The best "BIG CAM" for an LS1

[Silver02SS]

I am going to do a cam swap in my SS and wanted to get one of the biggest cams on the market. I was looking at the G5X3. The reason I like this cam soo much is the setup this guy has on his SS video:http://ls1sounds.com/true_duals/TDs-under-axle-12inReversedGlassPacks_G5X3cam.MOV I plan on doing the same thing this guy has.:yup: I wanted to get your guys' opinions on which cam I should get.:hmm: I will be driving this car almost daily. I figure with a good tune the car will be alright for a DD. A few companies I could think of are...G5X3, TSP Magic Stick, Thunder Racing T-Rex, other Thunder Racing Cams.

[Redphoenix1998]

I vote T Rex. One of the best large cams I've ever seen

[Zboner]

you can get a custom grind if you wanted to?

[hissin'98]

get a custom cam ground for the same price and have the tech guys line you up with one that will compliment your mods. kinda makes you feel different than everyone else having something no one else does.

[NeeD4SpeeD]

i'drule out a t-rex for a daily driver for one thing it has a 110LSA which will make it uncomfortable around town and two you will need to verify piston clearence when getting the cam because most likely it won't clear piston heads!

[vortecfcar]

i'drule out a t-rex for a daily driver for one thing it has a 110LSA which will make it uncomfortable around town and two you will need to verify piston clearence when getting the cam because most likely it won't clear piston heads!

The T-Rex will clear. I dont know how many guys have to run it on stock heads for someone to believe this...but it's true. Its close, but it works :slash:

If you want a rowdy cam that will increase the frequency of your bowel movements, then T-Rex it.

ps- whats a piston head? sounds like a halloween hat for somebody dressed as a connecting rod

[Hi-Po]

mm

[Sarge]

Are you fucking kidding me? I watched this video and I want a cam.....
Shit....
Son.....what are your heads flowing? What ingress you got? What egress you got?
What PCI and Comp you got?
Oh fuck it....get whatever you want and go vroom vroom...

[BIG D's SS]

Depends on what you want. I went with a Comp Cam. Good power range and awesome at idle.

[nd4spd]

that sounds real nice...goes back to idle very smooth.

[arctic00z28]

Is it ok if I ask about the price. About how much does it cost for cam and springs, plus a shop to put it in? That video was pretty sweet.

[SlickVert]

I vote for Trex!
Just take a look at the Cam Only list at LS1tech.com
As long as you have the correct supporting mods;

12 Bolt with 4.56 Gears for a M6( I love 4.56 on the street, best mod ever)
LT’s with excellent flowing EX system
Tuning Tuning Tuning
You get the picture

[cam02ss]

i have a TR 230/236 590/598 112 LSA cam and was thinking about going bigger..i just got GTP stage 2+ heads

[01mmmz28]

huge cams w/ a 110-111 LSA are not very good as a daily driver, even w/ a bad ass tune. It can be done, but it will be annoying at times. If you have a beater car to drive on a daily basis, go for the godzilla cam (a.k.a. the t-rex killer ).

[Nittanymarine]

I went with the G5X3, after running a 224. I wouldnt even look back. I chose it over the TRex, andIm glad I did.

[badfnz28]

I've never heard of the Godzilla cam (trex killer) Can anyone fill me in?

[Silver02SS]

I've never heard of the Godzilla cam (trex killer) Can anyone fill me in?


Yeah, what is this?:dunno:

Thanks for the info guys, I finally chose to get the G5x3@112 LSA. This car sounds beautiful. I put catted pacesseters, and had an exhaust shop here in town to put me together an x-pipe, and run it out the back under the axle...

BTW, I decided to go with those 12'' Glasspacks!:slash:


Cam, install, exhaust and everything cost me $4,250. Which isn't bad considering all the custom work done.

[onefastss223]

Yeah, what is this?:dunno:

Thanks for the info guys, I finally chose to get the G5x3@112 LSA. This car sounds beautiful. I put catted pacesseters, and had an exhaust shop here in town to put me together an x-pipe, and run it out the back under the axle...

BTW, I decided to go with those 12'' Glasspacks!:slash:


Cam, install, exhaust and everything cost me $4,250. Which isn't bad considering all the custom work done.

