Too Much Cam?

"CammedCTSV" (cammedctsv)
02/18/2014 at 22:37 • Filed to: None

Ok, so a decade ago I decided to install a radical cam in my (then new) 2002 SS Camaro 35th Anniversary edition. Yes, my car is rare being the last few of the final year of Camaro since 1966. This cam has led to insane acceleration along with decimating rear tires, but dealing with a monster overlap gets old. My plugs foul frequently, fuel wash is eating my rings, and she loads up after a spirited run.

If you are going to buy a cam, investigate the valve events, dynamic compression, and finally- ask others how livable the cam is...

I went full retard with the GM ASA cam

.525 Lift and a duration of 226/236 respectively, on a 110 degree centerline (Lobe Seperation)....its not streatable below 1100 rpm

DISCUSSION (26)

Bandit > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 22:40

... but is sounds wicked!

Thisnewformatisrubbish > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 22:40

Darn time for a turbo build!

signintokinjalol > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 22:41

Sounds like a racecar, i like it. But it seems to learn the negatives of modified engine internals...

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 22:45

The Trans-Am at at college has a large cam as well, it sounds lethal.

YSI-what can brown do for you > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 22:48

There is never too much cam!!! Sounds awesome!! Did it give a good bump in power?

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 22:50

The most radical thing I've done with my car is run it on open headers, and that for only an afternoon. That was fun, and I am so glad I did it, but part of why I'm glad is because it taught me that pure performance comes with a harshness which must be balanced with livability. I think you've learned a lesson, and learning and knowing your car is a good thing, right?

CammedCTSV > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
02/18/2014 at 22:51

Agreed. I wont go to a smaller cam because that radical idle allows me to run 11 seconds in the quarter mile (traction dependent)

CammedCTSV > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/18/2014 at 22:52

I don't have traction unless I am on 315's

CammedCTSV > Thisnewformatisrubbish
02/18/2014 at 22:53

The cam has too much overlap. If I went turbo, the boost would blow right past the cylinders, almost negating its effect. Turbo cams need wide centerlines like 116* or higher so the boost gets trapped and does work pressurizing the cylinders

camaroboy68ss > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 22:53

I'm looking at just a hot cam for my ls1. Is your car a stick or auto?

CammedCTSV > camaroboy68ss
02/18/2014 at 22:58

My car is auto, but i have a 3500 rpm torque converter. Buy a lose converter before any cam swap. You will smile big time and be much faster with just a converter alone. The Hot Cam needs a converter to idle smoothly, but you wont regret it.

I have done two hot cam installs in friends cars and they make stupid torque, smiles, and wet panties from females....say goodbye to good gas mileage

Thisnewformatisrubbish > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 22:59

Ok so what part of turbo build implied slapping on a turbo from eBay and running with no prep? Forget it and go cry elsewhere.

CammedCTSV > Thisnewformatisrubbish
02/18/2014 at 23:03

If it was a solid gold 24k turbo, cams with insane overlap waste a ton of boost because both the intake and exhaust valves are open simultaneously. You will blow wasted boost into your exhaust and negate the turbo. The fastest turbo cars have shorter duration on the intake lobe relative to the exhaust lobe in order to trap the precious boost in the cylinders.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 23:09

Well then you've chosen your balance, but now it's an informed choice. :-)

YSI-what can brown do for you > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 23:27

This is always a good sign!

472CID > CammedCTSV
02/18/2014 at 23:35

Lumpy idles and modern cars just don't go together in my opinion.

camaroboy68ss > CammedCTSV
02/19/2014 at 00:15

well my Camaro is a 6spd so don't have to worry about a higher stall. going to put a better clutch in it. has the hot cam really been that bad to the gas mileage? I haven't read that on any of the other forums. is that a auto tranny related side effect?

Thisnewformatisrubbish > CammedCTSV
02/19/2014 at 06:57

For Fuchs sake maybe change the god damned cam when doing a turbo build. Jesus tap dancing Christ you are thick son.

briannutter1 > CammedCTSV
02/19/2014 at 09:52

I run an EPS 226/236 with 113 lobe separation and +2 advance. I believe the ASA has a couple degrees advance ground into it as well. My car makes 450/400...a bit down on torque with the wider separation, but might be worth it to you if you don't like driving it now. I think you might be able to maintain your power with the greater lift of a modern cam and calm the idle down.

CammedCTSV > briannutter1
02/19/2014 at 11:11

How much lift do you have? I was considering 1.8 rockers

briannutter1 > CammedCTSV
02/19/2014 at 11:15

.600. I run TEA ported stock LS6 heads with cut down LS3 valves and Tooley springs. I think you'd be better off changing the cam though rather than spend the money on rockers.

CammedCTSV > briannutter1
02/19/2014 at 11:18

I agree with you. Sounds like you have a badass N/A setup. Got any vids?

briannutter1 > CammedCTSV
02/19/2014 at 12:04

Sorry no vids. I run the factory Ti exhaust on my C5z and I have the idle set at 950. Also have arh 1 7/8 headers, Fast 102, Ls2 TB to make that power.

CammedCTSV > camaroboy68ss
02/19/2014 at 13:12

Bad mileage comes mostly from the lose converter. You will notice a drop but not too bad. You will need to back out some timing for 6th gear on the highway. It will buck & knock a little at lower rpms/low load conditions.

camaroboy68ss > CammedCTSV
02/19/2014 at 13:24

I expected the bucking I'm used to it in my 68 camaro with its 4 speed. Have you had any trouble with the valve spring replacement and what method did you use to keep the lifters up?

CammedCTSV > camaroboy68ss
02/19/2014 at 13:32

To keep the lifters safe I stuck some spare (new & clean) stainless brake tubing into the holes beside the cam tunnel. I didnt have any drop from the retainers, but its good piece of mind. This cam has less lift than the stock LS6 cam, so I used new LS6 springs that shouldn't need replacement. The hot cam will be fine with LS6 springs, and you wont have to worry about swapping them every season