Swapping LSA cam to LS9 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

white1LE · 01-09-2014, 07:24 PM

Looking to do the cam swap to LS9 in a couple months and I'm curious if people who have done the swap like it. And what springs were used, LS9 from what I've read, and if they held up well over time. Looks like the LS3 and LS9 springs are the same and LSA are different from the two. Retainers are the same on all 3 engines. Worked well in my 1LE with SC bolted on but didn't do a before and after on just came since I installed cam before SC.
I know there are threads on this but they are older, so just looking for some current data and maybe some specifics if possible. And yes, an aftermarket cam will net more power, but I love GM reliability and the price since the cam already sits in my toolbox in original box. And, an aftermarket cam is north of $700-$800 with good springs. Also labor isn't an issue because I'm installing it myself, so 30-35hp for under $200 for cam and springs is Ok in my book.
Thanks for any and all opinions in advance!!

Baer383 · 01-09-2014, 08:38 PM

The LS9 springs are the same part# as what is in the ZL1

I'm probably going to do this in the spring but I'm not swapping springs.

And the retainers are not the same the LS9 are different.

white1LE · 01-09-2014, 08:56 PM

Damn!! Guess when you want something done right you need to do it yourself. I work at a dealership and had one of the parts guys compare #'s for me. Will verify what he looked up in the morning.
Thanks for clarifying!

Baer383 · 01-09-2014, 09:07 PM

Check this link out scroll down

http://www.gmpartsnow.com/oem-part/o...rings/12625033

AbsolutHank · 01-09-2014, 09:27 PM

I did this swap a few months back. I used PAC 1518 valve springs.

I like this cam because it obviously adds power, but basically feels/sounds completely stock as you would expect.

AbsolutHank · 01-09-2014, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrkPhx

Is the LSA camshaft a single or 3 bolt design?

1 Bolt

Baer383 · 01-09-2014, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrkPhx

Is the LSA camshaft a single or 3 bolt design?

No Hank is wrong, the LSA is a single bolt the LS9 is a 3 bolt

AbsolutHank · 01-09-2014, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baer383

No Hank is wrong, the LSA is a single bolt the LS9 is a 3 bolt

Correct! I don't know why I read that as LS9

Fixed it above...don't want to spread misinformation

Baer383 · 01-09-2014, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrkPhx

Thanks. So you have to buy the matching LS9 3-bolt cam sprocket as well. Did you also switch the chain tensioner?

Use the LS9 cam sprocket and the LS2 chain tensioner.

You can use your stock chain tensioner if you want to.

AbsolutHank · 01-09-2014, 10:25 PM

I used the LS9 cam gear and stayed with the factory tensioner

sykb47l · 01-10-2014, 09:00 AM

The LS9 has lighter valves. You should upgrade your springs.

Baer383 · 01-10-2014, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sykb47l

The LS9 has lighter valves. You should upgrade your springs.

You only need to upgrade your springs if you are going to turn up the boost.

white1LE · 01-10-2014, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baer383

The LS9 springs are the same part# as what is in the ZL1

I'm probably going to do this in the spring but I'm not swapping springs.

And the retainers are not the same the LS9 are different.

Verified the part #'s today.

LS9...Springs #12625033
Retainers #12596508

LSA...Springs #12589774
Retainers #10166344

LS3...Springs #12625033
Retainers #10166344

So I was wrong about the retainers, they do have a different part number. But the springs are definitely different.

For the people using the LS9 springs, are they working/holding up well?

Baer383 · 01-10-2014, 05:48 PM

Your wrong on the LSA spring.
Here is one of MANY GM parts dist.it matches the LS9 spring

This quote was right off LPE web site

"The LS9 springs that don’t meet the 1.190” specification are also available from LPE at a lower cost, GM PN 12625033"

http://www.chevroletonlineparts.com/...rings/12625033

01-09-2014, 08:38 PM	#2
Baer383 Drives: 2013 ZL1 Ashen Gray Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Lawrenceville,Ga Posts: 668	The LS9 springs are the same part# as what is in the ZL1 I'm probably going to do this in the spring but I'm not swapping springs. And the retainers are not the same the LS9 are different. __________________ I don't have to know everything,I just need to know,what I need to know,when I need to know it! MODS, a lot of money,a lot of parts,a lot of time,a lot of patience. 754 RWHP 747 RWTQ 93 Octane http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347243

