installing hot cam - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

logan1080 · 10-23-2008, 08:25 AM

DO you guys think if i got the dealer to install the hot cam the car would still be the same? If they pulled the motor out then they could probably put it back to normal but if they decided to leave the motor in and just tear off the front end would they be able to assemble it back to factory condition? Would the gaps still look perfect?

Hylton · 10-23-2008, 08:31 AM

If the dealer knows what they are doing then yes. But after owning a 4th gen, I would drop the cradle. Much easier IMO.

383ss · 10-23-2008, 08:57 AM

cam swaps are EASY. I don't see any issues. I could swap mine in less than 2 hours on my 4th gen with the motor in the car.

and yes, it should still be in 'factory' condition with everything looking normal

o2camaross · 10-23-2008, 09:17 AM

^^^ im with him, swapped mine in my 4th gen in about 3 hours. It was fun too.

Hylton · 10-23-2008, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o2camaross

^^^ im with him, swapped mine in my 4th gen in about 3 hours. It was fun too.

How did you get the lifters out of the way without removing the heads?

Silverghost · 10-23-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hylton

How did you get the lifters out of the way without removing the heads?

With pen/stick. Magnets in place of the rods

Robert91RS · 10-23-2008, 10:09 AM

LS engines have keeper boxes in the valley, just give the cam a full rotation and they stay in the up position.

Yeahyouknwit · 10-23-2008, 10:20 AM

so what exactly is a hot cam? also i have never had a new cam installed in a car. what benifits does a new cam offer?

Robert91RS · 10-23-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeahyouknwit

so what exactly is a hot cam? also i have never had a new cam installed in a car. what benifits does a new cam offer?

The "Hot Cam" is a more aggressive cam made by GM with slightly wider durrartion and higher lift. Think of the cam as the mechanical brain of a engine, it tells the valve how far to open, for how long, and at what point in reference to the opposite valve, thus controling the flow of air and fuel into the cylinder and ultimatly the power output. Remember, an engine is a big air pump, so more air in+more air out=more power!

smike07 · 10-23-2008, 01:54 PM

Not to mention the extra 50 horses GM is claiming it will give the LS3 engine!

Wm Holden · 10-23-2008, 02:09 PM

but will it smog?

see the maggie will 50 state smog.

smike07 · 10-23-2008, 02:14 PM

According to GMPP smog will not be able to detect a significant enough difference. Not only that, neither will almost everyone who gets one installed. The idle and sound will be about the same. Unless you're a GM engineer who helped develop the engine, you should have no idea until you're pasted to the seat as you accelerate.

383ss · 10-23-2008, 02:28 PM

so there is a GM hot cam for the LS3??

Robert91RS · 10-23-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smike07

Not to mention the extra 50 horses GM is claiming it will give the LS3 engine!

Oh ya, plus the 30+ most people are claiming on headers and cat back for the C6 and your well into the 500hp numbers! Bad @ss!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 383ss

so there is a GM hot cam for the LS3??

Yes, it's the same one for the LS1, LS2, LS6, etc.

logan1080 · 10-23-2008, 06:28 PM

so the best route to change the cam would be to pull off the front end?

Wm Holden · 10-23-2008, 06:38 PM

yup

Robert91RS · 10-23-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by logan1080

so the best route to change the cam would be to pull off the front end?

I would suspect you could remove the serpentine setup and pull the radiator. After that its all about thinking happy thoughts and holding your tounge just right.

*CamaroSpike23* · 10-23-2008, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert91RS

LS engines have keeper boxes in the valley, just give the cam a full rotation and they stay in the up position.

while that is a great idea... and ive done about 7 LS camswaps. on the 7th one, we had a lifter back out and drop. granted we got it out with a magnet, but if you are going to do it that way, shut off the stereo, pray you dont have an earthquake or that someone doesnt bump the motor too hard.

if it were me, id just pull the lifters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by logan1080

so the best route to change the cam would be to pull off the front end?

the front end of the motor. along with the radiator and probably the condenser.

http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23

cam swap on an LS1 4th gen

CWI · 10-23-2008, 08:16 PM

If it's GMPP, is it covered on warranty if the dealer installs it? Any effect to engine warranty?

