Need Advice on Cam Upgrade and Necessary Components - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

atressler85 · 06-23-2024, 02:20 PM

BLUF: Replacing oil pump and want to add a new cam for more torque and aggressive sound, but need guidance on which cam to get and what additional components to upgrade.

My 2012 2SS LS3 needs a new oil pump and will be replacing it (got the oil pressure warning) with the Melling 10295. My wife has given me to green light to mod the car since it's a project car now, and I want to add a new cam, but I don't necessarily know what actually needs to be upgraded with it.

I'm still learning about cams and whatnot, and don't really know what cam to get, but I have read that other things need to be upgraded with the cam, such as the valve springs, valvetrain components (retainers, locks, seals, and seats), pushrods, and cam sprocket.

I'm not looking to add an excessive amount of horse power and make it into a drag car, but I would like to have a little more torque and have it sounds a bit more aggressive.

I could use some help being pointed in the right direction for cams, and what items actually need to be updated with it. Also, since I'll be replacing the oil pump, what else should I upgrade?

Thanks for the help!!

RupertPupkin · 06-23-2024, 03:19 PM

This is what I had b4 my engine blew. This was a BEAST!!

https://youtu.be/RqBwd1LTDPg

https://www.tickperformance.com/tick...3-l99-engines/

AlisoBob · 06-23-2024, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atressler85

BLUF: My wife has given me to green light .....

Low oil pressure is a low volume pump issue.

The pump you want to install is a high pressure pump.

You need to rethink your choice. Look at the Melling 10355

morepowerjoe · 06-24-2024, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlisoBob

Low oil pressure is a low volume pump issue.

The pump you want to install is a high pressure pump.

You need to rethink your choice. Look at the Melling 10355

I think you meant a high volume pump right?

ariZona28 · 06-24-2024, 12:03 PM

How many miles on the motor? LS3 oil pumps usually don't just "go bad" (not saying it can't happen). What oil pressures are you seeing? Any unusual noises? You may want to do some trouble shooting prior to purchasing expensive parts. Get a good quality hand held gauge and cross check your dash readings. You may just have a bad oil pressure sensor OR severely worn internal components.

b4wheeler · 06-24-2024, 01:14 PM

Best way to go at this is not asing a forum. You will get a million different answers from a million different people.
Call the manufacturer/vendor of the cam or parts you are interested in and ask them to set you up with all the parts need for what you want to do.
I have emailed GPI more than once and they are more than willing to work with you and get you set up with everything you need to accomplish your goals.

The_bald_eagle_machine · 06-24-2024, 01:30 PM

When I add my cam in the future I plan on replacing and upgrading every piece that I am removing with an exception of the cylinder heads themselves. Pulling the heads? Midaswell upgrade to ARP bolts. If the oil pump is coming off, then now way am I not upgrading it to a Melling HV/HP pump. Cam kit? I would go comprehensive, such as hardened pushrods, upgraded springs, Rocker bushings to replace the needle bearings, Appropriate retainers, lifters, new keepers, valve stem seals, etc... A full comprehensive kit will probably run you about $1200-1500 just in parts alone.

I'm pretty close to Ocala, which is around 2 hours from you in Jacksonville. I would call or email your local tuners and ask them for their opinions as well. I tuned my car with Jeffs tuning and performance in Ocala and he was great. In Jacksonville i have heard good things about Annonymous Calibrations. They have a facebook group that you can join and speak to the owner regarding recommendations. Personally when I spoke to Jeff at my tuning shop, I did exactly what he recommended and got the exact result he said i would. He also guided me on the future of my build and told me exactly what I need to hit my 600rwhp goal on tested, tried and true builds that he has worked on.

If you've got the money and don't mind travelling...Howard at Redline performance in Fort Lauderdale FL is one of the best in the business. All in his cam kit with install and tune was $3500 and he told me exactly how much power it would make. If i hadn't moved to North florida I would have took my car back to him to get it done. He will schedule you an in and out appointment and you could be in and out of there in 1-2 days total. Maybe take a vacation with the wife and get your car built at the same time!