01-09-2014, 08:56 PM	#3
white1LE Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Dubuque, IA Posts: 880	Damn!! Guess when you want something done right you need to do it yourself. I work at a dealership and had one of the parts guys compare #'s for me. Will verify what he looked up in the morning. Thanks for clarifying! __________________ 13 ZL1 A6 LSX 427 with AGP Twin Turbos, E85 and Flex Fuel. Built and tuned by ADM Performance 1000rwhp

01-09-2014, 09:07 PM	#4
Baer383 Drives: 2013 ZL1 Ashen Gray Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Lawrenceville,Ga Posts: 668	Check this link out scroll down http://www.gmpartsnow.com/oem-part/o...rings/12625033 __________________ I don't have to know everything,I just need to know,what I need to know,when I need to know it! MODS, a lot of money,a lot of parts,a lot of time,a lot of patience. 754 RWHP 747 RWTQ 93 Octane http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347243

01-09-2014, 09:27 PM	#5
AbsolutHank Drives: 2016 Corvette Z06 M6 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Odenton, MD Posts: 874	I did this swap a few months back. I used PAC 1518 valve springs. I like this cam because it obviously adds power, but basically feels/sounds completely stock as you would expect. __________________ 2013 Dodge Viper #44/150 Launch Edition IG:@absoluthank *20/21 BC Forged Wheels : BC Coilovers: TA Aero*

01-10-2014, 09:00 AM	#11
sykb47l Drives: 73' VW Bug Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 761	The LS9 has lighter valves. You should upgrade your springs. __________________

01-09-2014, 07:24 PM	#1
white1LE Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Dubuque, IA Posts: 880	Swapping LSA cam to LS9 Looking to do the cam swap to LS9 in a couple months and I'm curious if people who have done the swap like it. And what springs were used, LS9 from what I've read, and if they held up well over time. Looks like the LS3 and LS9 springs are the same and LSA are different from the two. Retainers are the same on all 3 engines. Worked well in my 1LE with SC bolted on but didn't do a before and after on just came since I installed cam before SC. I know there are threads on this but they are older, so just looking for some current data and maybe some specifics if possible. And yes, an aftermarket cam will net more power, but I love GM reliability and the price since the cam already sits in my toolbox in original box. And, an aftermarket cam is north of $700-$800 with good springs. Also labor isn't an issue because I'm installing it myself, so 30-35hp for under $200 for cam and springs is Ok in my book. Thanks for any and all opinions in advance!! __________________ 13 ZL1 A6 LSX 427 with AGP Twin Turbos, E85 and Flex Fuel. Built and tuned by ADM Performance 1000rwhp Last edited by white1LE; 01-09-2014 at 07:25 PM. Reason: wording wrong

01-09-2014, 10:25 PM	#10
AbsolutHank Drives: 2016 Corvette Z06 M6 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Odenton, MD Posts: 874	I used the LS9 cam gear and stayed with the factory tensioner __________________ 2013 Dodge Viper #44/150 Launch Edition IG:@absoluthank *20/21 BC Forged Wheels : BC Coilovers: TA Aero*

01-10-2014, 05:48 PM	#14
Baer383 Drives: 2013 ZL1 Ashen Gray Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Lawrenceville,Ga Posts: 668	Your wrong on the LSA spring. Here is one of MANY GM parts dist.it matches the LS9 spring This quote was right off LPE web site "The LS9 springs that don’t meet the 1.190” specification are also available from LPE at a lower cost, GM PN 12625033" http://www.chevroletonlineparts.com/...rings/12625033 __________________ I don't have to know everything,I just need to know,what I need to know,when I need to know it! MODS, a lot of money,a lot of parts,a lot of time,a lot of patience. 754 RWHP 747 RWTQ 93 Octane http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347243 Last edited by Baer383; 01-10-2014 at 06:00 PM.