Cammed Cars Good Thread - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

BenningJ · 11-10-2014, 12:16 PM

Alright folks, we have all seen the latest threads on cammed motor deaths. It is quite depressing. So let's change the perception of cam longevity.

Calling all cammed Camaro owners!!

Please post up the following:

Cam (Manufacturer/specs)
Cam Accessories (Oil pump/rockers/timing chain)
Other Performance Accessories (Headers/Intake/etc)
Use/Duty (Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior/etc)
Current number of Miles on build
Installation (Self installed/shop installed)
Maintenance (Oil brand/type/spring testing/etc)
Current power/torque numbers

I think information like this would really help people on future upgrades.

MightymouseSS · 11-10-2014, 02:52 PM

Cam: comp /nightfury
Accessories: melling hv oil pump, oe rockers, oe timing chain, BTR .660 springs, BTR 7.425 pushrods, LS2 tensioner
Performance accessories: SW headers, vararam, ported TB, SWS dyno tune, SLP LM2.
Use/duty: Occasional drag strip, weekend warrior
Cam mileage: 3500
Install: Southwest Speed Albuquerque NM
Power: 455/417 LS3 @ 5300 elevation

BOSS_HOSS · 11-10-2014, 02:54 PM

I think you're going to see a long list of low mileage cam cars. Mine was destroyed at 45000km.

MikeOD · 11-10-2014, 03:32 PM

I think you'll see PLENTY of high mileage setups too...there's no reason they shouldn't last unless the lobes are ridiculous (not meant for the lifters you have...and you're not maintaining your springs), or something went wrong during the installation.

I cammed my car at 35K, and now it's over 70K...no issues, no problems, makes 500/465 rwhp/rwtq. I haven't had the engine open at all since I put the cam in, because it's not that ridiculous, I know it's a good combo of parts, and I have zero issues. I just change the oil (WAY LESS often then you think) and keep on listening to it at 7200 RPM when I no lift shift it every time I drive it.

BenningJ · 11-10-2014, 04:45 PM

MikeOD, what cam do you have?

CFD · 11-10-2014, 04:49 PM

I think a lot of the cam failures are an end result of spring/lifter failure.

BenningJ · 11-10-2014, 04:54 PM

That could be the case but if we can get some solid, long mileage combinations in here and find the similarities or common areas then it will be easier for people to put together more solid builds/combinations in the future.

flyinglow57 · 11-10-2014, 05:01 PM

Cam: tsp 232/236 comp cam
Cam Accessories stock oil pump,stock rockers and ls2 slack adj i think
Other Performance Accessories tsp long tubes,off road mids and tsp cat back. cut out before mufflers
Use/Duty daily driver for 2 years now weekend warrior for past 2 years
Current number of Miles on build 25000
Installation self installed
maintenance: mobile 1 every 5000 miles
Current power/torque numbers not ever dyno'd tuned by ed that use to be at maryland speed

christianchevell · 11-10-2014, 05:41 PM

Cam: TSP comp cam 235/239 .639/.625 lift 112 lsa aggressive as can be........
Accessories: stock timing chain, stock pump and stock rockers
Other: CAI and SP headers with high flow cats
Daily driver 5000 miles on ls3 build
Tom Wong performance engineering installed
Broken in with Driven racing br30 and uses Ls30 for oil every 5k
Current : 500 RWHP 450+ TQ mustang dyno tuned with H.P.
Runs like raped ape on steroids, I am a old motorhead, I go big and don't stay at home, and researched and bought my parts with my tuners o.k. . I plan on spring check each 25 K, and then swap the chain and pump maybe for giggles and check the rollers and rockers with the springs... I use oil made for a built engine...specifically OURS>........ he says as he is a LS guru the rockers that were bad were the first year of the ls7, our single roller timing chains are fine as are our oil pumps....., I always have at least 30psi.

Tampa Tuning · 11-10-2014, 06:23 PM

The cam shouldn't have a problem when the engine is built properly.

Good dual springs, correctly measured harden push rods, and an aftermarket oil pump should be changed.

Then the tune is important. A nice AFR mixture not crazy timing with very numb knock sensors, and you'll be fine.

Take the cheap way up, and the tuner trying to make a "sales" number, and your done.

