Selecting a budget LS1 cam?
08-20-2014, 09:19 PM
#1
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Selecting a budget LS1 cam? Doing a LS swap into my 87 Firebird Formula. I've got a LS1 out of a 99 Z28 with low miles. Before doing the swap i want to give it a little something extra while I have it on the stand. Not looking to spend a fortune, maybe $1000.00 or less to give a little more power and better sound. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Thanks
08-21-2014, 08:17 AM
#5
Do yourself a favor and get from someone like EPS or Cam Motion or someone who gets grinds from a cam manufacturer other than Comp Cams. It's worth whatever extra they cost unless you like doing it twice and pulling heads to replace lifters.
They will be more than happy to custom spec something for you based on your setup. Without knowing your transmission, gears, other mods, and more details about intended use no one can really point you in the right direction.
They will be more than happy to custom spec something for you based on your setup. Without knowing your transmission, gears, other mods, and more details about intended use no one can really point you in the right direction.
08-21-2014, 03:49 PM
#6
Do yourself a favor and get from someone like EPS or Cam Motion or someone who gets grinds from a cam manufacturer other than Comp Cams. It's worth whatever extra they cost unless you like doing it twice and pulling heads to replace lifters.
They will be more than happy to custom spec something for you based on your setup. Without knowing your transmission, gears, other mods, and more details about intended use no one can really point you in the right direction.
They will be more than happy to custom spec something for you based on your setup. Without knowing your transmission, gears, other mods, and more details about intended use no one can really point you in the right direction.
i agree go all the way and have it done once though ive gone through a few cams myself lol.
08-21-2014, 04:24 PM
#7
Without knowing what he wants it's hard to say...if all he cares about is sound the hot cam or ASA cam from GM might be more budget friendly and do what he wants.
Aside from that there is no alternative I am aware of worth pursuing other than getting a cam ground on a good core. Doesn't have to be custom per say as both EPS and Cam Motion have some typical grinds ready to go (or at least they did when my friend called them last week).
An EPS custom cam is ~$445 and a Comp Cam is ~$389-398 or so depending where you order. So for the price of a full synthetic oil change, you can have a custom spec cam tailored to your car and ground on a high quality cam core.
Otherwise it's a gamble IMO. On one hand you could be fine. On the other you are out: $400 for a now trashed cam, $40 for head gaskets, $140 to replace lifters, $50 for head bolts, and now have a short block that has had a crap ton of metal go through the bearings. Then you can either play the game all over again, or order from someone who uses a good cam core like you should have in the first place.
Aside from that there is no alternative I am aware of worth pursuing other than getting a cam ground on a good core. Doesn't have to be custom per say as both EPS and Cam Motion have some typical grinds ready to go (or at least they did when my friend called them last week).
An EPS custom cam is ~$445 and a Comp Cam is ~$389-398 or so depending where you order. So for the price of a full synthetic oil change, you can have a custom spec cam tailored to your car and ground on a high quality cam core.
Otherwise it's a gamble IMO. On one hand you could be fine. On the other you are out: $400 for a now trashed cam, $40 for head gaskets, $140 to replace lifters, $50 for head bolts, and now have a short block that has had a crap ton of metal go through the bearings. Then you can either play the game all over again, or order from someone who uses a good cam core like you should have in the first place.
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08-21-2014, 06:38 PM
#8
Without knowing what he wants it's hard to say...if all he cares about is sound the hot cam or ASA cam from GM might be more budget friendly and do what he wants.
Aside from that there is no alternative I am aware of worth pursuing other than getting a cam ground on a good core. Doesn't have to be custom per say as both EPS and Cam Motion have some typical grinds ready to go (or at least they did when my friend called them last week).
An EPS custom cam is ~$445 and a Comp Cam is ~$389-398 or so depending where you order. So for the price of a full synthetic oil change, you can have a custom spec cam tailored to your car and ground on a high quality cam core.
Otherwise it's a gamble IMO. On one hand you could be fine. On the other you are out: $400 for a now trashed cam, $40 for head gaskets, $140 to replace lifters, $50 for head bolts, and now have a short block that has had a crap ton of metal go through the bearings. Then you can either play the game all over again, or order from someone who uses a good cam core like you should have in the first place.
Aside from that there is no alternative I am aware of worth pursuing other than getting a cam ground on a good core. Doesn't have to be custom per say as both EPS and Cam Motion have some typical grinds ready to go (or at least they did when my friend called them last week).
An EPS custom cam is ~$445 and a Comp Cam is ~$389-398 or so depending where you order. So for the price of a full synthetic oil change, you can have a custom spec cam tailored to your car and ground on a high quality cam core.
Otherwise it's a gamble IMO. On one hand you could be fine. On the other you are out: $400 for a now trashed cam, $40 for head gaskets, $140 to replace lifters, $50 for head bolts, and now have a short block that has had a crap ton of metal go through the bearings. Then you can either play the game all over again, or order from someone who uses a good cam core like you should have in the first place.
ill just add that i saw though its been awhile some pretty killer results from an ASA cam.
back then it was considered a very aggressive cam. now i dont know but the guys car ran strong. it had heads and full boltons and a stall but i remember it running low 11s high 10s back in 2002.
but in the end as you stated get it done once and right by researching thoroughly what you want and contact people that are knowledgeable in this area.
08-21-2014, 07:46 PM
#9
Thats really NOT true, JEGS has some value priced LS1 cams that look pretty good, search this forum for more info.
or look here;
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...cam-shaft.html
And I know, I dropped almost $500 from Geoff/Kipp
or look here;
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...cam-shaft.html
And I know, I dropped almost $500 from Geoff/Kipp
Last edited by 99'CajunFirehawk157; 08-21-2014 at 08:01 PM.
08-22-2014, 08:38 AM
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Thats really NOT true, JEGS has some value priced LS1 cams that look pretty good, search this forum for more info.
or look here;
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...cam-shaft.html
And I know, I dropped almost $500 from Geoff/Kipp
or look here;
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...cam-shaft.html
And I know, I dropped almost $500 from Geoff/Kipp
08-22-2014, 11:01 PM
#13
I was just stating their ARE value priced cams, I have no idea who grinds them or their quality but we all know JEGS does not grind them. But when you buy large quantities of anything the prices are cheaper and in this day of quality knock offs, who knows, could be anyone who was asked to quote a bid for cams. Like I say, mine was spec'd by Geoff and ground by Kipp.
08-27-2014, 02:07 PM
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colorado speed had a sale not too long ago, maybe checkout their 224 or 228 if you want new but remember you must upgrade valve springs. ps if A4 auto trans you may need a stall to help with idol using a bigger cam. my ls6 cam purrs like stock with a stock stall & ls6 springs.
