Swapping LSA cam to LS9

[Fast92RS]

so basically you can do this swap with just the cam and sprocket?

[white1LE]

Originally Posted by JFWJR179

You make a good point that many ZL1 owners are unaware of or they do
not believe is True.

The ECM module can detect a cam swap, even if there has been no Tune.

Therefore: why swap to a LS9 cam for very little HP gain and very little
rougher idle sound because you mistakenly believe that you are fooling
the ECM module and or the Chevy dealer ?

Yes - you save a little money, but will you be completely satisfied
with the LS9 cam performance and sound ?

I decided to Mod my ZL1, Tune it and void the warranty after 1 year
so I will have a permanent grin on my face every time I start it up.

I'm just saying...

It's a little crazy to install a cam and not tune first of all, and second, there is power to be had out of an LS9 cam, it's been proven. Yes, you can get a lot more power out of another cam, but is the cam that makes a lot more power for the extra money in the same class as the LS9 and be very streetable like we said we wanted or a dyno king with street manors that start to go south?
So if this cam makes a minimum of 35-40 HP, which is realistic, show me a cam with similar street manors that makes 70-80 hp to justify another $5-600. I hope you can because that's the route I'll go.

[The Baron]

I did this on my cts-v..

I was pretty happy..

this cam, and a 2.38 pulley and a cold air and the car makes 575 to the tire on a mustang dyno through a auto.. runs ll.30s with my wife driving..

[white1LE]

Originally Posted by The Baron

I did this on my cts-v..

I was pretty happy..

this cam, and a 2.38 pulley and a cold air and the car makes 575 to the tire on a mustang dyno through a auto.. runs ll.30s with my wife driving..

Nice! Hard to argue with that. Stock springs or aftermarket?

[The Baron]

stock gm ls9 springs.. the car had 30000 miles on it so I bought a set of factory springs and it has been fine. car doesn't even have headers or anything.. you can notice a idle change, but it is very docile.. nobody knows unless you tell them.. I am sorry but it is worth more than 16 hp. maybe with no tune and no supporting mods..

I tell everyone, this cam, a 2.38 pulley and a cold air and the cars will be monsters that CRUSH gt500s and will run forever..

[Snickers]

Short question, how long does it take to swap the cam (and springs etc.) approximately? I want to do the swap with a friend in his garage after hours, if I go with a cam at all. Just cant decide yet.

[mylftft]

I have an LS9 cam in my ZL1 & I make over 1100 rwhp, idles smooth, drives great, won't wear out springs & the car hauls ass!

[white1LE]

Originally Posted by The Baron

stock gm ls9 springs.. the car had 30000 miles on it so I bought a set of factory springs and it has been fine. car doesn't even have headers or anything.. you can notice a idle change, but it is very docile.. nobody knows unless you tell them.. I am sorry but it is worth more than 16 hp. maybe with no tune and no supporting mods..

I tell everyone, this cam, a 2.38 pulley and a cold air and the cars will be monsters that CRUSH gt500s and will run forever..

Other people say the LS9 springs won't work, but you've been running them for how long?? Good to know it's been proven to work. Use LS9 retainers, seats and locks also? My car has 1800 miles now.
Thanks for the input.

[The Baron]

why wouldn't the ls9 springs work? that's what cam they are used with from the factory.. im 90% sure you could use your stock valve springs..

[AbsolutHank]

The reason LS9 springs aren't recommended is they are paired with much lighter titanium valves in the LS9. The LSA doesn't use those lightweight valves.

[The Baron]

the lsa turns less rpm.. anyway,, I have them on my 7caddy and they have been fine.. we beat the tar out of that car..

[1leNPP]

Here something for you guys to read through on putting a LS9 cam in a truck http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/tech/lsx_engine/ghtp_1303_2011_chevrolet_silverado_ltz_ls9_camshaf t_swap

[AbsolutHank]

Of course LS3 valve springs are fine on an NA engine, but not with 15 lbs of boost after a pulley swap!

[Fast92RS]

I've been reading about this and I am still a little confused. To do this swap, do you need to swap valve springs and pushrods or can you use the stock LSA items? I'm very interested in doing this swap.