Batmanntexas · 11-10-2014, 07:59 PM

Camshaft: GM LS9,211/230 duration, .562/.558 lift at 122.5LSA
GMPP HV oil pump, stock LS3 chain/tensioner, 3-bolt cam gear
OBX 1-7/8" LT's, full 3" exhaust, gutted cats, 2.9L Whipple @ 7psi
Alky Control 100% Meth, set to spray only under boost (using smallest nozzle) to add octane for safety
Daily driven, all year, and occasional "fun" uses
approx. 15000 miles on build
Self-installed all mechanical stuff, custom dyno tuned
Mobil 1 full synthetic 5W-30, changed whenever the OLM says <10%
current power levels: 630RWHP/565RWTQ

BenningJ · 11-10-2014, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampa Tuning

The cam shouldn't have a problem when the engine is built properly.

Good dual springs, correctly measured harden push rods, and an aftermarket oil pump should be changed.

Then the tune is important. A nice AFR mixture not crazy timing with very numb knock sensors, and you'll be fine.

Take the cheap way up, and the tuner trying to make a "sales" number, and your done.

Good information, thanks for your input! I completely agree, there are too many people out there looking for that "500" number. I want this thread to show others on here that a cam is still a good, reliable option. Speculation on failures is not the way to do it. People providing the information is a good start. You can't beat solid facts.

johna7200 · 11-10-2014, 08:37 PM

Cam- New era grind Comp Cam
Cam Accessories-Melling pump-c5r chain
Other Performance Accessories- OBX headers-k&n-underdrive
Use/Duty- Summer time daily
Current number of Miles on build-7,000
Installation-New era
Maintenance-mobile 1 with delco every 2k
Current power/torque numbers 472/430

Tampa Tuning · 11-10-2014, 09:59 PM

Additionally, Ive had a Comp Cam in my Corvette for 12 years. Dual spring, measured harden push rods, ported oil pump, 460 RWHP in an LS1 and not a problem at all.

I see threads on here about them failing and it so rare im not even sure it was the cam.

Most of the "custom cams" I see are just a little more or less lift and duration than another shop. They arrive in a Comp Cam box. I call them advertising cams. You can call comp and say I want a cam 239/245 .600/.625 and they will "custom" grind it for you. (Example size only)

11-10-2014, 12:16 PM	#1
BenningJ Drives: 2013 AGM 1SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa Posts: 1,581 View My Garage	Cammed Cars Good Thread Alright folks, we have all seen the latest threads on cammed motor deaths. It is quite depressing. So let's change the perception of cam longevity. Calling all cammed Camaro owners!! Please post up the following: Cam (Manufacturer/specs) Cam Accessories (Oil pump/rockers/timing chain) Other Performance Accessories (Headers/Intake/etc) Use/Duty (Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior/etc) Current number of Miles on build Installation (Self installed/shop installed) Maintenance (Oil brand/type/spring testing/etc) Current power/torque numbers I think information like this would really help people on future upgrades. __________________ 2013 Camaro 1SS/RS - Ashen Gray Metallic \| LS3 \| CAI Inductions, Inc Intake \| Vmax Ported Throttle Body \| Dynatech 1.875" Long Tube Headers \| Apex Scoop & Washer Bottle Relocation \| Lethal Racing Night Fury Cam \| BTR 7.400" Push Rods \|LS2 Dampener \| Melling 10296 Oil Pump \| IWIS Chain \| BTR .660" Dual Valve Springs \| BTR Trunion Upgrade Kit \| Lethal Racing Tuned \| Anvil Notch Spoiler \| BMR Split Drop Springs \| Eaton TrueTrac \| GM 3.91 Gears \| LPW Diff Cover \| Rohana RF2 275/40 20x10F 315/35 20x11R \| BMR Polyurethane Motor Mounts Last edited by BenningJ; 11-10-2014 at 04:52 PM.

11-10-2014, 02:52 PM	#2
MightymouseSS Drives: 2011 LS3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: el paso tx Posts: 547	Cam: comp /nightfury Accessories: melling hv oil pump, oe rockers, oe timing chain, BTR .660 springs, BTR 7.425 pushrods, LS2 tensioner Performance accessories: SW headers, vararam, ported TB, SWS dyno tune, SLP LM2. Use/duty: Occasional drag strip, weekend warrior Cam mileage: 3500 Install: Southwest Speed Albuquerque NM Power: 455/417 LS3 @ 5300 elevation __________________ Vararam Stainless Works Headers Vmax TB SLP loudmouth 2 Nightfury Cam Mike Norris CC Tuned by Southwest Speed Last edited by MightymouseSS; 11-10-2014 at 03:05 PM.

