Won’t stay running after cam install, tune??? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Eagleseye · 01-18-2026, 08:15 PM

So installed stage 3 cam VVT dod delete kit , new springs, rods, rockers etc, 1 7/8 headers, I hooked up the front O2 sensors. Starts right up with oil pressure but won’t stay running. I’m an old school mechanic so bear with me. Is this common before dropping in a new base tune for this build? Old days we would adjust carb and play with timing on this build and get her going then fine tune.
Tell me this is common and that’s all I’m needing . I can play with accelerator and keep it running maybe 5 seconds or so, dies but will again start right up just dies. School this old dude please! Thanks

CamaroDreams76 · 01-18-2026, 08:25 PM

What lifters did you use? Did you order the correct pushrod length? Did you have piston 1 TDC and line up the timing marks? Are you doing the tuning or is a shop?

Even though every car is the same, they have their own personality. No car is a cut and paste for tuning. It could definitely be base tune is off. Theres a laundry list of possibilities. Id do everything Mechanical fist.

Check your spark plugs since the headers were changed. Very common to crack a plug.

Eagleseye · 01-18-2026, 08:50 PM

, pushrods, rockers, ls3 lifters, springs ordered from and spec by BTR. Timing marks lined up at TDC, new plugs after installed headers. Starts and sounds fine just won’t stay running. Plan to do remote tune as we have HP but can’t find a base tune for these mods on the repository so I plan to get it remote tuned. Was just thinking this was common until we get the tune lined up with the delete and mods but some guy said his ran and idles after this same work . Hope I’m not overthinking this with such changes I can see why it may not stay running but wanted to see if I got a “ yeah that’s pretty common” or “ it should run and idle so something’s up?

1JEWLDSSRS · 01-19-2026, 10:28 AM

If all the sum of the parts are good, I have seen and read on here and on YT where some of the cars will start up and run for a bit, and some do like yours, run and stall. Mostely from what I have read and seen it is all about the base tune needed for the new mods so the AF ratio and timing is set close to where it should be to idle properly. When we did my cam swap and everything else, they loaded a base tune on the car to get her to run decently, then onto the dyno..

Joe.G · 01-19-2026, 11:22 AM

Before you go crazy I think I would focus on getting a base tune if you are confident everything is installed and hooked up correctly, as you can go crazy chasing issues that don't exist. Back in the day you set base timing by hand and get it to start then start swapping springs and vacuum.

SlowLS1 · 01-19-2026, 02:38 PM

It's not unheard of that it won't idle without a tune. I also agree, that a base tune should be loaded before trying to troubleshoot any issues.

Personally I wouldn't run it much without the base tune as to not foul the plugs.

Eagleseye · 01-19-2026, 03:12 PM

Thanks and I’m not gonna start again until I get my tune downloaded, sent to the tuner and download the first tune . Praying that at least let’s her run so I can quit mulling over in my head what other issues there could be….. I’m realy confident in the build

CamaroDreams76 · 01-19-2026, 03:37 PM

If you didnt tune it at all and it doesnt stay running i wouldn't even worry. Even if a first base tune was added. Id chalk it up to tuning.

1JEWLDSSRS · 01-19-2026, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams76

If you didnt tune it at all and it doesnt stay running i wouldn't even worry. Even if a first base tune was added. Id chalk it up to tuning.

Yep, and if you didn't hear any banging, clanging and clacking and major ticking when you started it up, you're on the right side of things. Just needs a good tune.

Eagleseye · 01-20-2026, 12:31 PM

Thanks folks! Yeah I have oil pressure and it sounded pretty awesome for a minute…lol…..sending my tune file in this evening to get started. Looking forward to hearing her growl…….just talked to a guy about a magnuson TVS2650……….when it’s all done gonna get her dyno tuned and then enjoy soon as weather lets her outa the cage

Eagleseye · 01-20-2026, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

If all the sum of the parts are good, I have seen and read on here and on YT where some of the cars will start up and run for a bit, and some do like yours, run and stall. Mostely from what I have read and seen it is all about the base tune needed for the new mods so the AF ratio and timing is set close to where it should be to idle properly. When we did my cam swap and everything else, they loaded a base tune on the car to get her to run decently, then onto the dyno..