06-23-2024, 02:20 PM	#1
atressler85 Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 54	Need Advice on Cam Upgrade and Necessary Components BLUF: Replacing oil pump and want to add a new cam for more torque and aggressive sound, but need guidance on which cam to get and what additional components to upgrade. My 2012 2SS LS3 needs a new oil pump and will be replacing it (got the oil pressure warning) with the Melling 10295. My wife has given me to green light to mod the car since it's a project car now, and I want to add a new cam, but I don't necessarily know what actually needs to be upgraded with it. I'm still learning about cams and whatnot, and don't really know what cam to get, but I have read that other things need to be upgraded with the cam, such as the valve springs, valvetrain components (retainers, locks, seals, and seats), pushrods, and cam sprocket. I'm not looking to add an excessive amount of horse power and make it into a drag car, but I would like to have a little more torque and have it sounds a bit more aggressive. I could use some help being pointed in the right direction for cams, and what items actually need to be updated with it. Also, since I'll be replacing the oil pump, what else should I upgrade? Thanks for the help!! __________________ --- 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS --- K&N CAI, BBK Headers, Borla Exhaust

06-23-2024, 03:19 PM	#2
RupertPupkin Drives: 2014 Camaro SS 1Le Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: IL Posts: 1,706	This is what I had b4 my engine blew. This was a BEAST!! https://youtu.be/RqBwd1LTDPg https://www.tickperformance.com/tick...3-l99-engines/ __________________ 2014 SS 1LE Money Pit/ Forged 402 CAM 22X/24X, .619/.617, 113 LSA/ LS9 Heads FIC 1200cc/DSX Aux Pump//McLeod RXT Clutch 730whp: 630Trq

06-24-2024, 12:03 PM	#5
ariZona28 Give speed a chance Drives: 2015 Camaro 2LS, 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 2,797	How many miles on the motor? LS3 oil pumps usually don't just "go bad" (not saying it can't happen). What oil pressures are you seeing? Any unusual noises? You may want to do some trouble shooting prior to purchasing expensive parts. Get a good quality hand held gauge and cross check your dash readings. You may just have a bad oil pressure sensor OR severely worn internal components. __________________ 2LS: a TREMENDOUS machine. Z/28: it's a BIT MORE POWERFUL, of course.

06-24-2024, 01:14 PM	#6
b4wheeler Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Vert Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Cordova, Md Posts: 632 View My Garage	Best way to go at this is not asing a forum. You will get a million different answers from a million different people. Call the manufacturer/vendor of the cam or parts you are interested in and ask them to set you up with all the parts need for what you want to do. I have emailed GPI more than once and they are more than willing to work with you and get you set up with everything you need to accomplish your goals. __________________ 2011 2SS/RS Convertible, Victory Red, Roto-Fab CAI, Stainless Power 1 7/8 headers, No Cats, Straight piped, Bo White TB, Circle D, 3.91, ZL1 CONVERSION, CDC Roll bar and some powder coating and dipping.

06-24-2024, 01:30 PM	#7
The_bald_eagle_machine Anthony S Drives: 2011 chevrolet camaro 2ss/rs Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Chiefland, FL Posts: 1,001	When I add my cam in the future I plan on replacing and upgrading every piece that I am removing with an exception of the cylinder heads themselves. Pulling the heads? Midaswell upgrade to ARP bolts. If the oil pump is coming off, then now way am I not upgrading it to a Melling HV/HP pump. Cam kit? I would go comprehensive, such as hardened pushrods, upgraded springs, Rocker bushings to replace the needle bearings, Appropriate retainers, lifters, new keepers, valve stem seals, etc... A full comprehensive kit will probably run you about $1200-1500 just in parts alone. I'm pretty close to Ocala, which is around 2 hours from you in Jacksonville. I would call or email your local tuners and ask them for their opinions as well. I tuned my car with Jeffs tuning and performance in Ocala and he was great. In Jacksonville i have heard good things about Annonymous Calibrations. They have a facebook group that you can join and speak to the owner regarding recommendations. Personally when I spoke to Jeff at my tuning shop, I did exactly what he recommended and got the exact result he said i would. He also guided me on the future of my build and told me exactly what I need to hit my 600rwhp goal on tested, tried and true builds that he has worked on. If you've got the money and don't mind travelling...Howard at Redline performance in Fort Lauderdale FL is one of the best in the business. All in his cam kit with install and tune was $3500 and he told me exactly how much power it would make. If i hadn't moved to North florida I would have took my car back to him to get it done. He will schedule you an in and out appointment and you could be in and out of there in 1-2 days total. Maybe take a vacation with the wife and get your car built at the same time! __________________ Follow me on instagram @Cthulu_the_trans_am https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=600181 2011 Camaro 2SSRS - Sold No longer a 5th gen owner, but still an enthusiast. Ask me about my Front crash bars!