11-10-2014, 02:54 PM	#3
BOSS_HOSS Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Petawawa, ON Posts: 151	I think you're going to see a long list of low mileage cam cars. Mine was destroyed at 45000km. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS 1 7/8" Long Tube American Racing Headers w/high flow cats, Borla S-Type Catback Exhaust, Roto-Fab CAI, VMAX Ported Throttle Body, MGW Shifter, JRE 445 Street Cam Package tuned via SCT, Pedders Street 1 Kit.

11-10-2014, 03:32 PM	#4
MikeOD Drives: 2010 M6 2SS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Windsor, CT Posts: 1,202	I think you'll see PLENTY of high mileage setups too...there's no reason they shouldn't last unless the lobes are ridiculous (not meant for the lifters you have...and you're not maintaining your springs), or something went wrong during the installation. I cammed my car at 35K, and now it's over 70K...no issues, no problems, makes 500/465 rwhp/rwtq. I haven't had the engine open at all since I put the cam in, because it's not that ridiculous, I know it's a good combo of parts, and I have zero issues. I just change the oil (WAY LESS often then you think) and keep on listening to it at 7200 RPM when I no lift shift it every time I drive it. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS M6. Heads/Cam/Intake/Headers/Exhaust/Suspension

11-10-2014, 04:45 PM	#5
BenningJ Drives: 2013 AGM 1SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa Posts: 1,581 View My Garage	MikeOD, what cam do you have? __________________ 2013 Camaro 1SS/RS - Ashen Gray Metallic \| LS3 \| CAI Inductions, Inc Intake \| Vmax Ported Throttle Body \| Dynatech 1.875" Long Tube Headers \| Apex Scoop & Washer Bottle Relocation \| Lethal Racing Night Fury Cam \| BTR 7.400" Push Rods \|LS2 Dampener \| Melling 10296 Oil Pump \| IWIS Chain \| BTR .660" Dual Valve Springs \| BTR Trunion Upgrade Kit \| Lethal Racing Tuned \| Anvil Notch Spoiler \| BMR Split Drop Springs \| Eaton TrueTrac \| GM 3.91 Gears \| LPW Diff Cover \| Rohana RF2 275/40 20x10F 315/35 20x11R \| BMR Polyurethane Motor Mounts

11-10-2014, 04:49 PM	#6
CFD Drives: 2SS/RS L99 BLACK Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Franklin , MA Posts: 6,696	I think a lot of the cam failures are an end result of spring/lifter failure.

11-10-2014, 04:54 PM	#7
BenningJ Drives: 2013 AGM 1SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa Posts: 1,581 View My Garage	That could be the case but if we can get some solid, long mileage combinations in here and find the similarities or common areas then it will be easier for people to put together more solid builds/combinations in the future. __________________ 2013 Camaro 1SS/RS - Ashen Gray Metallic \| LS3 \| CAI Inductions, Inc Intake \| Vmax Ported Throttle Body \| Dynatech 1.875" Long Tube Headers \| Apex Scoop & Washer Bottle Relocation \| Lethal Racing Night Fury Cam \| BTR 7.400" Push Rods \|LS2 Dampener \| Melling 10296 Oil Pump \| IWIS Chain \| BTR .660" Dual Valve Springs \| BTR Trunion Upgrade Kit \| Lethal Racing Tuned \| Anvil Notch Spoiler \| BMR Split Drop Springs \| Eaton TrueTrac \| GM 3.91 Gears \| LPW Diff Cover \| Rohana RF2 275/40 20x10F 315/35 20x11R \| BMR Polyurethane Motor Mounts

11-10-2014, 05:01 PM	#8
flyinglow57 Drives: rumble bee,2SS 6sp Join Date: May 2009 Location: pittsburgh, PA Posts: 539	Cam: tsp 232/236 comp cam Cam Accessories stock oil pump,stock rockers and ls2 slack adj i think Other Performance Accessories tsp long tubes,off road mids and tsp cat back. cut out before mufflers Use/Duty daily driver for 2 years now weekend warrior for past 2 years Current number of Miles on build 25000 Installation self installed maintenance: mobile 1 every 5000 miles Current power/torque numbers not ever dyno'd tuned by ed that use to be at maryland speed __________________ blk 2ss 6spd with sunroof. intake,tsp cam,full exhaust,pcmforless tune,trailing arms,toe rods. hopeing for 11.9 because my g/f said she will take the cam and the suspension back if not.