By the way, that engine bay looks awesome!

1JEWLDSSRS · 01-21-2026, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleseye

By the way, that engine bay looks awesome!

Thank you my friend! I decided years ago that the under hood needed to match the outside theme of the car, and my interior is the same, matches the outside, and under hood theme.

Eagleseye · 01-21-2026, 05:45 PM

It’s all good! Pulled the stock tune to send to tuner and we dropped an older tune on file ( my son inlaw had) that was similar with a stage 4 tune. Car is idling and accelerating good, idle pretty good, sounds awesome. Plan to drop the tuners first tune soon as our weather here moves out and get her fine tuned over the next week. Thanks for all the help! I can sleep now.lolol

1JEWLDSSRS · 01-21-2026, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleseye

It’s all good! Pulled the stock tune to send to tuner and we dropped an older tune on file ( my son inlaw had) that was similar with a stage 4 tune. Car is idling and accelerating good, idle pretty good, sounds awesome. Plan to drop the tuners first tune soon as our weather here moves out and get her fine tuned over the next week. Thanks for all the help! I can sleep now.lolol

Hey, that's what's it's all about!! Sharing and helping out.. Glad you got the tune going in the right direction!

01-18-2026, 08:15 PM	#1
Eagleseye Drives: 2012 Camaro SS vert Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Kentucky Posts: 47 View My Garage	Won’t stay running after cam install, tune??? So installed stage 3 cam VVT dod delete kit , new springs, rods, rockers etc, 1 7/8 headers, I hooked up the front O2 sensors. Starts right up with oil pressure but won’t stay running. I’m an old school mechanic so bear with me. Is this common before dropping in a new base tune for this build? Old days we would adjust carb and play with timing on this build and get her going then fine tune. Tell me this is common and that’s all I’m needing . I can play with accelerator and keep it running maybe 5 seconds or so, dies but will again start right up just dies. School this old dude please! Thanks __________________ 2012 ss vert automatic. stage 3 BTR cam, afm/vvt delete, LS lifters, BTR rocker arms with upgraded trunion, High strength rods, BTR dual springs, 1 7/8 Headers, Borla Exhaust, 3000-3300 Circle D converter. TO BE CONTINUED…..

01-18-2026, 08:25 PM	#2
CamaroDreams76 Tri-County Camaro SWFL Drives: 2013 IOM 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South West FL Posts: 3,419 View My Garage	What lifters did you use? Did you order the correct pushrod length? Did you have piston 1 TDC and line up the timing marks? Are you doing the tuning or is a shop? Even though every car is the same, they have their own personality. No car is a cut and paste for tuning. It could definitely be base tune is off. Theres a laundry list of possibilities. Id do everything Mechanical fist. Check your spark plugs since the headers were changed. Very common to crack a plug. __________________ Just bolt ons........ https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343023

01-18-2026, 08:50 PM	#3
Eagleseye Drives: 2012 Camaro SS vert Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Kentucky Posts: 47 View My Garage	, pushrods, rockers, ls3 lifters, springs ordered from and spec by BTR. Timing marks lined up at TDC, new plugs after installed headers. Starts and sounds fine just won’t stay running. Plan to do remote tune as we have HP but can’t find a base tune for these mods on the repository so I plan to get it remote tuned. Was just thinking this was common until we get the tune lined up with the delete and mods but some guy said his ran and idles after this same work . Hope I’m not overthinking this with such changes I can see why it may not stay running but wanted to see if I got a “ yeah that’s pretty common” or “ it should run and idle so something’s up? __________________ 2012 ss vert automatic. stage 3 BTR cam, afm/vvt delete, LS lifters, BTR rocker arms with upgraded trunion, High strength rods, BTR dual springs, 1 7/8 Headers, Borla Exhaust, 3000-3300 Circle D converter. TO BE CONTINUED…..