That sounds expensive. Who did the work?(tune, install) I'm right up the road from you in Stokesdale also. Are you a member of any of the local clubs(Triadfbody, carolina rides)?

[DocEwww]

Wheres the G5X4?

The T Rex will make the most power N/A if thats what you meant by "best".

[DocEwww]

I've never heard of the Godzilla cam (trex killer) Can anyone fill me in?

It hasn't proven anything yet over a track proven T Rex thats for sure.

[Silver02SS]

That sounds expensive. Who did the work?(tune, install) I'm right up the road from you in Stokesdale also. Are you a member of any of the local clubs(Triadfbody, carolina rides)?


Yeah, i'm a member of Carolinarides, what's your screen name?

BTW, I added some more stuff than the cam and exhaust.:D

[MadSeason]

Yeah, what is this?:dunno:

Thanks for the info guys, I finally chose to get the G5x3@112 LSA. This car sounds beautiful. I put catted pacesseters, and had an exhaust shop here in town to put me together an x-pipe, and run it out the back under the axle...

BTW, I decided to go with those 12'' Glasspacks!:slash:


Cam, install, exhaust and everything cost me $4,250. Which isn't bad considering all the custom work done.

That sounds extremely expensive. Around here it's 800 for the cam installed, about 1k for that type of exhaust and another 450 for a dyno tune.

[Silver02SS]

I also got CCW wheels and rubber. I had that price set in my mind, and forgot to add the wheels and tires.

The performance stuff cost me around $2,200

[onefastss223]

I'm on carolinarides as well but dont make to may posts over there(onefastss), but i'm on triadfbody.com also(SVT WHO??). Do you ever go up to Main st. in High Point?

[Silver02SS]

I'm on carolinarides as well but dont make to may posts over there(onefastss), but i'm on triadfbody.com also(SVT WHO??). Do you ever go up to Main st. in High Point?


No, haven't been there yet. I know the owner of C-Rides real well...Joey Anderson.

[BADBLUE02]

God Damn that sounds good! I want one!

[onefastss223]

No, haven't been there yet. I know the owner of C-Rides real well...Joey Anderson.

Yeh, ive seen his car before but dont know him. I've got a NBM 01' SS with a procharger, heads, cam and lots more. I should have it back next week from Jeff Creech's shop. We oughta meet up in HP one night and whoop on some cobras. There are plenty up there to go around. And your car sounds sick. I've got a buddy with a 98 SS and he has the g5x3 with hooker lt's and gmmg exhaust and it sounds good but not as good as yours. I cant compete with you guys in sound with my small blower cam. It sounds good but that strange whistling noice coming from under the hood sounds even better. Let me know if yall want to meet up in HP one night.

later man,
chris

[99 Formula]

so how much is this G5X3 cam and who makes it? whats the numbers on it? what are the expected gains? what all would i have to buy to get it to work in my 99 formy? the car has got 101K on her but still runs like a bear...any help?

[KILLSWITCH ETERNAL]

I'm having the same dilema at the moment. My LS1 is on a pallet until my 3rd gens chassis is ready. I'm leaning toward the TS 231/327@112 with the idle bumped to around 950rpm. The T-Rex is NASTY to be sure, and the Magik-Stick is a good choice as well. Anyone on this site dropped in a GM Grand-Am kit? Just curious.:thinkin:

[KILLSWITCH ETERNAL]

BTW, that cam spec should have read, 231/237@112.

[Mr. Luos]

You guys looking for idle sound??
Check my old cam out....

'Milder" Lunati cam....226/234 554/575 112lsa.
http://home.comcast.net/~mrluos/wideopen.wmv
That clip is open headers, but it sounded MEAN with full exhaust as well.

[Silver02SS]

You guys looking for idle sound??
Check my old cam out....

'Milder" Lunati cam....226/234 554/575 112lsa.
http://home.comcast.net/~mrluos/wideopen.wmv
That clip is open headers, but it sounded MEAN with full exhaust as well.

Dude, I love your car! There's nothing like open headers and a cam. I've seen that part where you pulled out into traffic almost sideways. I think it was in one of the "fbody exibition of speed" videos.