No need to change lifters, rod, etc. Just tune afterwards?

Does it effect MPG?

*CamaroSpike23* · 10-23-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWIweldace

If it's GMPP, is it covered on warranty if the dealer installs it? Any effect to engine warranty?

No need to change lifters, rod, etc. Just tune afterwards?

Does it effect MPG?

considering the lifters/rods/etc will be brand new, you shouldnt need to worry about changing them.

and a hot cam should work with the stock valvespring max lift. now if you go with a bigger cam, you will need to make sure your valvesprings are up to the job.

Wm Holden · 10-23-2008, 08:33 PM

StuMac · 10-23-2008, 11:47 PM

How hard do you think it'll be to get the dealership to give it the ls376/480 flash when they're done? I'm assuming the new cam needs a different tune, and the official program should not violate any warranty you're trying to keep by having the dealership swap them.

playhard67 · 10-24-2008, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert91RS

The "Hot Cam" is a more aggressive cam made by GM with slightly wider durrartion and higher lift. Think of the cam as the mechanical brain of a engine, it tells the valve how far to open, for how long, and at what point in reference to the opposite valve, thus controling the flow of air and fuel into the cylinder and ultimatly the power output. Remember, an engine is a big air pump, so more air in+more air out=more power!

Anyone know the part number and a link to where I can see this Cam?

Robin Lawrence · 10-24-2008, 08:01 AM

IT's on the GM Performance Parts website. Here is a link.

https://store.gmperformanceparts.com...chText=Hot+Cam
Last one on the page.

You will also need a 3 bolt 4X Cam gear. The LS3 cam gear is now a single bolt design. A LS2 non GTO gear would work. The chain and tensioner are good to go.

This modification would not be covered under warranty. Also GM does not have a calibration that would work in the Camaro. As you know GM Performance Parts has a controller that is available for their crate LS376/480. That controller is not compatable with the Camaro.

I am sure that most tuners would be able to tune that cam change.

Robin

383ss · 10-24-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert91RS

Oh ya, plus the 30+ most people are claiming on headers and cat back for the C6 and your well into the 500hp numbers! Bad @ss!

Yes, it's the same one for the LS1, LS2, LS6, etc.

LS3 heads take a completely different cam profile than LS1/2/6 based stuff. the heads are quite different. Huge runners and a lot of flow

I know it will fit and function, it just takes a different grind.

10-23-2008, 08:25 AM	#1
logan1080 Drives: 2003 Crew Cab Duramax Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: canada Posts: 692 View My Garage	installing hot cam DO you guys think if i got the dealer to install the hot cam the car would still be the same? If they pulled the motor out then they could probably put it back to normal but if they decided to leave the motor in and just tear off the front end would they be able to assemble it back to factory condition? Would the gaps still look perfect?

10-23-2008, 08:31 AM	#2
Hylton Drives: fanboys and ass kissers crazy. Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 7,183	If the dealer knows what they are doing then yes. But after owning a 4th gen, I would drop the cradle. Much easier IMO. __________________ "BBOMG - More than just a car show.... It's an experience!"

10-23-2008, 10:09 AM	#7
Robert91RS Drives: Everywhere Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ft.Worth Texas Posts: 854	LS engines have keeper boxes in the valley, just give the cam a full rotation and they stay in the up position. Attached Images Last edited by Robert91RS; 10-23-2008 at 10:21 AM.

10-23-2008, 02:09 PM	#11
Wm Holden Yes, that's my real name. Drives: 2005 LS2 600hp GTO Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ventura, ca. Posts: 996	but will it smog? see the maggie will 50 state smog. __________________ Magnuson 112HH supercharger at 7.5 psi (Virtual 9.0 liter) 600hp 1 of 2 torrid/red int /A4/05 555r 275/40/R17's Nitto Extreme Drags 1.7 60 ft Car runs high 11's No other mods. I got the first 112HH Magnuson blower ported for a GTO. Now it appears it was also one of the last.... http://www.ribbonprinting.com http://www.personalizedawarenessribbons.com