01-19-2026, 10:28 AM	#4
1JEWLDSSRS Drives: 2011 SS-RS Join Date: May 2011 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 14,043	If all the sum of the parts are good, I have seen and read on here and on YT where some of the cars will start up and run for a bit, and some do like yours, run and stall. Mostely from what I have read and seen it is all about the base tune needed for the new mods so the AF ratio and timing is set close to where it should be to idle properly. When we did my cam swap and everything else, they loaded a base tune on the car to get her to run decently, then onto the dyno.. __________________ TSP STAGE 3 CAM,231/246 @112 LSA 614/641 LIFT, CIRCLE D 5C-4200-4500 CONVERTER,LOD INTAKE.CORSA EXHAUST. DSS 1 PC DS. PEGASUS SOLID CRADLE MOUNTS. 486RWHP/475RWTQ.LOTS MORE.

01-19-2026, 11:22 AM	#5
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	Before you go crazy I think I would focus on getting a base tune if you are confident everything is installed and hooked up correctly, as you can go crazy chasing issues that don't exist. Back in the day you set base timing by hand and get it to start then start swapping springs and vacuum. __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

01-19-2026, 02:38 PM	#6
SlowLS1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS , 2011 Colorado LS1 Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 1,217	It's not unheard of that it won't idle without a tune. I also agree, that a base tune should be loaded before trying to troubleshoot any issues. Personally I wouldn't run it much without the base tune as to not foul the plugs. __________________

01-19-2026, 03:12 PM	#7
Eagleseye Drives: 2012 Camaro SS vert Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Kentucky Posts: 47 View My Garage	Thanks and I’m not gonna start again until I get my tune downloaded, sent to the tuner and download the first tune . Praying that at least let’s her run so I can quit mulling over in my head what other issues there could be….. I’m realy confident in the build __________________ 2012 ss vert automatic. stage 3 BTR cam, afm/vvt delete, LS lifters, BTR rocker arms with upgraded trunion, High strength rods, BTR dual springs, 1 7/8 Headers, Borla Exhaust, 3000-3300 Circle D converter. TO BE CONTINUED…..

01-19-2026, 03:37 PM	#8
CamaroDreams76 Tri-County Camaro SWFL Drives: 2013 IOM 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South West FL Posts: 3,419 View My Garage	If you didnt tune it at all and it doesnt stay running i wouldn't even worry. Even if a first base tune was added. Id chalk it up to tuning. __________________ Just bolt ons........ https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343023

01-20-2026, 12:31 PM	#10
Eagleseye Drives: 2012 Camaro SS vert Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Kentucky Posts: 47 View My Garage	Thanks folks! Yeah I have oil pressure and it sounded pretty awesome for a minute…lol…..sending my tune file in this evening to get started. Looking forward to hearing her growl…….just talked to a guy about a magnuson TVS2650……….when it’s all done gonna get her dyno tuned and then enjoy soon as weather lets her outa the cage __________________ 2012 ss vert automatic. stage 3 BTR cam, afm/vvt delete, LS lifters, BTR rocker arms with upgraded trunion, High strength rods, BTR dual springs, 1 7/8 Headers, Borla Exhaust, 3000-3300 Circle D converter. TO BE CONTINUED…..

01-21-2026, 05:45 PM	#13
Eagleseye Drives: 2012 Camaro SS vert Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Kentucky Posts: 47 View My Garage	It’s all good! Pulled the stock tune to send to tuner and we dropped an older tune on file ( my son inlaw had) that was similar with a stage 4 tune. Car is idling and accelerating good, idle pretty good, sounds awesome. Plan to drop the tuners first tune soon as our weather here moves out and get her fine tuned over the next week. Thanks for all the help! I can sleep now.lolol __________________ 2012 ss vert automatic. stage 3 BTR cam, afm/vvt delete, LS lifters, BTR rocker arms with upgraded trunion, High strength rods, BTR dual springs, 1 7/8 Headers, Borla Exhaust, 3000-3300 Circle D converter. TO BE CONTINUED…..