bobcat52

I want to have a cam installed in my low mileage (43,000) SS, and need a recommendation. The car has BBK shorty ceramic coated headers, an SLP y pipe, and a K & N filter.
I love the sound of a good cam (and of course the added ponies that go with it if done right).
My preference is not to install a stall converter to the stock automatic.
Any suggestions for a great sounding cam/package that won't effect the driveability of the car?

Hp-j

I’ve read good things about the Texas speed ms4, that’s what I’m planning on running in my build

Hp-j

this will probably effect drivability though

98CayenneT/A

Get a nice converter
That cam will absolutely not work with the stock converter

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Looks like you have goals which are at odds with each other. A "great sounding" cam (which, to most folks, means a lopy/lumpy/choppy idle) won't be a good match for a stock converter and won't deliver stock-like driveability characteristics in all regards.

You'll need to pick a priority, or compromise to some degree on all fronts.

98CayenneT/A

Yank ss3600 and Tick SNS stg 2
(Not my car)

Utinator

With the stock converter, your options are basically limited to the truck/mild cams. Cam Motion has a few. The Summit "Ghost cam" would probably work as well.

However, I do agree with 98CayenneT/A that you should just get a converter, or do both. The really good performance cams will require a higher stall. They will also have that "I'm cammed" sound that you are looking for.

Lt1slowerbird

this is an SNS 3 cam. Definitely not for a stock stall. But it sounds good. If you want a car that has that cam chop you pretty much won’t be able to keep a stock stall speed. I had a comp cam xr275hr. It was a 222/224 .560s lift and 112LSA That had a little chop. Sounded good. But I’m an m6. Drivability was good with that cam. You MIGHT be able to squeak by on a stock stall with that. But the powerband of that cam if i remember right is around 2,000 to 6,000 so a little stall would help it immensely

bobcat52

While I am very grateful for the responses, I recently took a test ride in a cammed Silverado with a Yank 3000 converter, and was very disappointed in how abruptly it shifts from stock. I know that is the stalls intent, but not what I really want. The wifey would never ride in it again. So yes, I do need a compromise.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Individual tolerance levels will certainly vary, but a Yank 3000 is a mild converter by LS1 standards. I had a Yank 3500 in my Trans Am before doing any engine modifications at all, and it basically felt like stock after about a week of driving. Honestly, I barely even knew it was there until I went WOT.

If the changes in driveability from a good quality (such as Yank) 3000 stall speed are too much for you, then I would definitely recommend that you stay away from any big lumpy cam choices (especially if you plan to keep the stock stall speed) - I don't think you'd be happy with how the car would behave.

Jenson

iTrader: (32)

Something like a 228R and the Circle D 278mm HP converter sound right up your alley OP. You need a converter (due to cam overlap) but dont want the attributes of a small diameter big stall speed verter. The HP series is basically that.

98CayenneT/A

Abrupt shifting is not a characteristic of a higher stall speed of a converter. A higher converter will actually shift smoother due to the shift extensions being higher.

The abrupt shift feel is due to how the transmission itself is setup.
Shift kit, separator plate feed holes drilled out to larger sizes, different spring and washer setups in the accumulaters, boost valve, line pressure adjustments in the tune ect

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

First things first if you're looking for a actual performance gain .....get the mods it takes to make it work. Shorties don't cut it. Do some good bolt ons first. If you think the thought added ponies always make you faster your wrong.

Make it run 11s before you cam it.....atleast very bottom 12s. You'll be happier in the end.

kinglt-1

iTrader: (26)

If you want a nice drive-able package then do a WS6 store hot cam, 3200 stall, and a set of long tube headers.

madmike9396

iTrader: (29)

Yank 3600 and a trans cooler first. you will gain more from that than a cam performance wise.

when you do pick a cam remember bigger is not always better !

LS_ELKO41

iTrader: (6)

Yep most likely he has a shift kit or increased line pressure via his tune. I would check with him on that. I had a vehicle with a shift kit where I could adjust the line pressure and I maxed it out one day and every shift was a hard clunk basically but really fast. I also had a 3000 stall converter and with the shift kit disabled it never would shift hard like when it was enabled.

Johnny_M

Call Geoff Skinner at Engine Power Systems. His knowledge on cams is immense. He'll lead you in the right direction. He custom grinds his cams via Cam Motion. He will tune for his cams also if you don't have a local tuner.
I agree with everyone here. You may have to get a 3000 stall converter at minimum for any choppy sounding cam...