CAM AND VALVE TRAIN FAILURES - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

GONIF · 04-29-2014, 03:15 PM

I have a 14 1Le on it's way and after break in I was thinking of installing a cam . I will have long tube headers and HF cats, CAI, race scoop, ported TB ,and a dyno tune . I want to get about 480 rwhp out of it on 91 octane . But I do not want any problems with the cam and valve train. Is there one cam that has proven to be problem free ? Seames to me a lot of folks have problems with after market HP cams in the LS3 . I need good drivability ,power and most important NO CAM AND VALVE TRAIN FAILURE . Is there a cam that has been a proven to last and preform ?

thahemp · 04-29-2014, 03:29 PM

It will last and perform as well as you install and maintain.

GONIF · 04-29-2014, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thahemp

It will last and perform as well as you install and maintain.

I'm 63 and have installed cams in everything from a 124 Fiat spider, to a V10 dodge over the years .Every small block and big block Chevy I have ever owned got a HP cam . Rollers. flat tappet solids, hydro's ,( still have the pucks/shims for Fiat and Alfas ) and Never a failure yet in over 47 years . So I think I got it down. But the posts I a'm seeing here where Pro's at shops are having failures with LS3's worries me . I have used Mostly Comp Cams in the last 30 years including on my 2000 Z28. I'm just trying to find out What brand holds up best ,and has the least problems .

VADER SS L99 · 04-29-2014, 05:40 PM

I think the problem has been a combination of things including but not limited to:

Aggressive cam profile ramp rates.
High spring pressure.
Heavy valves.
Oil type used.
Stock oil pump failure.

I think if you use a cam with a mild ramp rate mild lift grind, a good oil like Joe Gibbs LS30, Melling oil pump and good springs like BTR matched to your cam you will probably be safe. Use rocker trunion upgrade, LS2 damper and C5R timing chain for good measure. Still yet sh!t can happen with the worst case scenario being a junked engine so just be fully aware.

LSX Camaro · 04-29-2014, 05:52 PM

Mismatched parts and incorrect installation = Failure.

SWAT · 04-29-2014, 08:47 PM

Only need enough spring to get the job done for a given profile, not too much. I read a lot of these spring rates being used & they are crazy for some of these hydraulic cams.

GONIF · 04-30-2014, 01:07 PM

Any one have a suggestion on a cam kit with the cam ,springs, and needed parts that will last ,have good drivability ,good power and durability ?

Ucantctchme · 04-30-2014, 02:12 PM

Comp cam, trunion upgrade, melling pump, katech chain, ls2 three bolt setup, vengeance or BTR valve springs, VR1 synthetic oil. I drive 45 miles a day, 5 days a week. I average 17 mpg mixed. I've been daily driving it with the cam for 18 months. All is good.

376LS3 · 05-01-2014, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GONIF

Any one have a suggestion on a cam kit with the cam ,springs, and needed parts that will last ,have good drivability ,good power and durability ?

Talk to Joe and CPR about his Defibrillator cam. It drives like stock. All his cams are Lunati. Or look into PCMofNC's '545' cam. Depending on how deep into PHX you are, whenever you are ready to install your cam, I wouldnt mind coming over and lending a hand if you need. I have all the LS specific tools you would need. Just let me know.

ST1LE · 05-01-2014, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 376LS3

Talk to Joe and CPR about his Defibrillator cam. It drives like stock. All his cams are Lunati. Or look into PCMofNC's '545' cam. Depending on how deep into PHX you are, whenever you are ready to install your cam, I wouldnt mind coming over and lending a hand if you need. I have all the LS specific tools you would need. Just let me know.

Damn that is an awesome offer!!

WHAMMO · 05-01-2014, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VADER SS L99

I think the problem has been a combination of things including but not limited to:

Aggressive cam profile ramp rates.
High spring pressure.
Heavy valves.
Oil type used.
Stock oil pump failure.

I think if you use a cam with a mild ramp rate mild lift grind, a good oil like Joe Gibbs LS30, Melling oil pump and good springs like BTR matched to your cam you will probably be safe. Use rocker trunion upgrade, LS2 damper and C5R timing chain for good measure. Still yet sh!t can happen with the worst case scenario being a junked engine so just be fully aware.

Great advices here!! Ill add that the lifters could be changed for morel link lifters, but that would require to lift the heads...

Dont go crazy on the lift and match your springs to your cam (too much springs is not good).

GONIF · 05-01-2014, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 376LS3

Talk to Joe and CPR about his Defibrillator cam. It drives like stock. All his cams are Lunati. Or look into PCMofNC's '545' cam. Depending on how deep into PHX you are, whenever you are ready to install your cam, I wouldnt mind coming over and lending a hand if you need. I have all the LS specific tools you would need. Just let me know.

Thanks , I might take you up on that . I have a shop with 2 lifts (Arizona Motorcar 15th ave and Van Buren "The HOOD") and will be doing most of the bolt on stuff myself. B4 I cam and tune it I want to make sure the car has no issues ,because after the mods and tune I will not have a warranty . And Joe at CPR will be putting a NICKD tune on it ,I have already spoke to him about it .

