GPI SS4 NFC Camshaft Project

[jblaiseSS]

I've been piecing together my parts list for this camshaft install. So far I've got the GPI SS4 NFC camshaft, Ported intake manifold from GPI, BTR valve spring kit, proper pushrods, CHE trunnion kit, and sprocket/bolts to accompany the install. Other upgrades include CAI cold air intake, elite engineering catch can, and kooks long tubes. What, if anything, is needed or recommended before I bring all of this to the shop for install and tune? (I am staying NA so please don't say supercharger)

[morepowerjoe]

If I was you I would strongly recommend at least the gm performance racing lifters and if you do the lifters then I would also recommend some cometic .040 head gaskets to get your compression up a little more if your going to stay N/A, your engine will thank you for it. And a couple more things, arp head bolts or studs, an arp balancer bolt, and all the gaskets if you want to get good ones because the shop will probably cheap out on them to save money. Also make sure your pushrods are hardened.

[jblaiseSS]

Engine only has 23K miles....should've added that earlier. Not going to race or track this car. Street application only.

[joshnmn]

That really doesn’t matter.

Agree with Joe ^^

[acammer]

Originally Posted by morepowerjoe

If I was you I would strongly recommend at least the gm performance racing lifters and if you do the lifters then I would also recommend some cometic .040 head gaskets to get your compression up a little more if your going to stay N/A, your engine will thank you for it. And a couple more things, arp head bolts or studs, an arp balancer bolt, and all the gaskets if you want to get good ones because the shop will probably cheap out on them to save money. Also make sure your pushrods are hardened.

You cannot add an .040" gasket with that combination unless you also flycut - the SS4 NFC is at minimum acceptable piston to valve clearance with stock internals and unmilled heads/deck.

[acammer]

Originally Posted by jblaiseSS

I've been piecing together my parts list for this camshaft install. So far I've got the GPI SS4 NFC camshaft, Ported intake manifold from GPI, BTR valve spring kit, proper pushrods, CHE trunnion kit, and sprocket/bolts to accompany the install. Other upgrades include CAI cold air intake, elite engineering catch can, and kooks long tubes. What, if anything, is needed or recommended before I bring all of this to the shop for install and tune? (I am staying NA so please don't say supercharger)

Even though the car is low miles, an aftermarket/upgraded oil pump is always a worthwhile consideration on LS3 cars - as those pumps have a bit of a history with sticking the regulator and leaving you suddenly with no oil pressure. HD timing chain and LS2 style damper are also good upgraded to make while it's apart.

Lifters are the most common failure you see on LS engines, stock or modified, and should be on the list for any car that's going to see more than .600" lift, more than 400lbs of open pressure, or over 7000rpm. Your combination checks all three boxes, and so a Chevrolet Performance - Racing (aka Caddy) lifter would be the minimum acceptable option IMO.

ARP hardware is always a nice move, if it ever has to come back apart you'll be glad you did it. And underdrive pulley is a common upgrade to be done while doing a cam, since the balancer is already coming off.

[morepowerjoe]

Originally Posted by acammer

You cannot add an .040" gasket with that combination unless you also flycut - the SS4 NFC is at minimum acceptable piston to valve clearance with stock internals and unmilled heads/deck.

Yeah thanks Andrew I forgot about that.

[Bo White]

I ran stock lifters for a while on mine until I swapped heads. I then put new trays and Caddy lifters in

[VRCamaroSS]

Originally Posted by acammer

Even though the car is low miles, an aftermarket/upgraded oil pump is always a worthwhile consideration on LS3 cars - as those pumps have a bit of a history with sticking the regulator and leaving you suddenly with no oil pressure. HD timing chain and LS2 style damper are also good upgraded to make while it's apart.

Lifters are the most common failure you see on LS engines, stock or modified, and should be on the list for any car that's going to see more than .600" lift, more than 400lbs of open pressure, or over 7000rpm. Your combination checks all three boxes, and so a Chevrolet Performance - Racing (aka Caddy) lifter would be the minimum acceptable option IMO.

ARP hardware is always a nice move, if it ever has to come back apart you'll be glad you did it. And underdrive pulley is a common upgrade to be done while doing a cam, since the balancer is already coming off.

High pressure or high volume oil pump.

[acammer]

Originally Posted by VRCamaroSS

High pressure or high volume oil pump.

Yes - meaning both. The Melling 10296 is our go-to pump for 5th gen builds that aren't using VVT. Standard (installed) spring is fine, no sense adding the COPO spring unless you cap the relief in the pan. I've got an oil pump guide on the site that might be useful information if you want to read more.

https://gwatneyperformance.com/melli...-guide-for-ls/

[1JEWLDSSRS]

I've been running the 10295 in mine for about 7 years now and 34k miles. To date it keeps really good oil pressure throughout the entire rpm range, from idle to WOT.. And everywhere in between..

[VRCamaroSS]

Originally Posted by acammer

Yes - meaning both. The Melling 10296 is our go-to pump for 5th gen builds that aren't using VVT. Standard (installed) spring is fine, no sense adding the COPO spring unless you cap the relief in the pan. I've got an oil pump guide on the site that might be useful information if you want to read more.

https://gwatneyperformance.com/melli...-guide-for-ls/

I am sticking to NA but still deciding on a BTR stage 2 or stage 3 cam. I am deleting DOD/VVT. But also think my stock oil cooler is leaking and will either delete or add my own.

[Trawz]

Originally Posted by acammer

Yes - meaning both. The Melling 10296 is our go-to pump for 5th gen builds that aren't using VVT. Standard (installed) spring is fine, no sense adding the COPO spring unless you cap the relief in the pan. I've got an oil pump guide on the site that might be useful information if you want to read more.

https://gwatneyperformance.com/melli...-guide-for-ls/

Put in a Melling 10296 pump at Acammer's recommendation last summer.
Also did the removable secondary crossmember brackets, Improved racing oil pan baffles, oil cooler delete kit, and oil pressure relief valve delete.
It's been fantastic. Was hot idling at around 20psi before the swap, not hot idles at 38psi and shoots all the way to 70psi at high RPMs.

[acammer]

For reference, the 10296 in my SBE LS3 with COPO spring and the pan relief capped makes 90+psi from 4500-7800rpm. It certainly borders on excessive.