[98_Formula]

ne one have a link for info on the godzilla cam mentioned in this thread, i tried a search and nuttin came up.

[01mmmz28]

^I seen it in one video on tech and that thing was ungodly. guy made 460rwhp cam only !!!!! or atleast that is what he said. sounded freakish.

[Capster78]

I was about to say.. 4g's for a cam install and custom exhuast. I could see that if maybe you had a head/cam/fuel system install with tuning. Makes more sense now.

[cam02ss]

the t rex killer cam is a joe overton cam..he's out of virginia. you can find that cam on this sit: http://www.lethalefi.com/ click "products" and scroll down a little " T Rex Killer"

[CharlieSS]

I went with the G5X3, after running a 224. I wouldnt even look back. I chose it over the TRex, andIm glad I did.


I also have this cam. Eventhough its on my 402 stroker. At the shop where I did all my work its the cam of choice. I truly recommend it for a 346.

[gen3toy]

huge cams w/ a 110-111 LSA are not very good as a daily driver, even w/ a bad ass tune. It can be done, but it will be annoying at times. If you have a beater car to drive on a daily basis, go for the godzilla cam (a.k.a. the t-rex killer ).
im running a custom grind comp cam @110lsa no room left for error with piston to valve clearance and its my every day driver with 400+rwhp, no probs at all, cam only set up NEVER EVER annoying not a pig to drive and my other half can drive it no probs but stand on it and all hell breaks loose,oh and its a mail order edit [im not shitn u either]:notworthy: :slash: http://media.putfile.com/toy2

[Mr. Luos]

Ed Curtis. He will custom grind a cam for you that best fits your set-up.


Want my current cam?? 248/254 629/622 113

[EXILE]

went 10.51 on a 150 shot with the magic stick:burnout:

[Jeff2002WS6]

I just installed the Magic Stick From TSP. Couldn't beat the price for their cam package. Car made 403 horse and 357 ft/lbs at Speed Inc. That's with the new installed Yank SS3400 to. I'm very happy with the numbers my auto layed down.

[mrdavid]

Does anyone think Comp cams are any good?? :dunno:

[Jeff2002WS6]

Does anyone think Comp cams are any good?? :dunno:

A lot of the aftermarket cams are comp cams custom ground to the shops own specs. TSP's is and I think LG's is.

[mrdavid]

wow, u learn something new every day

[baseballss]

your torque seems a little low for that cam jeff.

[Jeff2002WS6]

your torque seems a little low for that cam jeff.

I asked about that and they told me it was because they didn't hit it right away on the dyno because it was an auto and sometimes causes tuning problems. Also told me my convertor is too small. IDK but it runs great!

[99 Formula]

i have a lunati 234236/.050 544/545 @ 110 LSA and w/ 80 MM TB and LT's i made 385 hp and 395 TQ to the ground...

[SSLAYERSS]

G5x4 :) :) :)

[z28misfit]

I just bought a cam from LG motorsports. I didn't install it yet, it's actually a step above the g5x3. You got to call them and ask for it. It's a g5x4

[Duke of Cruel]

Hi silver, you should also consider lunati, they have some nice cams for the ls series engines.:)

[LS1 RX7]

g5x3

[unnatural aspirations]

i love the way my ms3 sounds and cant wait for a tune.it made 380 before the cam with all bolt ons.ms3 you think ican get 50 rwhp with new tune and injectors and cutout.

[Charisma]

What cam is suggested for maximum power and street driven? I've got full bolt ons and want to hit around 39x-41x with bolt ons and cams.

Thanks in advance.

[breakparts]

i did alot of research on the biggest dd camshaft...I CHOSE THE MS3- people tell me the t-rex is the more agressive one but the ms3 is more driveable...and given both cams are 0ver.600 lift..id go with the easier one to drive....mine stalls sometimes cuz i have no tune with it but i drilled the t/b hole a little bigger. it seems easy to drive but well see with a tune and both cams with full bolt onsshould get over 400 rwhp easily

[SDMForever]

I love my MS4

[Liquifire]

i did alot of research on the biggest dd camshaft...I CHOSE THE MS3- people tell me the t-rex is the more agressive one but the ms3 is more driveable...and given both cams are 0ver.600 lift..id go with the easier one to drive....mine stalls sometimes cuz i have no tune with it but i drilled the t/b hole a little bigger. it seems easy to drive but well see with a tune and both cams with full bolt onsshould get over 400 rwhp easily

did you get it tuned yet?

