp (if i remember correctly) and remember this was with stock stamped rockers.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by nighthawk15
The 503 is about as big as you would ever want to go on stock heads, so my vote goes for that. Here's some more specific answers though.
You can run the 306 on a stock motor. You can even run an 847 on a stock motor. You WILL need a good tune though.

Originally Posted by nighthawk15
- More HP/Torque


Depends where you want it. The 503 is overall the best choice on stock heads because the 306s power curve is simply too high so it gets choked by stock heads. Its not a bad cam, but I honestly wouldn't pick it even with ported or aftermarket heads simply because there are cams that provide the same or more benefit while maintaining a nicer power curve. Put simply: the 306 needs to be revved to the moon, the 503 doesn't.
He has a 3500 stall. That is a BIG factor in the OP's choice. The 306 will ******* rock with that stall.

Originally Posted by nighthawk15
- Better E/T and speed

I'm sure others can better answer this because I am simply going off of a guess, but my vote goes to the 503 because it has more power under the curve.
Not too sure on that. I ran the 503 for about a year. It is a decent cam, but there was a local guy running a 306 in an M6 car, I never raced him once, because he would walk all over my car, especially from a roll.

Originally Posted by nighthawk15
- Drivability

Both should be drivable, the 503 is probably a bit more civilized.
Yep. 503 is more civilized, but you are running a 3500 stall, so the low-speed power of the 306 shouldn't be a problem. The stall tames any low-rpm bad manners. Plus if you get a good tune, the tip-in throttle response will be fine with the bigger cam.

Originally Posted by nighthawk15
- Loopier idle

The one category where the 306 comes out on top. I'll admit it SOUNDS badass
Yep.

If I was back in time doing my first cam swap and was choosing between the 2 i'd go with the 306 all the way, no doubt in my mind.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 08:12 AM
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Ive got a 97 w/92,000 mi. My car is an M6 and Im running the 306 on stock heads and bottom end. I do have all the supporting parts which includes 918 Beehives and 1.6/1.5 Comp Pro Mag Full Rollers split. I also have all major bolt ons which would include a Meizere EWP. As for exhaust I went with the Summit universal x-pipe with dumps BTA in 2 1/2 inch. I havent dynoed it since the exhaust swap but after adding the EWP and Moroso CAI I netted 338rwhp on a Mustang Dyno so If I had to guess I would say im around 370rwhp on a dynojet.

As for driveability the 306 is do-able IF the car is tuned for it. Untuned it wont run good. Trust me I know, lol Before mine was tuned right it stalled at EVERY LIGHT.

As for track times I cant help u there. suprising enough my car has yet to see the track since Ive owned it so I have no times for ya. I hope to have it at the track in the next few weeks though.

Hope this helps ya MANG.

sean
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 08:17 AM
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Originally Posted by seanaugustus
Ive got a 97 w/92,000 mi. My car is an M6 and Im running the 306 on stock heads and bottom end. I do have all the supporting parts which includes 918 Beehives and 1.6/1.5 Comp Pro Mag Full Rollers split. I also have all major bolt ons which would include a Meizere EWP. As for exhaust I went with the Summit universal x-pipe with dumps BTA in 2 1/2 inch. I havent dynoed it since the exhaust swap but after adding the EWP and Moroso CAI I netted 338rwhp on a Mustang Dyno so If I had to guess I would say im around 370rwhp on a dynojet.

As for driveability the 306 is do-able IF the car is tuned for it. Untuned it wont run good. Trust me I know, lol Before mine was tuned right it stalled at EVERY LIGHT.

As for track times I cant help u there. suprising enough my car has yet to see the track since Ive owned it so I have no times for ya. I hope to have it at the track in the next few weeks though.

