Real world experiance - cam swap's, what did you use?

[Paul Y]

So, getting to the point where I am going to instal the LM7 this winter in my 66. Question is, as it is on a stand and not in the truck is it worth swapping a cam in now and , if so, what have you used and how happy are you with it?

Having read the HRM article on using GM cams, LS2 and LS3 in particular, have you done this swap? Did it give you the results you expected? Or, did you go another route?

Unlike most swaps I am going tko600 with road race gearing and 4.11 gears.

So, let's hear from those that have swapped cams.

P.

[BR3W CITY]

I've put cams in a medium sized handful of these things; the truth is there is no right answer...only more questions in return.

For example, I see that you mention the tk0 and the high gears. Do you plan on doing some road-racing type of use? Prolonged exposure at higher RPM's will benefit from a much different setup than a 1/4-mile racer or a street cruiser.

I will say it IS totally worth doing the cam swap while the engine is out. Its all around the easiest time to do it, and it makes the oil pump and timing chain part much much easier. You'll probably be swapping oil pans anyway, so its easy to do all at once.

[BigDan3131]

You really want the right cam for road racing so I wouldn't bother just picking any old cam I would just give him: http://www.straubtechnologies.com/ a call and then based on his answer you can pick his or someone elses.

[Paul Y]

Ah, Rev J more truth's...

Managed to get a very low mileage engine so, other than a cam swap and change to a CTSV sump, am going to leave well alone.

So, what is the intended use? I need something that is an all rounder. Able to be used as a daily in the good weather, take to a few track days and to the drag strip 3 times a year plus still be used as a truck.

As with all things I really do want my cake and to be able to eat it as well...

The 4.11's are there because that's what is in the axle at the moment. They are in good shape so dont really want to go into the expense of new carriers. LSD and gears for what would be a fairly minimal advantage with the TKO. (This is supposed to be a budget build...)

If I am being really honest with myself the truck will see more road use than anything else. However... I am renowned for having a very heavy right foot and want my 'toy' to make me smile every time I get in it and head out to annoy the neighbours and local boy racers.

There is also the lure of a $900 turbo that keeps singing its siren song...

In my head I think I have already decided that a used LS2 cam is the way to go. For the $50 - $100 plus gaskets i cant see a down side but, as pretty much all my 34year experience with Chevy's has been Big Blocks, my knowledge base is small in the modern LS world hence the 'real world' question.

I am not chasing dyno glory... but I would like something that pulls well and still gives good fuel economy, lights the tyres up and runs in the 12's. Yup, that cake is looking real good....

Enjoying your YouTube channel by the way. Good work Sir!

P.

[BR3W CITY]

Thanks Paul. Any upgrades to the cam should also include springs and possibly pushrods depending on what you decide. The Ls2 cam doesn't require the pushrods but getting a good set of springs will be worth the small investment.

I'd also consider something like a 224r or a 226r if you wanted a "new" part. The 224r is mild enough but still feels like you have a cam.

[Paul Y]

J,

More research is pointing me towards an Isky 'triple 12' 212/212 on a 112 LSA. Seems like it gets good results with a turbo (mmmmm....turbo.....) but not sure N/A.

Hear you on the valve springs, PAC 1218 seems like a good bet at around $150.

However... still think that, as a starting point, an LS2 cam, springs, tune and TBSS exhausts should get me to around 400 horse at the flywheel. Once I get the rest of the combo bolted down I might well go turbo to get me to 500 wheel but that is at least 12-18months on from getting the engine and box installed and back on the road. If anybody has one lying around let me know....

Still be interested to hear from those that have gone LS2 in their LM7. Are you happy with it? does it give you what you expected?

Also, just for clarity, I have had a number of 500hp plus cars over the years so I know what to expect!

Appreciate real world experience and comments.

J, thanks for the response.

P.

[DLW]

I think this will shed some light and give you all the info you need as for the LS2 cam in an LM7, plus every stock LS cam available in an LM7. I thought it was interesting. The LS7 cam is a better choice over the LS2 for peak power by quite a bit. The LS2 is better in the lower RPM's. The LS3 did well overall and more peak power, also a good choice for a stock cam. In the end a custom grind is the best option, but if your on a budget..

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/...st-comparison/

[Paul Y]

Thanks DL.

Yup saw the Hot Rod test, but Dyno numbers dont really tell the story.

That is why I would like to hear from anybody that has used a LS2 (or 3) cam in an LM7 for real world experience.

P.

[DLW]

Dyno numbers tell a pretty good story to me, at least it's hard data to go by, but I understand you want someone to tell opinions of some personal experience.

I chose a TSP 225/230 on a 112 this time around, but I have used many other cams depending on what I wanted specifically, but I also have an LS3, so my opinion doesn't help you ..

The old Google search came up with this same LS2 to 5.3L cam question and a number of people that's done it. Seems like it also needs the appropriate cam gear for the LS2, front cover and cam sensor/harness. Good luck!

[Paul Y]

DLW, Thanks again. I am now getting properly confused with this LSx stuff. My brain is really aching!

So, I initially thought through my reading that if it is pre VVT it will be a 3 bolt cam. Therefore it could be used in a Gen3 without the need for front cover etc. This now appears to not be the case (don't you love the internet...)

So, if I want a low cost option it looks like an LS1 cam is my route. However, from the HRM article it appears that this does not give much of a performance increase until above 4500rpm...

Therefore, I am glad I started this thread as it has meant I have done a lot more reading but! still not convinced i actually understand what the hell is going on with parts swapping across GM generations so, will take the 'easy' route and go for a Gen3 cam and associated bits from the aftermarket. Unless I am over thinking the front cover swap? I mean, is it easy, where do you get the bits etc (remember I am based in the UK...)

Anyway, ramblings over...

P.

[Pillow]

There is an early LS2 and late LS2 cam. You need the early which is the normal LS1 three bolt cam. BUT it does require the correct pulley and front cover with cam sensor. Plus a modified extension harness. Really not hard, but more parts than a typical LS1 cam swap.

I am running a LM7 with LS2 cam and it seems good down low for my uses. T5 and Carb/MSD.

Not that many miles on the swap yet. I am fighting the MSD controller with a high RPM miss and a stumble at idle, which I believe is the a sensor or the MSD box itself not behaving right. Again a few more tricks to try before I call my setup done.

My truck is pretty stock, so the added power is crazy! Really in my area I only get a good pull through 2nd/3rd... With the T5 I'm not dumping the clutch in 1st if you know what I mean.

I am figuring the 5.3 displacement is really giving the LM7/LS2 combo 350-375ish HP. Which is plenty for the street. Shift at 6500 and listen to the goodness! Much better sound than the BBC and SBCs IMO. Plus the LSx engines love to rev given the right cam.

[Paul Y]

Pillow,

Thanks for the reply. Challenge is by the time you add in the front cover, timing chain and cover along with the cost of the cam it works out to be more expensive than the Isky Cam.

Most interesting part for me of your build is the manual. Going to start another couple of threads re LSx swap parts list and using a manual in a C10. How do you like to row your own gears? I have heard that there is a significant mileage increase manual to Auto. Have you found that to be the case?

Trust you get your teething issues sorted soon and enjoy the fruit of your labours.

P.

[Pillow]

Hey Paul,

To me, a truck just has to have a manual. Just the way I grew up. Actually most all of my cars have been manuals, again just personal preference.

Since the trans is a T5, I have to be nice to it. Otherwise they tend to fragment. So far I have been too nice

For speed you really want an auto, I cannot jam the gears as quickly as a good auto. Mileage IDK yet, no hard numbers.

I PMed you Paul on the details.

Thanks!