[SDMForever]

the ms4 is even better!

[Frankthetank]

well im running a Torquer v2 cam with long tubes and texas rumbler exhaust and im putting out 364hp 399 ftlbs of tourque.

Allthat on just a cam job.....stock heads.....It idles rough and drivabilty is a little rough in the city.....but nothing a good tune wouldnt knock out.
Drivability is something u just gotta adjust to.....Its not so bad once u get used to how "ur car" runs

[SDMForever]

MS4 has surprised me on the drivability...Even before I got the tune

[MISFIT]

i'drule out a t-rex for a daily driver for one thing it has a 110LSA which will make it uncomfortable around town and two you will need to verify piston clearence when getting the cam because most likely it won't clear piston heads!



i have a 109 LSA and i love it as a daily driver.

[z28misfit]

I thought the lower the lsa the more aggressive the cam is versus the higher the lsa the more streetable it is. Consider the stock cam in ls1 cars. They aren't ground on 109 or even a 112. I believe they are around a 115 to 117lsa. Not 100% sure though.

[Mr. Luos]

LSA determines idle quality and RPM range.
The lower the number the worse the idle...can't remember what it does to the RPM range though...moves the powerband around a bit though.

[SDMForever]

lower lsa is lower peak on the powerband i believe

[LS2Tuner]

I would call Cam Motion:flex: with ALL my specs and get a cam for my EXACT combination!!!!!

Every car is different..........Wheather it's the weight,convertor,or gears in the ass and that ALL effects what cam would be best!!!!

ANY COMP. RACER WILL TELL YOU THE SAME!!! WHEN THE CLASS IS THAT CLOSE 7hp could mean a win or lost!!!

http://www.cammotion.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=93

[Duke of Cruel]

LSA determines idle quality and RPM range.
The lower the number the worse the idle...can't remember what it does to the RPM range though...moves the powerband around a bit though.



It gives a narrower powerband, and a lot worse fuel economy to.
DoC

[breakparts]

ms3 bitches

[Frankthetank]

I love my torquer v2.....400 ft lbs cam only w00t!

[djvaly]

are you guys talking abou the G5X3 cam made be LG Motorsports?
http://www.lgmotorsports.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1509
is the G5X3 pretty agressive cam, mostly for track use?

if yes, they claim upto 70rwhp gain.. is that realistic after a good tune or not really.
I live like 30 mins from those guys, this is where I do all my major mod work...

[breakparts]

g5x3 will not get 70 rwhp with a tune unless there is long tubes and an ls6 intake...

[djvaly]

I can understand that, the trick is to have full exhaust and instake done, then the head/cam duo will be maximized.. that's true for every head/cam set..

[djvaly]

I am getting the G5X3 cam, it will sound pretty agressive, there's also a G5X4 but they told me it would sound drag all the time, loud as hell.

[import slayer]

The T-rex is the best cam I have ever used. I DD mine and it pulls like a fuckin Fraight train. I went through 3 cams before I got the rex and I must say that it pulls harder and sounds meaner than the other 3 that I have had before it. As far as the GODZILLA cam and its specs are it is a 275/286 793/793 108. ( Good luck running that in a stock bottom end). There is a clip of it in a 408 motor, go to LS1tech and in the LS1-LS6 page do a search for meanest sounding cam and I think the clip is on the 4th or 5th page. Hearing it idle is un-real. You'll love it. But in order to run the godzilla cam you need more cubes than 346.

[djvaly]

yep I got the 402 motor. good for a big cam ;)

[Mr. Luos]

The Godzilla cam is not streetable.

More cubes eat up a cam. Still have the have the valvetrain to run it.

No way I would put a cam in my motor without having the specs. Something that bugs me about some shops.
I have my specs and I am more then happy to post them.
LG won't even ship a cam card with it. I understand not wanting copied...but your customer needs to be happy.
But how in are you suppose to install it properly without knowing ICL?

