GMPP Camshaft
I have a couple of questions. Is it possible to change the camshaft with the motor still mounted in the car? Also at what horsepower/torque would you say the internals should be changed to forged?
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I would also like to know the easiest way to change the cam on this car. I've heard that you can change to the GMPP 376/480 cam and not have to change your valvesprings too. A cam change is never as simple as "the old days" on these new cars, its just a matter of how bad its going to be.
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I was just quoted the whole package done by my dealer would run about $3200. That's for the cam, springs, gaskets and labor. They also said that "because the cam is not made specifically for the Camaro it would void the GM warranty." They said 22 hours labor. Sounds like a lot to me. |
That is nearly 1k more than I woudl expect. Shop around you can get better numbers installed for a better price....I will post my cam info once the buildis comeplete!!!
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The advantage of doing it at the dealer is that usually it won't void your warranty/is warrantied by GM. In this case, I'd say take it to another shop unless they "make one specifically for the Camaro."
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The cam can definitely be swapped with the engine in the car, not sure how much work it will be. As for HP levels on stock internals, if you stay N/A, I think you will be pretty safe with full bolt ons, cam, intake, headers, exhaust, tune which should get you around 500 (flywheel)hp, maybe more. With some nice heads I am sure you could see 525 without too much trouble. Personally I would'nt want to extend the rpm range much without moving to forged components, it all just depends what you want to do with the car. Look at the GM performance engines they sell, such as the 515 hp version of the LS3, which has a better (carbureted) manifold, and the hot cam, so if that has the standard cast crank, etc. you know they have tested that combo to live.
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The GMPP catalog (http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/_r...09_Catalog.pdf) talks about the components in the LS engines on page 84 of the .pdf file.
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And you DO NOT have to replace the valve springs. The springs that come in the HOT cam kit are standard LS6 valve springs. The same springs that come stock on the LS3 heads. The HOT cam actually has less lift than the stock camshaft. So your dealer that is selling you the whole kit is ripping you off. Your brand new engine does not need to have the springs/shims replaced. And 3200??? That's robbery. But, if they honor your warranty, it could be worth it. |
Good info above ^^^ .. thanks,
Crowley |
:D
Robin |
Wow...for 3200 I can do a lot of replacing of additional things myself further down the road. Thanks to all for the info. Lots of options to consider here, with the first one being that if I void my warranty with the long tube headers and the tune to go along with it most everything after that is a moot point. And thats pretty much a base starting point.
So its pretty much a decision to just add a cat back exhaust and keeping the warranty or going "all in" and tossing the warranty. Looks like a good option would be to drive it stock for a year to make sure the drivetrain is fine, and just accumulate parts in the meanwhile. When I'm confident the drivetrain has no issues use the winter months to throw in the cam etc. and just do it all myself. Not much else to do for a few weeks mid winter anyhow, and thats what a heated garage is supposed to be used for. Back to basic hotrodding 101 and all the skinned knuckles that go along with it...... |
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And there is no way I am paying The $3200 for a simple cam swap for a mild cam. I can get a more aggressive yet drivable cam and do it my self for a lot less. |
What does the lower lift have to do with torquing the springs? They're going to be at the same installed height anyway. And the lower lift coupled with the longer duration will actually be easier on the springs because the camshaft ramp rate is slower than stock. I understand the springs will be compressed for a longer period of time, but slower compression rates are easier on springs than faster ones because of less heat build up.
Besides, as mentioned previously, the springs that come with the HOT cam are stock LS6 springs. Which just so happen to be the same springs that come in your brand new LS3. Now if you've got 40,000 miles on your car then sure, it's worth the extra $250 for the new springs, but if your car is brand new, IMO you're just wasting money. |
Check out the new Hot Rod mag, for it has several aftermarket CAMS available for the LS3 engine.
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