Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

Cam Guru's, what do you think?

I am keeping my 700R4 and 2600rpm stall Converter during my LS swap and may upgrade the cam if the one from the JY motor I have is no good.

I am looking at a cam replacement for an LQ9 that is otherwise going to be stock unless I need to bore it or have rotating assembly issues that will require replacement of those at which point i"m going to do a 406 build. But that's a what if at this point. Plan is to keep the motor basically stock for now.

Other engine spcs:
317 heads, LS6 intake, stock rotating assembly, 3.73 gears, 2600 stall converter. Stock 10.1:1 compression

What do you all think of these specs for an upgrade over a stock LQ9 cam? Little bit of a rumble but I'm looking for something solid that will pull. It's going in my 84 T/A and i'm not looking for a max power race thing. I may take it to the track once or twice just to say I did it. Goals are 400hp/400tq to the wheels but I'll be happy if I'm close.


Basic Operating RPM Range 1,800-6,400
Duration at 050 inch Lift 227 int./233 exh.
Advertised Duration 277 int./283 exh.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.584 int./0.584 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees) 113

redmaroz

iTrader: (4)

Do you have any specific goals with the car like drag racing, autocross, anything like that? Or are you just wanting something for just a little extra kick? I think the specs you listed sound like a pretty solid cam. There is always the oldie but goody cams like the gm hot cam and my personal favorite the asa cam. Ive got the Howards version of the asa and its supposedly a little better than the gm one, but it thumps hard and pulls great from the bottom. Its 226/236 and .525 lift so pretty easy on the valve train. A lot of guys will just use ls6/ls9 valve springs for it. Its defiantly not a max effort cam but gives you a good bit of extra torque a little lower in the rpms.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

It's got SFC's in it and Koni's on it with lowering springs. I will eventually be upgrading to a Big Brake package and do the rear suspension.

It won't be a track car but I will take it just to run it and get a time slip and I may do some auto-cross. Iv'e always wanted to but never have. Other than that I just want a hot street car that will tear it up and smash around with the local mustangs and tuner car guys who think they're all that revving their motors at every light. My original plan before this LS swap was a Torque monster 406 sbc build with 500+tq. I prefer TQ and low-mid range vs all out max high end.

This cam is actually a Lunati 60514 cam

A guy over on LS1 tech has this and he's pushing 420hp and 400tq to the wheels with it and probably is better than my 406 build idea and probably has better driveability as well.

Tick Performance recommended this Torquemax Stage 2 cam but that looks a little agressive for what I want to do. Lots of people on the LS1tech, Corvette and GTO boards seem to be using it though.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Why such low lift? You're leaving a lot of power on the table.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

I was thinking longevity. Easier on the valve train. I am not a cam person by any means. They are still mystical to me even after doing a lot of research on how they work. What are your thoughts on it?

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Choosing the perfect cam for an LS engine is extremely easy. You need to know only two things:


1. the phone number for Engine Power Systems
2. the phone number for Brian Tooley Racing


Custom cam all the way. Seriously, do not over think this.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

What's the advantage of a custom grind for a street car over something I can buy from a company off the shelf so to speak?

johnw999

I have a 5.3L LC9 engine for my 1984 Trans Am. I emailed Texas Speed and Performance. They were the most direct and helpful. I used their VVT and DoD delete kits. I also went with their cam which is 220R 114 LSA. More power, good drivability, able to use with boost if I decide to do that later. That was my request when I contacted them.