11-10-2014, 05:41 PM	#9
christianchevell old school chevy rodder Drives: 2013 2SS/RS Manual,DM exhaust,CRT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,587 View My Garage	Cam: TSP comp cam 235/239 .639/.625 lift 112 lsa aggressive as can be........ Accessories: stock timing chain, stock pump and stock rockers Other: CAI and SP headers with high flow cats Daily driver 5000 miles on ls3 build Tom Wong performance engineering installed Broken in with Driven racing br30 and uses Ls30 for oil every 5k Current : 500 RWHP 450+ TQ mustang dyno tuned with H.P. Runs like raped ape on steroids, I am a old motorhead, I go big and don't stay at home, and researched and bought my parts with my tuners o.k. . I plan on spring check each 25 K, and then swap the chain and pump maybe for giggles and check the rollers and rockers with the springs... I use oil made for a built engine...specifically OURS>........ he says as he is a LS guru the rockers that were bad were the first year of the ls7, our single roller timing chains are fine as are our oil pumps....., I always have at least 30psi. __________________ 2021 Wild Cherry ZL1 A10, Sunroof, Data, Carbon, Nav, RotoFab Dry CAI, Elite x2, Borla ATK, Driveshaft shop

11-10-2014, 06:23 PM	#10
Tampa Tuning Account Suspended Drives: TAMPA TUNING FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 3,044	The cam shouldn't have a problem when the engine is built properly. Good dual springs, correctly measured harden push rods, and an aftermarket oil pump should be changed. Then the tune is important. A nice AFR mixture not crazy timing with very numb knock sensors, and you'll be fine. Take the cheap way up, and the tuner trying to make a "sales" number, and your done.

11-10-2014, 07:59 PM	#11
Batmanntexas Drives: 2012 Camaro SS (2SS) Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 1,374 View My Garage	Camshaft: GM LS9,211/230 duration, .562/.558 lift at 122.5LSA GMPP HV oil pump, stock LS3 chain/tensioner, 3-bolt cam gear OBX 1-7/8" LT's, full 3" exhaust, gutted cats, 2.9L Whipple @ 7psi Alky Control 100% Meth, set to spray only under boost (using smallest nozzle) to add octane for safety Daily driven, all year, and occasional "fun" uses approx. 15000 miles on build Self-installed all mechanical stuff, custom dyno tuned Mobil 1 full synthetic 5W-30, changed whenever the OLM says <10% current power levels: 630RWHP/565RWTQ __________________ 745RWHP/634RWTQ on 93 @ 10psi 806/676 on E85 @ 10psi COTW 9/8/14

11-10-2014, 08:37 PM	#13
johna7200 Drives: 2011 2ss/rs M6 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: United States Posts: 83	Cam- New era grind Comp Cam Cam Accessories-Melling pump-c5r chain Other Performance Accessories- OBX headers-k&n-underdrive Use/Duty- Summer time daily Current number of Miles on build-7,000 Installation-New era Maintenance-mobile 1 with delco every 2k Current power/torque numbers 472/430 __________________ Summit white 2011 2ss/rs ls3- New Era performance cam-New era OTR intake-PRC CNC ported heads-OBX long tubes-NPP cat back-3:91s dyno numbers soon

11-10-2014, 09:59 PM	#14
Tampa Tuning Account Suspended Drives: TAMPA TUNING FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 3,044	Additionally, Ive had a Comp Cam in my Corvette for 12 years. Dual spring, measured harden push rods, ported oil pump, 460 RWHP in an LS1 and not a problem at all. I see threads on here about them failing and it so rare im not even sure it was the cam. Most of the "custom cams" I see are just a little more or less lift and duration than another shop. They arrive in a Comp Cam box. I call them advertising cams. You can call comp and say I want a cam 239/245 .600/.625 and they will "custom" grind it for you. (Example size only)