LTX and LSX Putting LT1s, LS1s, and their variants into Third Gens is becoming more popular. This board is for those who are doing and have done the swaps so they can discuss all of their technical aspects including repairs, swap info, and performance upgrades.

cam and heads

Old Apr 21, 2017 | 08:59 AM
  #1  
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cam and heads

what cam and heads will get me close to 500hp on a stock bottom end 5.7
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 09:19 AM
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Re: cam and heads

Nothing cheap
What type of engine?
Are you willing to live with poor idle quality?
Are you willing to live with low engine life?
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 02:01 PM
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Re: cam and heads

ANCELMO, my man, I asked myself this very same question, and I came to the conclusion of: My bottom end won't last, it's gonna be a bear to drive, and I'll probably be putting less than 430 to the wheels. But, I can post what I'm going to do, it's backed with Engine Analyzer pro to see about what I should be putting down. If you're curious, let me know, but don't stop at cam and heads, when you're trying to squeeze out all the power, ask about intakes and carbs, too. You really want 500hp on a stock bottom end, you go get a turbo kit and get it tuned correctly.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 02:20 PM
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Re: cam and heads

500 at the tire? Or at the flywheel?

Most good street heads cam builds do 400-430's whp. Some 440-460 but has to be a fresh bottom end and well developed heads intake cam exhaust system

Last edited by Orr89RocZ; Apr 21, 2017 at 02:30 PM.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 03:21 PM
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Re: cam and heads

I want to get close to 500 at the tire on my 5.7 ls1. What do you think an ms3 cam with 227 prcs will get me to.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 03:25 PM
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Re: cam and heads

Originally Posted by ANCELMO
I want to get close to 500 at the tire on my 5.7 ls1. What do you think an ms3 cam with 227 prcs will get me to.
At the wheels high 300s 390ish if you want 500 at the wheels you will need forced induction. Your best bet would be to do some research and read about modding LS1 motors
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 03:48 PM
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Re: cam and heads

Thanks for the advise, I am thinking about a turbo or super charger
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 08:52 PM
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Re: cam and heads

Originally Posted by ANCELMO
Thanks for the advise, I am thinking about a turbo or super charger
What is your budget? It better be north of $15k for engine parts alone. 500rwhp N/A on a 346 motor is a goal few have accomplished. No part can be overlooked and it can't be done with simple catalog parts. The heads and cam, although very important, are only a part of the equation. It requires, lightweight short travel valve train with hollow valves combined with a lightweight clutch (32lbs or less), and every other tiny detail dialed in (windage, crank scraper, custom cam, etc etc). Take a look at ls1tech.com and search for 346 builds using Mamo Motorsports components. 500rwhp is doable but there is a steep entry price. It would be easier to start with more cubes.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 09:44 PM
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Re: cam and heads

People that set arbitrary power goals are usually never happy. Just do some sensible mods to the engine and go have fun driving. It's not going to be slow by any means.

MS3 cam is ancient, you can do better than that.
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Old Apr 22, 2017 | 10:00 AM
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Re: cam and heads

Years ago I put down 453 @ the wheels, BUT it was in my 02 Z06 which isn't exactly an apple to apple comparison but close. AFR heads, G5X3 cam I believe, no cats, six speed. Sold it to a guy and he did 480 after adding a Fast 90 combo to it. Lots of money spent though.

Since then, my next car was a 69 Camaro with a 6.0 and Kenne Bell on top. Put down 556rwhp and decided boost is way more fun then heads/cam. Easy to drive regular and plenty of more go when needed. Sadly I sold that car and awaiting the day my Procharged 86 will be done.

Budget really dictates what you can do with your car. Heads/cam is definitely an upgrade but if money allows, boost it!!! And I agree with Qwktrip, do what you can and drive it. It's probably been 2 years since I drove mine and I do miss it.

Last edited by indebt; Apr 22, 2017 at 10:04 AM.
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Old Apr 22, 2017 | 06:30 PM
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Re: cam and heads

It wont likely happen on stock bottom. Rebuild it with some better pistons/rings and up compression. You have to turn some rpm to make this work. Fresh bottom end ensures all the cylinders are round and well sealed. As said above, windage tray/crank scrapper or even a vacuum system on crankcase could come in handy here. Minimizing losses from rotational friction and mass can add up.

Ms3 and prc 227's mid 400's if that. Just not that easy making big power on old stock bottom ends. Like i said earlier, mid 400's is about the norm.
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Old Apr 22, 2017 | 07:42 PM
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Re: cam and heads

Port/polish heads, proper cam, long tubes, LS6 intake, but don't forget you'll have to add injectors, fuel pump, a tune session, you're looking at near 5 grand and expect low to mid 400's.

This is my eventual plan, my "goal" is 450rwhp, but all I really care about is how much fun it will be after.
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Old Apr 22, 2017 | 08:54 PM
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Re: cam and heads

Originally Posted by QwkTrip
People that set arbitrary power goals are usually never happy. Just do some sensible mods to the engine and go have fun driving. It's not going to be slow by any means.
I have a stock LS2 (364) with Long Tubes. I specifically asked for a zero knock retard tune. Wasn't looking for a number and want reliability. The motor just keeps pulling as seen by the graph - no peak and drop off. It shows that there is more in there, if I wanted a number.

Maybe one day, I'll............

In the meantime, I can have fun without reservation.
Attached Thumbnails cam and heads-scan0002.jpg  
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Old Apr 22, 2017 | 08:56 PM
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Re: cam and heads

What is a zero knock retard tune? Lol
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Old Apr 22, 2017 | 09:25 PM
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Re: cam and heads

Originally Posted by Orr89RocZ
What is a zero knock retard tune? Lol
Says the guy with TT's - LOL!

I'm hoping that h/c/i will net another 100hp in the future - with only slightly more aggressive tune (480 guesstimate). That equates to the aforementioned 450 rwhp for LS1 guys.

But I built the drivetrain for 650 hp.
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Old Apr 23, 2017 | 12:29 PM
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Re: cam and heads

I GUESS ILL SETTLE FOR MID 400S AND ADD A TURBO
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Old Apr 23, 2017 | 07:08 PM
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Re: cam and heads

Its one or the other lol either build all motor with best heads you can buy and need a fast 92 or single plane. Or hi ram. Big cam.

Or keep it stockish and add turbo
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Old Apr 26, 2017 | 01:10 PM
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Re: cam and heads

If you truly want 600whp, I hope you are also budgeting the $2K+ for a new rear end and $1500+ for new brakes, plus sub frame connectors and other suspension components.

That said, there are multiple posts of 400 at the wheels (500+ at the crank) which used to be the holy grail of the 406 and sbc and 427bbc territory, just using the right H/C/I set up.

Last edited by Ozz1967; Apr 26, 2017 at 01:32 PM.
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