LS3 Cam Selection

[UBERJIM]

Hey, guys. I'm new to the site. Just bought a 2012 2SS/RS. I have GMPP cat back exhaust and Diablosport programmer as of now. Want to replace the stock cam. I am looking at Comp Cams 146-458-11 (http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...csid=1427&sb=0). Unlike anybody else with a performance car, I want to get as much HP out of the cam and still be a good DD. I know a lot of you may have a preference on cam, but with respect to this specific cam, I would like to know if it is too aggressive or if I should go bigger. I don't mind putting up with a little attitude from the car, but stalling isn't an option. Thanks for the feedback.

[Powhusku]

From what I've read, its best to buy headers before a cam. Cams just arent nearly as effective without them. If it was me, I'd get all my bolt-ons installed before a cam, which I plan to. Ported Throttle Body, CAI, Headers, High Flow Cats, catback exhaust, ect.

[mikeSS]

you can get a cam kit from a vender here very simple. also you need a CAI and HEADERS to do a decent cam. also will need a nice tune.

just a FYI there is no such thing as a GMPP made for camaro cat back, only axle back.

[UBERJIM]

Originally Posted by mikeSS

you can get a cam kit from a vender here very simple. also you need a CAI and HEADERS to do a decent cam. also will need a nice tune.

just a FYI there is no such thing as a GMPP made for camaro cat back, only axle back.

Thanks for the FYI. I found the car use with 800 miles. That's right, 800. The guy already did the exhaust. Saw GMPP on the mufflers. Just assumed it was cat back.

[UBERJIM]

I plan on the CAI with ADM scoop based on the shoot out results. This will be next. I planned on cam then long tube headers. I justified this because $1000 spent on a cam for 50+ HP seems like money well spent. $1000+ on headers for only 25 HP kind of hurts. If I had a cam already, headers might be worth 30+ HP. Not so bad. The end result is the same, just a perception game.

All that said, knowing the car will have long tube headers, cold air intake, axle back, mid pipe (if necessary after long tubes), and a custom tune to bring everything together, what do you think of the cam? I want to get as much out of the car as possible while being a good DD. FYI, this will be the extent of my mods. Just looking to break the 500 HP mark. Thanks.

[Rabamaro]

Originally Posted by UBERJIM

I plan on the CAI with ADM scoop based on the shoot out results. This will be next. I planned on cam then long tube headers. I justified this because $1000 spent on a cam for 50+ HP seems like money well spent. $1000+ on headers for only 25 HP kind of hurts. If I had a cam already, headers might be worth 30+ HP. Not so bad. The end result is the same, just a perception game.

All that said, knowing the car will have long tube headers, cold air intake, axle back, mid pipe (if necessary after long tubes), and a custom tune to bring everything together, what do you think of the cam? I want to get as much out of the car as possible while being a good DD. FYI, this will be the extent of my mods. Just looking to break the 500 HP mark. Thanks.

I'm actually in the EXACT same boat. I'm at the point now where I'm ready for the cam and tune. My boss is selling me his cam with <1000 miles on it, springs, hardened pushrods and all for $400. He paid over $900 for it and put down 490 rwhp/435 ft-lb in his 2010 M6 with essentially the same mods I have other than the UD pulley and AirRade intake.

[CWI]

Maybe save a bit longer so you can do the cam and LTs at the same time. I have ARH LTs and the ADM race CAI. The Comp cam I went with has very similar numbers to the one on your link. It has good numbers all across the curve and really wakes up above 3000 rpm. Still get over 22 MPG on long drives and only driving issue is not behaving at speeds below about 12 MPH. Can't just idle through a parking lot.

[navyblueSS]

Looks like a nice cam. I would definately do headers first though or you will not get the full benefit of the cam. Several people have tried it with less than impressive results.

[Rabamaro]

Originally Posted by UBERJIM

I plan on the CAI with ADM scoop based on the shoot out results. This will be next. I planned on cam then long tube headers. I justified this because $1000 spent on a cam for 50+ HP seems like money well spent. $1000+ on headers for only 25 HP kind of hurts. If I had a cam already, headers might be worth 30+ HP. Not so bad. The end result is the same, just a perception game.

All that said, knowing the car will have long tube headers, cold air intake, axle back, mid pipe (if necessary after long tubes), and a custom tune to bring everything together, what do you think of the cam? I want to get as much out of the car as possible while being a good DD. FYI, this will be the extent of my mods. Just looking to break the 500 HP mark. Thanks.

And unless you plan on doing the install yourself, a cam will run you closer to $2000 for install and tune.

[UBERJIM]

Originally Posted by Rabamaro

And unless you plan on doing the install yourself, a cam will run you closer to $2000 for install and tune.

I'll be doing it myself. There is a pretty good write up floating around on doing this to the 2010+ camaro ss. Looks pretty invasive. Should be a good challenge. Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'll do the LTs first. I'll keep this cam on the back burner until I'm done with the other stuff.

[mgoodbar]

Originally Posted by UBERJIM

I plan on the CAI with ADM scoop based on the shoot out results. This will be next. I planned on cam then long tube headers. I justified this because $1000 spent on a cam for 50+ HP seems like money well spent. $1000+ on headers for only 25 HP kind of hurts. If I had a cam already, headers might be worth 30+ HP. Not so bad. The end result is the same, just a perception game.

All that said, knowing the car will have long tube headers, cold air intake, axle back, mid pipe (if necessary after long tubes), and a custom tune to bring everything together, what do you think of the cam? I want to get as much out of the car as possible while being a good DD. FYI, this will be the extent of my mods. Just looking to break the 500 HP mark. Thanks.

NO NO NO, you will have to tune the car 2 times if you do that.
headders first, even if it is a cheap O set, then get the tune with the cam. you can always toss the cheap O headders if you want to in favor of a higher price set. ARH has some you can keep 700 bucks. texas speed 550 buck, OBX 400 off ebay... dont forget the o2 extensions. Call Ted at Jannetty racing his ARH come with everything. he might have a cam with a SCT tune as well.... Just trying to save your wallet and a little head ache...

[mgoodbar]

+ you wont get the 50 hp prommised from a cam with out the headders to flow the extra exhaust...

[UBERJIM]

Originally Posted by mgoodbar

NO NO NO, you will have to tune the car 2 times if you do that.
headders first, even if it is a cheap O set, then get the tune with the cam. you can always toss the cheap O headders if you want to in favor of a higher price set. ARH has some you can keep 700 bucks. texas speed 550 buck, OBX 400 off ebay... dont forget the o2 extensions. Call Ted at Jannetty racing his ARH come with everything. he might have a cam with a SCT tune as well.... Just trying to save your wallet and a little head ache...

Good point. Even more reason for me to do headers first. So, my new parts priority is CAI with ADM scoop, Kooks headers and x-pipe (still want to utilize the GMPP rear section), cam (listed above), then tune (right after cam). Sound good?

[Overkillphil]

Will that cam even fit without fly cutting the pistons?? Other than that little hitch, looks good!!