Quote:
Originally Posted by old motorhead
Why not use a little more cam? While the LS9 is cheap and you can use the stock LS3 springs, it's really not much of an upgrade over the stock LS3 cam. Your build looks top notch to me......except for that piddly cam  . A little more cam can lower your boost levels which would lower your IAT's. No need to go apeshit on the cam, but if you're changing it, you can do better. |
This is exactly the debate Tim and I have been having. My intent is to get as much out of the car without affecting the reliability or ride quality. For those of you in the same boat, here is our logic.
The LS9 is a stock OEM cam. It was engineered extensively by GM and will add the least amount of stress to the motor. Yes you do save the cost of the springs but that is negligible because on a cam the majority of the cost is labor unless you DIY. Trust me with what a supercharger, headers, etc cost, $300 is not a huge difference.
We initially speced a comp cam grind similar to ADM's Stage 2 camshaft. I think it was in the range 0f 220/230 with a 115 centerline. I can't remember for sure so don't hold me to that. Tim actually has it sitting on his shelf. That is what we initially were going with.
We spoke with Whipple about their recommendation for a cam swap. We were told that they have used the LS9 cam in their test vehicles and have gotten gains of roughly 70hp. Now this sounds overly optimistic compared to what other shops have seen with this cam. I have always been told 20-25 rwhp. But Whipple has been spot on with everything else they have told us.
Tim and I agree that it can't hurt to try it. If we can get those kinds of gains in conjunction with the other mods why run a more aggressive cam?
Tim has been very straight forward on this. I think this is the best benefit of working with a smaller shop. He ordered the custom cam and then the LS9, both on my request. I am new to modding and have done most of my research here on Camaro5. I have had a ton of questions and have changed my mind a lot. Never any pressure from Tim. I think he has been laughing on the inside, watching me try to get past spending the money. Eventually I get over it and he puts the parts on.
For now we're going with the LS9.