And that G5X4 is being ran in stock cubed motors. Can't be that big.
Somewhere in the 236/244 range at around 610 lift I believe.

The LG cams are great cams. Good power made with them on the lobes.
But release specs. Allow customers to install their cams properly. :yup:

[z28misfit]

I've heard that the X4 doesn't follow the same pattern as the x1 through the x3. As far as the duration goes. I've been informed that it's in the low 240 duration range on intake and exhaust. That's the cam I'm currently running and so far I've been fairly happy with it. And as for as the ICL goes, I hear that LG makes their cams that anyone can install them without going through the hassle of checking everything. Let me know though, I may be wrong on this.

[djvaly]

i do all my installs at LG shop since they are 20 mins away... I saw a c5 with g5x4 cam on it, it was really loud, even at the stop light it was too loud, x4 cam has the drag strip properties, x3 is more streetable. they told me to go g5x3 on my 402 motor since it is going to be a weekend car but street 95% of time.

[z28misfit]

Too loud, I'm running the x4 through lt's ,ory and loudmouth and think it's not loud enough.

[Mr. Luos]

Loud is in the exhaust...not the cam. :lol:

Unless you are talking about the lope.
Mine is a little rough with the cutouts open. :yup:
248/254 629/622 113

[LS2Tuner]

Loud is in the exhaust...not the cam. :lol:

Unless you are talking about the lope.
Mine is a little rough with the cutouts open. :yup:
248/254 629/622 113

:titslap: I HAD A GOOD LAUGH ON THAT ONE ALSO!!!! :rotfl:

[djvaly]

Loud is in the exhaust...not the cam. :lol:

Unless you are talking about the lope.
Mine is a little rough with the cutouts open. :yup:
248/254 629/622 113

ya ya the lope.

[z28misfit]

You guy's are all so funny. I know the exhuast is what makes it loud, but if it's all in the exhuast, explain why my car with the x4 cam is louder than my buddy's car who has the same exhuast set up with stock cam? I know what you're gonna say, "it's the lope of the cam" Even on the road mines a little louder. But hey I guess I'm just a big idiot, the only way I've heard stock cams louder than my car was when they were running cutouts. But even then it was only on the highay, I was still louder at idle. So please inform me on the little secret everyone on here seems to know.

[z28misfit]

I know idle and wot are two seperate things. I was just saying that my current set up is not loud enough. I never said that my cam was the reason why it isn't loud enough. I would like it louder at idle and louder at wot. That's all I was getting at. So if anyone has some suggestions, besides cut-outs, they would be appreciated. I was thinking of a true dual set-up, not quite sure if it would or wouldn't make a sound difference. THANKS!

[LS2Tuner]

I know idle and wot are two seperate things. I was just saying that my current set up is not loud enough. I never said that my cam was the reason why it isn't loud enough. I would like it louder at idle and louder at wot. That's all I was getting at. So if anyone has some suggestions, besides cut-outs, they would be appreciated. I was thinking of a true dual set-up, not quite sure if it would or wouldn't make a sound difference. THANKS!

If you want it loud and to sound mean put real duels with a pair of OneChamber DeltaFlow Race Mufflers from Flowmaster........Huh

[T's99BlackLs1]

You guy's are all so funny. I know the exhuast is what makes it loud, but if it's all in the exhuast, explain why my car with the x4 cam is louder than my buddy's car who has the same exhuast set up with stock cam?.

I am the car he is talking about. We both have 99 z28's pacset. lt's o/r/y and lm catback's. And they sound close but you can hear the difference. The cam has to make the car louder, at idle we know its all about the choppyness(if thats a word lol) but cruzing its just louder. A big ole cam in an ls1 is one sweet a$$ sound thats forsure!

[WARP211]

^I seen it in one video on tech and that thing was ungodly. guy made 460rwhp cam only !!!!! or atleast that is what he said. sounded freakish.

not at the wheels maybe the crank...

[djvaly]

not at the wheels maybe the crank...

yeah at crank, a few bolts on and a cam is 380rwhp

[chevyguy8413]

Loud is in the exhaust...not the cam. :lol:

Unless you are talking about the lope.
Mine is a little rough with the cutouts open. :yup:
248/254 629/622 113

Now THAT'S a cam!!!!!!