Hope this helps ya MANG.

sean
^^^read this guys recipe and follow it to a "T"

A full bolt-on LT1 with a cc306 and an M6 will rape lots of cars from a roll. It won't even be a contest if he hits it with a 125 shot. It's probably one of the best combos out there.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 08:30 AM
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joelster: good post man, i guess i have the right stall but not the rear gears i was told that the 3.73 is not the best choice for a A4 and that it depends on the size of rear tyers im having.

seanaugustus: how did u get it tuned, mail or dyno ? and what do u advice ?
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 08:42 AM
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3.73 IS the best choice for an A4 car, hands down. You go 4.10's if you run an M6.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 08:46 AM
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Originally Posted by joelster
^^^read this guys recipe and follow it to a "T"

A full bolt-on LT1 with a cc306 and an M6 will rape lots of cars from a roll. It won't even be a contest if he hits it with a 125 shot. It's probably one of the best combos out there.
Thanks Mang, Im trying my best. Its still slow to me though LOL.

Im going to help u out even more bud, Here is my set up to a T.

Comp Cam 306
Comp 918 Beehive Springs
Comp Pro Mag 1.6/1.5 split (Kinda wish I would have went 1.6's all the way across the board)
Lunati Lifters (Stay AWAY from Comp R's their JUNK)
GM Extreme Duty Timing chain and Gears.
Exhaust already mentioned but to include Pacesetter LT's
Meizere EWP
Moroso Intake and Aftermarket Elbow
MSD wires with Accel opti and coil
BBK 52mm TB
Car was Dyno Tuned

And a bunch of free mods and weight loss.

Remember though its not all about POWA U NEED TO SUPPORT POWA WITH SUSPENSION MODS. All powa on stock suspension equals NO TRACTION lower ET'S.

First suspension mods I recommend are Subframe Connectors being the first then do LCA's and Adj. Torque.

If I had to make a guess on my 1/4 time id say a modest 12.5 or better. I HOPE ANYWAY.

GL, Now go to work an make her FAST! LETS GO RACIN!!

Last edited by seanaugustus; Feb 7, 2009 at 08:54 AM.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 09:11 AM
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Originally Posted by joelster
3.73 IS the best choice for an A4 car, hands down. You go 4.10's if you run an M6.
This is the only way for U. I have Motive 3.73's in my 10 bolt with Zexel Torsen LS. I would have done 4.10's but on a 10 bolt is very scarey. KABOOM!!
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 10:24 AM
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I'd recommend an OEM lifter personally, aftermarket lifters can be pricey and can be problematic, new stockers or low mileage ones will work just fine

my cc503 car made 325rwhp through a unlocked stalled auto, midlength headers, tr6 plugs, and 130k+ mile motor

the cc503 and cc306 will dyno around the same given all variables equal with the cc306 maybe having a tad bit more peak power, both will perform around the same from what I've seen at the track. difference is though the cc503 will offer better driveability, gas mileage and require a less radical setup to optimize it
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 12:51 PM
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Based on your 4 categories the cc306 will be the better than the cc503 in 3 of them so thats probaly the right choice for you personally.

I ran the cc503 with a 3600 Stall and 3.73's and it was an animal. Probaly would be even nicer with the cc306 just keep the revs at a reasonable level. If your still stuck between there is always the XE 230/236 which is inbetween.
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by StealthFormula
Based on your 4 categories the cc306 will be the better than the cc503 in 3 of them so thats probaly the right choice for you personally.

I ran the cc503 with a 3600 Stall and 3.73's and it was an animal. Probaly would be even nicer with the cc306 just keep the revs at a reasonable level. If your still stuck between there is always the XE 230/236 which is inbetween.
What are the specs on the 230/236 XE? Is there a part #?
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by StealthFormula
Based on your 4 categories the cc306 will be the better than the cc503 in 3 of them so thats probaly the right choice for you personally.

I ran the cc503 with a 3600 Stall and 3.73's and it was an animal. Probaly would be even nicer with the cc306 just keep the revs at a reasonable level. If your still stuck between there is always the XE 230/236 which is inbetween.
thanks for the advice SF, yeah i guess ill go with the cc306
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by LM97Z
What are the specs on the 230/236 XE? Is there a part #?
If you go to thunderracing.com they have it on their website. Specs are (230/236 .510"/.520" 112lsa) w/ 1.5RR's on Xtreme Energy lobes (same as cc503).
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 06:42 PM
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comp 230/236 would be my choice over the 306... and I have the 306! My car will run 7.8's all day on street tires with a 1.8x 60'
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