Joe@CPR.com · 05-01-2014, 01:55 PM

Excited to work with you sir! When your ready for all those bolt on's let me know as we can price match anyone

04-29-2014, 03:15 PM	#1
GONIF Drives: 73 VETTE ,, 05 2500hd diesel,14 1LE Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: The Left lane PHOENIX AZ Posts: 2,626	CAM AND VALVE TRAIN FAILURES I have a 14 1Le on it's way and after break in I was thinking of installing a cam . I will have long tube headers and HF cats, CAI, race scoop, ported TB ,and a dyno tune . I want to get about 480 rwhp out of it on 91 octane . But I do not want any problems with the cam and valve train. Is there one cam that has proven to be problem free ? Seames to me a lot of folks have problems with after market HP cams in the LS3 . I need good drivability ,power and most important NO CAM AND VALVE TRAIN FAILURE . Is there a cam that has been a proven to last and preform ? __________________ OLD GUY FLYING FAST AND LOW

04-29-2014, 03:29 PM	#2
thahemp Geek Drives: 2012 Black LS3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Derby, KS Posts: 4,343 View My Garage	It will last and perform as well as you install and maintain. __________________ 01000111011011110110111101100100001000000110110001 11010101100011011010110010000001110111011010010111 01000110100000100000011101000110100001101001011100 110010000001101111011011100110010100100001 x = ac97968bd3df8f968c8cd3df998a9c94d3df9c8a918bd3df9c 909c94df8c8a9c949a8dd3df92908b979a8ddf998a9c949a8d d3df8b968b8cd1 x = ~x

04-29-2014, 05:40 PM	#4
VADER SS L99 Drives: 2013 A6 GT 5.0 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 2,909	I think the problem has been a combination of things including but not limited to: Aggressive cam profile ramp rates. High spring pressure. Heavy valves. Oil type used. Stock oil pump failure. I think if you use a cam with a mild ramp rate mild lift grind, a good oil like Joe Gibbs LS30, Melling oil pump and good springs like BTR matched to your cam you will probably be safe. Use rocker trunion upgrade, LS2 damper and C5R timing chain for good measure. Still yet sh!t can happen with the worst case scenario being a junked engine so just be fully aware. __________________ BLK/BLK 1SS/RS Ordered 11-01-2009 Took delivery 12-22-2009. Heads/cam/converter/bolt ons. SOLD Feb 2015 to fund 6th gen LT1 SS with 8L90E.

04-29-2014, 05:52 PM	#5
LSX Camaro Master ASE, GM, LSX Tech. Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,034	Mismatched parts and incorrect installation = Failure. __________________ 2010 2SSRS A6, Custom Pat G. Cam, WCCH Cylinder Heads, Kooks Headers/Exhaust, BTR Valvetrain, Fluidampr 25% UDP, All Engine ARP bolts, Flex-a-lite radiator/Trans cooler, Yank converter, PFADT Suspension, ADM Race Intake/Scoop, Torq tow hook, CFD auto shifter, Dynojet AFR gauge, Aeroforce scan gauge, Brake Performance rotors/pads Prothane bushings, ZL1 wheels, spoiler, Z/28 wickerbill, 1LE Aero/Suspension Package, Anderson Composites COPO Carbon Fiber Hood, LED lighting, Elite Catch Can, Improved Racing oil pan baffle, crank scraper, windage tray 480 RWHP 452 RWTQ + Nitrous Express 150 Shot

04-30-2014, 01:07 PM	#7
GONIF Drives: 73 VETTE ,, 05 2500hd diesel,14 1LE Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: The Left lane PHOENIX AZ Posts: 2,626	Any one have a suggestion on a cam kit with the cam ,springs, and needed parts that will last ,have good drivability ,good power and durability ? __________________ OLD GUY FLYING FAST AND LOW

04-29-2014, 08:47 PM	#6
SWAT Drives: 2011 2SS RS L99 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 5,708	Only need enough spring to get the job done for a given profile, not too much. I read a lot of these spring rates being used & they are crazy for some of these hydraulic cams.

04-30-2014, 02:12 PM	#8
Ucantctchme Drives: 2010 ss. 1990 RS the faster one. Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Orlando Posts: 549	Comp cam, trunion upgrade, melling pump, katech chain, ls2 three bolt setup, vengeance or BTR valve springs, VR1 synthetic oil. I drive 45 miles a day, 5 days a week. I average 17 mpg mixed. I've been daily driving it with the cam for 18 months. All is good. __________________ Vararam, XS Power longtubes and exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers, 1LE gears, Vengeance Racing spec'd comp cam with all supporting valvetrain upgrades, Melling Pump. QTP cutouts. 480rwhp.

05-01-2014, 01:55 PM	#13
Joe@CPR.com Account Suspended Drives: 03 vette, 94 trans am, 04 gto Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 995	Excited to work with you sir! When your ready for all those bolt on's let me know as we can price match anyone