To VVT or NOT To VVT that is the Question - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Rmkuper · 12-21-2020, 12:54 PM

Looking at Cams for my 2010 L99. I was all set on a VVT setup from GPI when I talked to my buddy who started to put some doubt in my decision, mostly on reliability in builds over 500whp. He has been racing/building camaros for longer than I have been driving so I respect his opinion. However it seems like there are clear performance gains from VVT. What are everyone's thoughts keep it or loose it?

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InFiD3ViL · 12-21-2020, 01:09 PM

I think the reason he would question reliability for VVT builds above 500rwhp is because there are few VVT builds above 500rwhp.

Most of the VVT LS builds are NA, which is going to be right around the 500rwhp mark, maybe a little bit more on a max effort build. People usually don't keep VVT once they go with a forced induction setup, as it's benefits are not as pronounced and is also where failures are more likely.

So if staying NA, I would say keep it. I hear of very little failures on VVT builds around here that are directly attributable to the cam phaser/VVT system itself. It has proven benefits and some of the fastest cars on the Camaro5 fast list are VVT cars.

Chris49066SS · 12-21-2020, 01:10 PM

It depends on intended usage and build type. If you are doing a roots or twin screw build, its not going to hurt you to go with a 3 bolt cam because you're keeping your low end torque, whereas a turbo, centri, and NA are going to benefit from the VVT and the torque under the curve. Its also in your converter selection and overall build combo, and if you want something that is going to be enjoyable on the street and good at the strip, or something that compromises a little low end and adds more on the top end and gets you better timeslips.

I plan on a centri and will likely go to a 3 bolt cam because I don't care about steetability. The time slip is the truth, for me at least.

Roader · 12-21-2020, 05:19 PM

What’s the issue with reliability? I’m going on 3 years over the 500 mark with no issue

JLGO · 12-21-2020, 06:54 PM

Stay vvt boost or no boost the only thing you may need is to find a good tuner that can tune it.

InFiD3ViL · 12-23-2020, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roader

What’s the issue with reliability? I’m going on 3 years over the 500 mark with no issue

Yeah, I see this a lot. It usually comes from tuners convincing their customers to drop the VVT because they are not comfortable tuning it - at least that's my theory. 'More moving parts, less reliable, etc...'

With the amount of people on this site running VVT you would think we would see tons of failures based on this. But we rarely, if ever, see anything of the sort.

Rmkuper · 12-27-2020, 03:07 PM

Thanks for all the feedback folks with all that said think I'm going to stick to my guns and go with the stage 2 VVT.

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pyroguy · 12-27-2020, 07:44 PM

Don't get hung up on a number. For a L99 you're likely not to hit 500rwhp without an extreme NA build or forced induction. A 450rwhp L99 can beat a 500rwhp LS3 when done right. Heck, when paid with the right converter it can stomp it.

When I selected my cam I opted to delete VVT and do a LS3 conversion. However, you'll get as many opinions as cams on the subject. If your heart was set on a GPI VVT cam get a GPI VVT cam. You'll enjoy it especially over stock. Don't let your friend be the deciding factor.

TheFlyingBananaSS · 12-28-2020, 12:51 PM

I have a stage 2 GPI VVT cam, centrifical supercharger, and a ton of other expensive stuff. I probably have around 700hp at my crank. No problems with street or strip use. Most people are scared of the VVT because they don't understand it. It's completely safe to mod.

mcbuff52 · 01-09-2021, 09:22 PM

I ran a TSP 3.2 VVT cam for 80,000 miles, with Circle D 3200 converter, and finally a LS7 lifter broke. The engine had great low/midrange torque, but power dropped off on the top end. Was making 445 rwhp, and 437 rwtq. Replaced with GPI SS3 cam, Johnson lifters, GMPP ported heads. Made 500 rwhp, and 457 rwtq. Replaced converter with Circle D 4200 also. Driveability was much better with VVT cam. It stays at 2,000 rpm to 2,500 when cruising, and the trans runs much hotter. If you have a daily driver, in my opinion the VVT cam is the way to go. Am lucky to have a regular truck to daily drive! Whatever you decide to do, good luck, and happy LS fun! Love my Camaro!

12-21-2020, 12:54 PM	#1
Rmkuper Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Newburgh Posts: 164	To VVT or NOT To VVT that is the Question Looking at Cams for my 2010 L99. I was all set on a VVT setup from GPI when I talked to my buddy who started to put some doubt in my decision, mostly on reliability in builds over 500whp. He has been racing/building camaros for longer than I have been driving so I respect his opinion. However it seems like there are clear performance gains from VVT. What are everyone's thoughts keep it or loose it? Sent from my SM-F916U using Tapatalk

