Who has added an LS9 cam to their LS3?

[caverman]

Just trying to get some feedback on anyone that has swapped out their cam to the LS9 cam. It's supposed to be worth 20-25 rwhp and still sound stock. Biggest thing is it should be alot cheaper because the cam itself is only about $130 and there is no need to change the springs and stuff.

Wanted to see if anyone on here has done the swap and can give any feedback on it. I'm sure the driveablilty is still good just like stock cam but I'm curious if the 25 rwhp would be somewhat accurate. I'm also assuming the car would still need to be re-tuned to take advantage of the performance.

No need for anyone to come in and say step up to a bigger cam. I know that would be the best option but this should be about 1/3 the cost to have installed and won't be an obvious warranty killer like the bigger cam will be.

I'm just starting the research so any feedback about this specific would be great.

[Bad70supreme]

I forgot who but that cam makes 20-25rwhp on stock tune also. With headers they mad 430rwhp on the stock tune also. The cam does not require a tune, but I am sure with headers and cold air it would benifit. I still might run it, doing the install myself and with 2" Lts I was hopping to maybe pull 440hp with a few other bolt-ons. Its a cheap power maker, and will be like stock on the street.

[caverman]

Cool...do you know how hard it would be to install yourself for someone that is somewhat mechanically inclined?

Is there anything else besides the cam that is needed?

This is my first LS motor but I've worked on small block chevy before.

My car made 411 rwhp with 1 3/4" headers and intake. If I could get to 430 rwhp without spending a ton of money I would be happy with that.

[Snake Slayer]

Originally Posted by caverman

Cool...do you know how hard it would be to install yourself for someone that is somewhat mechanically inclined?

Is there anything else besides the cam that is needed?

This is my first LS motor but I've worked on small block chevy before.

My car made 411 rwhp with 1 3/4" headers and intake. If I could get to 430 rwhp without spending a ton of money I would be happy with that.

Great post the one downside of this is that if you are not doing the install yourself the cost of R&R might make this prohibitive. But if you are doing the install yourself 200.00 is dirt cheap for 25rwhp consider what we all pay for a set of longtubes.

[CBRTRX]

You'll need a 3 bolt cam gear.

[S-eatin-grin]

I had not heard previously about not needing to change any of the valvetrain components with swapping to the ZR-1 cam. Can anybody discuss the validity of this claim?

[caverman]

Sounds like the 20 rwhp gain is more of a peak gain and not throught the power band.

[greenmachinedriver]

cam only installs on ls motors are stupid easy. i would still upgrade the valvesprings and pushrods to be on the safe side.

im shure there is a good diy on it somwhere but its basically remove the valvecovers, loosen all the rockers, pull the pushrods, teardown the front of the motor, take the front cover off, unbolt the cam gear, spin the cam backwards to push the lifters back into their bores and pull it out. oh yeah and before you take the cam out the radiator and condensor need to come out.

[sspaul]

talk to 94guy he insalled the ls9 cam in his l99, he said the car drives like stock, it is a tad bit louder but nothing like a big cam would be

[Irnwkrkev]

The condenser doesn't need to come out. Just loosen the the bolt down tabs on the lines and swing it up out of the way. I hung it up with tie wire. The stock valve train handles the cam just fine as long as it's an ls3, no issues with valve float whatsoever. I didn't even have to pull the pushrods, just loosen and remove the rockers. Mine was running a little lean at part throttle, had it tuned and eliminated that but didn't pick up any power. Made 428rwhp on a dynojet with cat delete pipes. I had made a post about it back in January.

[caverman]

Originally Posted by Irnwkrkev

The condenser doesn't need to come out. Just loosen the the bolt down tabs on the lines and swing it up out of the way. I hung it up with tie wire. The stock valve train handles the cam just fine as long as it's an ls3, no issues with valve float whatsoever. I didn't even have to pull the pushrods, just loosen and remove the rockers. Mine was running a little lean at part throttle, had it tuned and eliminated that but didn't pick up any power. Made 428rwhp on a dynojet with cat delete pipes. I had made a post about it back in January.

You added the LS9 cam?

Can you send me the link to your post.

[Irnwkrkev]

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122154

[95droptopZ]

Here is a good DIY cam install.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...ht=CAM+INSTALL

[caverman]

Originally Posted by 95droptopZ

Here is a good DIY cam install.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...ht=CAM+INSTALL

Thanks!