Need camshaft help - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

dma05 · 03-22-2021, 01:01 PM

My goal is about 600-650hp. My Camaro gets driven about 2-3 times a month. I don't ever plan to take it to the track, its more of just a fun thing for me. I always leave work late at night when I drive it, so the freeway is EMPTY and that is when I get to feel the power.

I definitely don't want to just buy and buy and buy, I want the best setup for my goal. I do have a mechanic who I trust and I let only work on my cars, so he is my backup if I mess anything up, but if this turns out to be to hard to install on my own, I will have him do it.

I will definitely do the Heartbeat install myself.

So I'm guessing the following should be fine:
-Camshaft
-Valve Springs
-Pushrods
-Timing set

I was reading that I should only get the C5R chain from Katech only?

thanks

TheFlyingBananaSS · 03-22-2021, 01:06 PM

Most cams are available as a complete install kit with everything you will need including gaskets. Make sure you get the LS2 chain damper in the kit. And upgrade your trunions , most have the CHE trunion kit or similar.

RupertPupkin · 03-22-2021, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dma05

My goal is about 600-650hp. My Camaro gets driven about 2-3 times a month. I don't ever plan to take it to the track, its more of just a fun thing for me. I always leave work late at night when I drive it, so the freeway is EMPTY and that is when I get to feel the power.

I definitely don't want to just buy and buy and buy, I want the best setup for my goal. I do have a mechanic who I trust and I let only work on my cars, so he is my backup if I mess anything up, but if this turns out to be to hard to install on my own, I will have him do it.

I will definitely do the Heartbeat install myself.

So I'm guessing the following should be fine:
-Camshaft
-Valve Springs
-Pushrods
-Timing set

I was reading that I should only get the C5R chain from Katech only?

thanks

Cam: yes. Go big or go home
Springs: yes. BTR 660 springs
Rods: yes. Make sure they’re the right length
Timing Set: yes
Chain: yes

Get the proper injectors too, and maybe some e85. You won’t regret it

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFlyingBananaSS

Most cams are available as a complete install kit with everything you will need including gaskets. Make sure you get the LS2 chain damper in the kit. And upgrade your trunions , most have the CHE trunion kit or similar.

This^

old motorhead · 03-22-2021, 03:17 PM

My last two LS3's were both TVS 2300 blown. One a jackshaft Maggie and the other a Heartbeat. Go as big as you want on the camshaft, but like I mentioned earlier, a big camshaft is totally unnecessary for your power goals. If you want good drivability, a big/nasty blower cam isn't the smart play.

An 81 mm blower pulley, all the bolt ons, and a camshaft similar to what I mentioned earlier got me 664 rwhp on 9psi. Perfect manners too. Add E85 to that one and you're over 700 at the wheels. If it matters to you, the idle was slightly rough. No mistaking it for stock.

dma05 · 03-22-2021, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old motorhead

My last two LS3's were both TVS 2300 blown. One a jackshaft Maggie and the other a Heartbeat. Go as big as you want on the camshaft, but like I mentioned earlier, a big camshaft is totally unnecessary for your power goals. If you want good drivability, a big/nasty blower cam isn't the smart play.

An 81 mm blower pulley, all the bolt ons, and a camshaft similar to what I mentioned earlier got me 664 rwhp on 9psi. Perfect manners too. Add E85 to that one and you're over 700 at the wheels. If it matters to you, the idle was slightly rough. No mistaking it for stock.

Thanks for the info. I'm sure I will be going back and forth with what cam and add-ons I want. I really do appreciate all the input. It's so overwhelming at times, but the Forum helps SO MUCH!.

dma05 · 03-22-2021, 09:43 PM

OH, I found the thread below while do more research today. After reading it, I definitely know I can do this install. Just need to buy/borrow some specialty tools I don't have.

https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125123

03-22-2021, 01:01 PM	#15
dma05 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Azusa, CA Posts: 360	My goal is about 600-650hp. My Camaro gets driven about 2-3 times a month. I don't ever plan to take it to the track, its more of just a fun thing for me. I always leave work late at night when I drive it, so the freeway is EMPTY and that is when I get to feel the power. I definitely don't want to just buy and buy and buy, I want the best setup for my goal. I do have a mechanic who I trust and I let only work on my cars, so he is my backup if I mess anything up, but if this turns out to be to hard to install on my own, I will have him do it. I will definitely do the Heartbeat install myself. So I'm guessing the following should be fine: -Camshaft -Valve Springs -Pushrods -Timing set I was reading that I should only get the C5R chain from Katech only? thanks __________________ Allen 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS

03-22-2021, 01:06 PM	#16
TheFlyingBananaSS Evil Genius of Chevrolet Drives: 2017 Z06, 2019 XTS, 2013 SS Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: New York Posts: 3,260	Most cams are available as a complete install kit with everything you will need including gaskets. Make sure you get the LS2 chain damper in the kit. And upgrade your trunions , most have the CHE trunion kit or similar. __________________ 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.

03-22-2021, 09:43 PM	#20
dma05 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Azusa, CA Posts: 360	OH, I found the thread below while do more research today. After reading it, I definitely know I can do this install. Just need to buy/borrow some specialty tools I don't have. https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125123 __________________ Allen 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS

03-22-2021, 03:17 PM	#18
old motorhead Drives: Maggie blown LS3 vette Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SE TX Posts: 1,490	My last two LS3's were both TVS 2300 blown. One a jackshaft Maggie and the other a Heartbeat. Go as big as you want on the camshaft, but like I mentioned earlier, a big camshaft is totally unnecessary for your power goals. If you want good drivability, a big/nasty blower cam isn't the smart play. An 81 mm blower pulley, all the bolt ons, and a camshaft similar to what I mentioned earlier got me 664 rwhp on 9psi. Perfect manners too. Add E85 to that one and you're over 700 at the wheels. If it matters to you, the idle was slightly rough. No mistaking it for stock.