LS3 conversions...are they worth it?

[Supercharged SS]

Originally Posted by Camarojt

I would be happy with no payouts, but I see your point on that part. Somewhere, somehow, the fast list classes need a race set up just like the classes are.

As far as Mikey, like the old Life Cereal commercial said, "He won't do it....He hates everything." "HEY MIKEY...HE LIKES IT!!"

Those moderators get dragged every which way at the fest. I'd be surprised if they actual have any fun.

I'm with you, forget the payouts. Maybe just a plaque/trophy for the top two in each class.

Don't forget they need to please the masses, not just a few knuckleheads.

Over half of the fast list cars never show so it'll never be a gd place to say run the top ten cars in each class.

Talk to mike and get his thoughts. Maybe he can figure something out.

[CFD]

Originally Posted by RichP

What is the ~cost to have a VVT cam installed in a L99(parts + labor) vs going with the LS3 conversion?

I'd be interested in doing a VVT1 or 2 to hold me over until I can do an AGP or ECS kit.

With a vvt1 cam you could get away with just the cam swap which would be much cheaper but you would still have the afm/dod set up which is the weak kink. If you change the lifters then the cost between the two is very similar, maybe a hundred or two different for a new valley pan, phaser limiter and a few misc. parts.

[SPCBA]

no vvt love for road course :(

lets be honest if you have a tuner you want to give more options to then vvt is a great option. I know giving my tuner more options will only make my car faster and safer...

if your tuner is uncomfortable or inexperienced with retarding and advancing the cam at different rpms then go with something they are comfortable in.

my vvt cam cost kind of snowballed...soooo yeah. couldnt justify removing the heads without giving them some love too...wcch take our money haha

ohh yeah... afm/dod bad vvt good

[RichP]

I would probably get a VVT1 cam but haven't really researched the total costs including labor vs total cost going with an LS3 conversion.

Are we talking $2000 installed for vvt VS $3000 going Ls3 conv + cam installed?

I would tune out AFM/DOD if I went with vvt, assuming you need new lifters then?

Originally Posted by CFD

With a vvt1 cam you could get away with just the cam swap which would be much cheaper but you would still have the afm/dod set up which is the weak kink. If you change the lifters then the cost between the two is very similar, maybe a hundred or two different for a new valley pan, phaser limiter and a few misc. parts.

[angryv6]

So would I be safe with a cam swap, new lifters and a tune on a L99?

[CFD]

Originally Posted by RichP

I would probably get a VVT1 cam but haven't really researched the total costs including labor vs total cost going with an LS3 conversion.

Are we talking $2000 installed for vvt VS $3000 going Ls3 conv + cam installed?

I would tune out AFM/DOD if I went with vvt, assuming you need new lifters then?

I think the differences should be explained as this will help. As for the exact costs you would need to price out the parts and inquire with who ever will be doing the work.

A vvt cam is about the same price as a non vvt cam

All the gaskets and hardware are the same price

You will need a phase limiter but they are very inexpensive, with an ls3 conversion you will need the cam gear which is a little more expensive and the timing cover so at this point the ls3 conversion is a little more expensive,

Labor is not that much different.

There are vvt cams that do not require the lifters to be changed. Keep in mind when people talk ls3 conversion the lifters and related parts are the biggest part of it, not the cam so with an ls3 conversion the lifters are required to be changed.

Now with the cam out of the way is where the cost comes in but it is not really much different for a vvt set up or ls3 conversion.

This cost is changing out the lifters and related parts. The lifters and related parts are the afm/dod system as far as hard parts go, it will be non functional once changed regardless of tune.Regardless of if you're going vvt or ls3 conversion the lifters are the weak link, it requires the same parts to change the lifters out and it is highly recommended as they have been known to fail.

[newcamaroguy7]

Originally Posted by angryv6

So would I be safe with a cam swap, new lifters and a tune on a L99?

Would like to know as well. An which cam to buy to be the safest.

[Mcarltonjr]

Im considering buying all the parts and anything needed through rhino and doing the install myself. Seems more practical for my budget. I don't like the idea of the cost of the LS3 conversion.

[CFD]

Originally Posted by newcamaroguy7

Would like to know as well. An which cam to buy to be the safest.

Originally Posted by Mcarltonjr

Im considering buying all the parts and anything needed through rhino and doing the install myself. Seems more practical for my budget. I don't like the idea of the cost of the LS3 conversion.

As I keep trying to point out when installing any cam in the L99 (other than a very mild vvt cam where you are not changing the lifters) you are basically doing an LS3 conversion. The only real difference would be that with a complete LS3 conversion your cam timing is fixed where as with a VVT cam it is not but that is not because of additional parts, it's done through tuning. They both require almost the exact same parts with only a few differences that don't really have much effect on the cost.

As far as which cam best suits your needs talk to a few suppliers and they will set you straight.

[newcamaroguy7]

Wasn't trying to go a huge cam something that'll put me close to 12.0 or lower I'm at. 12.8 rite now with no headers lookin to invest in headers then a udp or vice versa

[62nalide]

Originally Posted by newcamaroguy7

Wasn't trying to go a huge cam something that'll put me close to 12.0 or lower I'm at. 12.8 rite now with no headers lookin to invest in headers then a udp or vice versa

You can hit 11s with bolt ons

[newcamaroguy7]

Was thinking of going tsp headers an a udp