10-23-2008, 06:38 PM	#16
Wm Holden Yes, that's my real name. Drives: 2005 LS2 600hp GTO Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ventura, ca. Posts: 996	yup __________________ Magnuson 112HH supercharger at 7.5 psi (Virtual 9.0 liter) 600hp 1 of 2 torrid/red int /A4/05 555r 275/40/R17's Nitto Extreme Drags 1.7 60 ft Car runs high 11's No other mods. I got the first 112HH Magnuson blower ported for a GTO. Now it appears it was also one of the last.... http://www.ribbonprinting.com http://www.personalizedawarenessribbons.com

10-23-2008, 08:57 AM	#3
383ss Drives: 1985 IROC, 2011 Camaro Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lemont, IL Posts: 284	cam swaps are EASY. I don't see any issues. I could swap mine in less than 2 hours on my 4th gen with the motor in the car. and yes, it should still be in 'factory' condition with everything looking normal

10-23-2008, 09:17 AM	#4
o2camaross Drives: 2010 2SS/RS & 04 silvy Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Driving Posts: 362	^^^ im with him, swapped mine in my 4th gen in about 3 hours. It was fun too.

10-23-2008, 10:20 AM	#8
Yeahyouknwit Drives: 2003 Mustang Gt Conv. Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Rehoboth Delaware Posts: 163	so what exactly is a hot cam? also i have never had a new cam installed in a car. what benifits does a new cam offer?

10-23-2008, 01:54 PM	#10
smike07 Drives: 1998 convertible Camaro RS Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 220	Not to mention the extra 50 horses GM is claiming it will give the LS3 engine!

10-23-2008, 02:14 PM	#12
smike07 Drives: 1998 convertible Camaro RS Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 220	According to GMPP smog will not be able to detect a significant enough difference. Not only that, neither will almost everyone who gets one installed. The idle and sound will be about the same. Unless you're a GM engineer who helped develop the engine, you should have no idea until you're pasted to the seat as you accelerate.

10-23-2008, 02:28 PM	#13
383ss Drives: 1985 IROC, 2011 Camaro Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lemont, IL Posts: 284	so there is a GM hot cam for the LS3??

10-23-2008, 06:28 PM	#15
logan1080 Drives: 2003 Crew Cab Duramax Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: canada Posts: 692 View My Garage	so the best route to change the cam would be to pull off the front end?

10-23-2008, 08:16 PM	#19
CWI Helping Build America Drives: 2010 2SS/RS,LS3 2006 Colorado Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nationwide Posts: 3,533 View My Garage	If it's GMPP, is it covered on warranty if the dealer installs it? Any effect to engine warranty? No need to change lifters, rod, etc. Just tune afterwards? Does it effect MPG? __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy shit, what a ride!"

10-23-2008, 08:33 PM	#21
Wm Holden Yes, that's my real name. Drives: 2005 LS2 600hp GTO Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ventura, ca. Posts: 996	__________________ Magnuson 112HH supercharger at 7.5 psi (Virtual 9.0 liter) 600hp 1 of 2 torrid/red int /A4/05 555r 275/40/R17's Nitto Extreme Drags 1.7 60 ft Car runs high 11's No other mods. I got the first 112HH Magnuson blower ported for a GTO. Now it appears it was also one of the last.... http://www.ribbonprinting.com http://www.personalizedawarenessribbons.com

10-23-2008, 11:47 PM	#22
StuMac Drives: 2010 CMG 2SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NS, Canada Posts: 118	How hard do you think it'll be to get the dealership to give it the ls376/480 flash when they're done? I'm assuming the new cam needs a different tune, and the official program should not violate any warranty you're trying to keep by having the dealership swap them. __________________ Cyber gray!

10-24-2008, 08:01 AM	#24
Robin Lawrence Drives: 2010 Camaro 69 Nova Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Galesburg, Illinois Posts: 447	IT's on the GM Performance Parts website. Here is a link. https://store.gmperformanceparts.com...chText=Hot+Cam Last one on the page. You will also need a 3 bolt 4X Cam gear. The LS3 cam gear is now a single bolt design. A LS2 non GTO gear would work. The chain and tensioner are good to go. This modification would not be covered under warranty. Also GM does not have a calibration that would work in the Camaro. As you know GM Performance Parts has a controller that is available for their crate LS376/480. That controller is not compatable with the Camaro. I am sure that most tuners would be able to tune that cam change. Robin __________________ Holley Performance Products

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