I Know... another VVT cam thread but I could use some advice.

[bigsquirrel]

Here's my situation. My tuner, Dave at Motiva. Asked me to put a VVT cam in my car for a pretty big discount in labor.

His reasoning is that there are multiple L99 Camaros that might go cam but the price of the LS3 Conversion is holding them back. (Makes sense to me once you factor in the LS3 conversion the $ to HP ratio gets a lot more narrow)

My relevant mods are: Whipple, Kooks 1 7/8 and 2.5 sleeper catback and MSD BAP 65 lb injectors

My questions:

I see a lot of discussion regarding the AFM lifters but I can't find any example of them failing with a mild VVT cam, has this happened?

I'm already at 530ish RWHP will I run out of fuel before I see the full benefit of a vvt cam?

What is the cost savings of doing a vvt cam and replacing the the AFM lifters vs LS3 conversion? Is there one?

What gains would I expect from a mild VVT cam, I'm hearing 30-40. So if I'm looking at 800 for the cam and springs, and a discounted install of 500 hundred or so I'm wondering if the gains are worth the money.

Saw a post regarding the Springs MAST uses, if I go that route should I get the springs, or just the cam and get springs elsewhere.

Sorry for all the questions, thanks for you advice. I'm also a little hung up in that this will be the first time I've ever really paid anyone to install/repair anything on my car.

[mikeSS]

i have heard of people having problems with l99 lifters with stock cam.

[bigsquirrel]

I've heard of general lifter problems (noisy) but nothing specific to AFM lifters and a cam. I called Texas speed and MAST, neither has come across any issues on the camaro. I'm just curious if they are being replaced out of paranoia when keeping to a lower lift will be safe.

[JANNETTYRACING]

Originally Posted by bigsquirrel

Here's my situation. My tuner, Dave at Motiva. Asked me to put a VVT cam in my car for a pretty big discount in labor.

His reasoning is that there are multiple L99 Camaros that might go cam but the price of the LS3 Conversion is holding them back. (Makes sense to me once you factor in the LS3 conversion the $ to HP ratio gets a lot more narrow)

My relevant mods are: Whipple, Kooks 1 7/8 and 2.5 sleeper catback and MSD BAP 65 lb injectors

My questions:

I see a lot of discussion regarding the AFM lifters but I can't find any example of them failing with a mild VVT cam, has this happened?

SuperchargedSS with low mile failed a lifter, sounded like a rod bearing.

I'm already at 530ish RWHP, Will I run out of fuel before I see the full benefit of a vvt cam?

Yes you will.

What is the cost savings of doing a vvt cam and replacing the the AFM lifters vs LS3 conversion? Is there one?

Just the Price of the Timing cover, you would still need everything else, it would be considered an LS3 conversion but keeping VVT, Same amount of work and parts.

What gains would I expect from a mild VVT cam, I'm hearing 30-40. So if I'm looking at 800 for the cam and springs, and a discounted install of 500 hundred or so I'm wondering if the gains are worth the money.

TSP has some good data on that.

With Lifter failures on stock cams it can't be better on a larger cam with heavier valve springs, so you still need the good lifters.

Saw a post regarding the Springs MAST uses, if I go that route should I get the springs, or just the cam and get springs elsewhere.

Sorry for all the questions, thanks for you advice. I'm also a little hung up in that this will be the first time I've ever really paid anyone to install/repair anything on my car.

Understood.

Ted.

[bigsquirrel]

Thanks Ted, other than my BAP do I have any other options for fuel other than a double or triple pump?

[1Camaro2SS]

There is a great article in CamaroNow magazine comparing Mast cams. The vvt cam is the most bang for your $$. My speed shop does not recommend a vvt cam because its not that reliable. They quoted me about $3800 for an LS3 conversion and standard Comp cam. I may do this when my car is paid off, right now I can't afford it and to be honest I like the power I have at the moment.

Today I was playing around with a mercedes S550 and I fishtailed when I stepped on it going 55mph on dry pavement. Anymore power will be bad for me. Lol

[Supercharged SS]

I wouldn't want the afm lifters in my car. I think we had like 5k on the clock when the lifter failed.

[bigsquirrel]

Hmmm, that's what triggered the whole conversation about the cam with my tuner. Thinking about replacing the lifters as a precaution, but while you're in there... cam springs blah blah money money blah. I love working on my car but generally stay out of the engine/transmission internals.

[CC Performance]

Originally Posted by Supercharged SS

I wouldn't want the afm lifters in my car. I think we had like 5k on the clock when the lifter failed.

I'm with him. Do the vvt delete and save a potential future issue.

Here is a good place to see your options, I like these guys as well and they will take care of you.
http://www.thunderracing.com/shop-by...T.-and-D.O.D./

[Supercharged SS]

Originally Posted by bigsquirrel

Hmmm, that's what triggered the whole conversation about the cam with my tuner. Thinking about replacing the lifters as a precaution, but while you're in there... cam springs blah blah money money blah. I love working on my car but generally stay out of the engine/transmission internals.

I'd look at it this way. You can save a few bucks now but if a lifter ever does fail the few bucks you saved now will look like dinner money. I would never tell someone how to spend their money. Just giving a third party objective view.

[JANNETTYRACING]

Originally Posted by bigsquirrel

Thanks Ted, other than my BAP do I have any other options for fuel other than a double or triple pump?

The ADM or LPE systems are the only Real Factory Like Choice right now.

Ted.

[bigsquirrel]

Thanks guys, looks like I'll move on replacing the lifters but hold on the cam, Without the fuel there I don't see the point.