12-21-2020, 01:09 PM	#2
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,574	I think the reason he would question reliability for VVT builds above 500rwhp is because there are few VVT builds above 500rwhp. Most of the VVT LS builds are NA, which is going to be right around the 500rwhp mark, maybe a little bit more on a max effort build. People usually don't keep VVT once they go with a forced induction setup, as it's benefits are not as pronounced and is also where failures are more likely. So if staying NA, I would say keep it. I hear of very little failures on VVT builds around here that are directly attributable to the cam phaser/VVT system itself. It has proven benefits and some of the fastest cars on the Camaro5 fast list are VVT cars. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

12-21-2020, 01:10 PM	#3
Chris49066SS Drives: 2010 SS L99 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,634	It depends on intended usage and build type. If you are doing a roots or twin screw build, its not going to hurt you to go with a 3 bolt cam because you're keeping your low end torque, whereas a turbo, centri, and NA are going to benefit from the VVT and the torque under the curve. Its also in your converter selection and overall build combo, and if you want something that is going to be enjoyable on the street and good at the strip, or something that compromises a little low end and adds more on the top end and gets you better timeslips. I plan on a centri and will likely go to a 3 bolt cam because I don't care about steetability. The time slip is the truth, for me at least. __________________ Previous PB:11.079 @ 122.99mph.. New setup time: TBD The 11.079 pass: https://youtu.be/pz27Zq54t_E Build thread - www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555371

12-21-2020, 06:54 PM	#5
JLGO Drives: 2015 Camaro SS convertible L99 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 245	Stay vvt boost or no boost the only thing you may need is to find a good tuner that can tune it. __________________ Corsa CAI w/Donalson Power Filter, BBK 1 7/8 headers, MF resonator, custom exhaust with Legato mufflers, mildly ported heads, TSP VVT 3.2 cam (whole package), 3.91 1LE gears, Circle D 3200 stall torque converter, B&M power cooler tranny cooler. Tuned by Casey TSP's tuner. 1/4 12.16 117mph with stock tires at 20 psi.

12-27-2020, 07:44 PM	#8
pyroguy Started#gottalovethatblue Drives: ABM #831 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: TN Posts: 6,918 View My Garage	Don't get hung up on a number. For a L99 you're likely not to hit 500rwhp without an extreme NA build or forced induction. A 450rwhp L99 can beat a 500rwhp LS3 when done right. Heck, when paid with the right converter it can stomp it. When I selected my cam I opted to delete VVT and do a LS3 conversion. However, you'll get as many opinions as cams on the subject. If your heart was set on a GPI VVT cam get a GPI VVT cam. You'll enjoy it especially over stock. Don't let your friend be the deciding factor. __________________ '10 Camaro 2SS/RS \| Aqua Blue #831 of 3,903 \| Silver Stripes Check out my build thread

12-21-2020, 05:19 PM	#4
Roader Drives: Camaro Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Alabama Posts: 673	What’s the issue with reliability? I’m going on 3 years over the 500 mark with no issue

12-27-2020, 03:07 PM	#7
Rmkuper Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Newburgh Posts: 164	Thanks for all the feedback folks with all that said think I'm going to stick to my guns and go with the stage 2 VVT. Sent from my SM-F916U using Tapatalk

12-28-2020, 12:51 PM	#9
TheFlyingBananaSS Evil Genius of Chevrolet Drives: 2017 Z06, 2019 XTS, 2013 SS Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: New York Posts: 3,260	I have a stage 2 GPI VVT cam, centrifical supercharger, and a ton of other expensive stuff. I probably have around 700hp at my crank. No problems with street or strip use. Most people are scared of the VVT because they don't understand it. It's completely safe to mod. __________________ GPI SS2 VVT cam, ECS Novi 1500 supercharger, Corsa Extreme, Detroit Speed and BMR suspension, Circle D triple disc, Melling oil pump, LS2 chain tensioner, ATI 10% UD, DSX E85 kit, High Energy coils, BTR springs, LS2 Lifter trays, Titanium retainers, hardened push rods, FIC 1000 injectors, ZL1 pump, Mighty Mouse catch can, AEM gauges, Tial BOV, Richmond 3.91 gears, Custom gauge bezels, Speed Engineering headers, Stainless Works HF cats, DSX Aux pump, 710rwhp on E85.

01-09-2021, 09:22 PM	#10
mcbuff52 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS A6 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Bourg, La. Posts: 74 View My Garage	VVT, or LS3 style cam I ran a TSP 3.2 VVT cam for 80,000 miles, with Circle D 3200 converter, and finally a LS7 lifter broke. The engine had great low/midrange torque, but power dropped off on the top end. Was making 445 rwhp, and 437 rwtq. Replaced with GPI SS3 cam, Johnson lifters, GMPP ported heads. Made 500 rwhp, and 457 rwtq. Replaced converter with Circle D 4200 also. Driveability was much better with VVT cam. It stays at 2,000 rpm to 2,500 when cruising, and the trans runs much hotter. If you have a daily driver, in my opinion the VVT cam is the way to go. Am lucky to have a regular truck to daily drive! Whatever you decide to do, good luck, and happy LS fun! Love my Camaro!