What are your thoughts for a Solid Lift cam for the z/28 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

pimp2303 · 05-10-2016, 05:52 PM

I was talking with a company about doing some upgrades and they through out the idea of possible Solid Lift cam. I'm not to familiar with the LS7 or Solid Lift cams setup.

What are your thoughts on Solid Lift cam setup for the Z/28.

chimazo · 05-10-2016, 06:29 PM

I thought about it for a minute, but as you probably know, there are a TON of hydraulic lifter cams available for the LS7, ranging from virtually undetectable 500rwhp cams to surging, rowdy 600rwhp versions, so why bother with a solid lifter setup?

The main reason most don't bother with solid lifter cams is because of the increased noise, maintenance, and (generally) decreased durability. Modern hydraulic grinds offer 99% of the performance of solid, without the need to check your clearances every 5k miles and without the hassle of setting it all up. I saw a dyno test in a mag a few yrs ago and the difference in HP was in the single digits, and even that was only above like 5k rpm.

Stephen12ZL1 · 05-10-2016, 10:17 PM

what the heck would you want with a solid lifter cam? That is old small block stuff from the 60's. Our engines utilize hydraulic roller lifters which are far superior to solid lifters. Aftermarket options for camshaft upgrades are plentiful. Check out Brian Tooley as he has a great website. Also, the maintenance involved with checking valve lash is a huge PITA that is unnecessary with hydraulic lifters.

Sakudog · 05-11-2016, 12:21 AM

Step back and do about 3 months of research before you touch your car sir...

pimp2303 · 05-11-2016, 02:35 AM

I was just curious to see thought, I don't know much about solid lift cams but have read about how much loving they need. I don't think that's something I have the time for right now anyway. I'll more than likely stick with hydro but was curious about them for these cars.

td195f · 05-11-2016, 06:11 PM

Just my opinion, but unless you're going to spin your LS7 well above the current factory redline you don't need a solid roller lifter. You can do just fine with a hydraulic roller and more cam. Along with the cam and lifters you'll also need to upgrade the rest of the valvetrain for the higher RPM. Solid flat tappets are ancient history. Hydraulic rollers will perform better without the headaches of a solid flat tappet. I've built several solid roller lifter motors but they were built to spin as high as 9000 RPM. Those engines didn't contain a single stock chevy part and cost $$$$.

DrkPhx · 05-12-2016, 11:22 AM

A solid cam is not nearly insane as you guys are making it sound. Search low lash solid LS cams on here and on LS1tech and you will find some pretty interesting information. Kip at Cam Motion (and Geoff at EPS) has tons of experience running a LS solid cam. There are additional benefits to a solid cam other than extended rpm range and still are relatively low maintenance unlike the old school solid flat tappet cams.Whether it suits the OP's end game or not; that's up to him to decide.

On a similar note, I ran a solid cam (custom cut on non LS lobes) AND hydraulic lifters (aka a cheater cam) on my previous setup on the street and track without a problem and I spun it to 7200-7400 rpm without blinking an eye.

delphigto · 05-12-2016, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrkPhx

A solid cam is not nearly insane as you guys are making it sound. Search low lash solid LS cams on here and on LS1tech and you will find some pretty interesting information. Kip at Cam Motion (and Geoff at EPS) has tons of experience running a LS solid cam. There are additional benefits to a solid cam other than extended rpm range and still are relatively low maintenance unlike the old school solid flat tappet cams.Whether it suits the OP's end game or not; that's up to him to decide.

On a similar note, I ran a solid cam (custom cut on non LS lobes) AND hydraulic lifters (aka a cheater cam) on my previous setup on the street and track without a problem and I spun it to 7200-7400 rpm without blinking an eye.

I agree. I wouldn't hesitate to run solid lift cam. Just as long as your capable of checking them once a year.

05-10-2016, 05:52 PM	#1
pimp2303 Drives: 2014 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: DMV Posts: 52	What are your thoughts for a Solid Lift cam for the z/28 I was talking with a company about doing some upgrades and they through out the idea of possible Solid Lift cam. I'm not to familiar with the LS7 or Solid Lift cams setup. What are your thoughts on Solid Lift cam setup for the Z/28.

05-10-2016, 10:17 PM	#3
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,824	what the heck would you want with a solid lifter cam? That is old small block stuff from the 60's. Our engines utilize hydraulic roller lifters which are far superior to solid lifters. Aftermarket options for camshaft upgrades are plentiful. Check out Brian Tooley as he has a great website. Also, the maintenance involved with checking valve lash is a huge PITA that is unnecessary with hydraulic lifters. __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)

05-11-2016, 12:21 AM	#4
Sakudog Drives: 2019 ZL1 1LE A10 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: The ATX Posts: 966	Step back and do about 3 months of research before you touch your car sir... __________________ Ryker #29 2019 ZL1 1LE A10 2015 Z/28 #809

05-11-2016, 06:11 PM	#6
td195f Drives: 2015 Z/28 #786 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hastings, NY Posts: 475	Just my opinion, but unless you're going to spin your LS7 well above the current factory redline you don't need a solid roller lifter. You can do just fine with a hydraulic roller and more cam. Along with the cam and lifters you'll also need to upgrade the rest of the valvetrain for the higher RPM. Solid flat tappets are ancient history. Hydraulic rollers will perform better without the headaches of a solid flat tappet. I've built several solid roller lifter motors but they were built to spin as high as 9000 RPM. Those engines didn't contain a single stock chevy part and cost $$$$. __________________ 2015 Z/28 #786 - Black 2004 Silverado 3500 Dually - D'Max - Suncoast - Banks - Edge - Custom Tune by D'Max Tuner / Spitzer '32 Bantam Altered Drag Car - Blown Alcohol 380 CI Small Block Chevy

05-10-2016, 06:29 PM	#2
chimazo Drives: 2016 Ram Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Texas Posts: 243	I thought about it for a minute, but as you probably know, there are a TON of hydraulic lifter cams available for the LS7, ranging from virtually undetectable 500rwhp cams to surging, rowdy 600rwhp versions, so why bother with a solid lifter setup? The main reason most don't bother with solid lifter cams is because of the increased noise, maintenance, and (generally) decreased durability. Modern hydraulic grinds offer 99% of the performance of solid, without the need to check your clearances every 5k miles and without the hassle of setting it all up. I saw a dyno test in a mag a few yrs ago and the difference in HP was in the single digits, and even that was only above like 5k rpm.

05-11-2016, 02:35 AM	#5
pimp2303 Drives: 2014 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: DMV Posts: 52	I was just curious to see thought, I don't know much about solid lift cams but have read about how much loving they need. I don't think that's something I have the time for right now anyway. I'll more than likely stick with hydro but was curious about them for these cars.

05-12-2016, 11:22 AM	#7
DrkPhx Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 / 2006 TB SS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: MN Posts: 2,250	A solid cam is not nearly insane as you guys are making it sound. Search low lash solid LS cams on here and on LS1tech and you will find some pretty interesting information. Kip at Cam Motion (and Geoff at EPS) has tons of experience running a LS solid cam. There are additional benefits to a solid cam other than extended rpm range and still are relatively low maintenance unlike the old school solid flat tappet cams.Whether it suits the OP's end game or not; that's up to him to decide. On a similar note, I ran a solid cam (custom cut on non LS lobes) AND hydraulic lifters (aka a cheater cam) on my previous setup on the street and track without a problem and I spun it to 7200-7400 rpm without blinking an eye.