[chevyguy8413]

The T-rex is the best cam I have ever used. I DD mine and it pulls like a fuckin Fraight train. I went through 3 cams before I got the rex and I must say that it pulls harder and sounds meaner than the other 3 that I have had before it. As far as the GODZILLA cam and its specs are it is a 275/286 793/793 108. ( Good luck running that in a stock bottom end). There is a clip of it in a 408 motor, go to LS1tech and in the LS1-LS6 page do a search for meanest sounding cam and I think the clip is on the 4th or 5th page. Hearing it idle is un-real. You'll love it. But in order to run the godzilla cam you need more cubes than 346.

Dang I never saw a cam with that much lift in an LS.....must really kick butt if u can keep rockers/pushrods from breaking

[chevyguy8413]

I thought the lower the lsa the more aggressive the cam is versus the higher the lsa the more streetable it is. Consider the stock cam in ls1 cars. They aren't ground on 109 or even a 112. I believe they are around a 115 to 117lsa. Not 100% sure though.

LSA changes, while maintaining the same duration , affect overlap of intake/exhaust valve opening. Briefly,more overlap (narrower LSA) favors upper rpm torque, thus horsepower. However, this compromises mid range torque as a result of mixture "blow through" which results in lower compression pressure. Typically, "high mid range torque" biased camshafts have greater LSA.. 111-117, for instance.

Camshaft designers balance the effectiveness of various lift/duration/LSA combinations to achieve desired emissions, fuel efficiency and performance. One strategy is to use higher lift while holding durations constant...and engineering different lobe profiles which roller followers make possible.

[djvaly]

anybody has the spec for G5X4? i went to lgmotorsports.com and it is a mystery cam comp special grind. i run g5x4, i know it's a big cam good for my 402, just curious of the specs

[Mr. Luos]

It isn't huge in a 402. It is pretty freaking big in the LS1 though.
240/240'ish' at around 610 lift.
Yours should run great and drive very nicely with that cam. :yup:
Although it shouldn't have a really crazy lope.

Hell...mine isn't even that big in a 402.

[djvaly]

:thumbup: thanks for the specs mate, yeah it drives fast as fxxxx took a cruise out today with my wife, oh yeah!

[chevyguy8413]

Listen to all the comments re: LSA.....street driver needs mid range torque even sacrificing some ultimate top end HP....so 114-ish LSA would be a good compromise--a little too conservative is better on the street than too radical.
Also as mentioned, carefully check your "true" valve to piston clearance...not at TDC. but by slowly rotating the engine just before and after TDC, and checking at small increments of rotation..especially if you retard the cam...exhaust valves have a nasty habit of hitting with some cam profiles if extra reliefs are not cut into the pistons. Good rule of thumb... .120" to be safe..allowing for any valve float etc.

[chevyguy8413]

I thought the lower the lsa the more aggressive the cam is versus the higher the lsa the more streetable it is. Consider the stock cam in ls1 cars. They aren't ground on 109 or even a 112. I believe they are around a 115 to 117lsa. Not 100% sure though.

What you say is correct. LSA , or its related specification... overlap..directly affect the shape and position (rpm-wise) of the torque curve. Lower LSA with a given duration will result in greater overlap...and essentially moves the torque curve peak to higher rpm's...thus, potentially higher BHP . Conversely, greater LSA favors mid range torque as less "blow through" of the combustion mixture occurs, and higher cylinder pressures result. To be on the safe side, most OEM cams, even high performance, lean toward the higher side of LSA...114'ish or more.

[DriveV8Faster]

How much do these big cams affect the reliability of the LS1? If I was to install one(say a T-rex for example) on a good running 80-100k mile car would I have to worry too much about a major engine failure? Any opinions on this would be highly appreciated.

[djvaly]

good question. T-rex on LS1 block

[T's99BlackLs1]

Well I posted a clip of my car w/ the x4.....Let me know what you guys think.

[djvaly]

Well I posted a clip of my car w/ the x4.....Let me know what you guys think.

link me to the video?

[T's99BlackLs1]

Heres the link

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45866

[djvaly]

gracias...!