Cam install questions

**brad22486** · 08-24-2006, 07:32 PM

I was wondering how hard it is to install a cam in my 98 z28 and if i would half to get my car tuned afterwards? And if anyone has suggestions for a good cam.

**Azrael** · 08-25-2006, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by brad22486

I was wondering how hard it is to install a cam in my 98 z28 and if i would half to get my car tuned afterwards? And if anyone has suggestions for a good cam.

Cam install is not hard, and tuning is highly suggested or even required depending on what cam you are planning on running.

**SSwt00SS** · 08-26-2006, 09:59 AM

what size cam are you planning to install? also, are you planning to upgrade the springs, retaniers, pushrods and bases? that comes very highly recommended when doing a cam install. you should also consider upgrading to an Ls6 oil pump, and an Ls2 timing chain as well. I would get a tune no matter what. It would make driving the car more pleasurable and you'd be able to see/feel the real gains from the cam.

**ninobrn99** · 08-26-2006, 10:41 AM

the springs are a pain, but the cam is easy

**brad22486** · 08-26-2006, 02:27 PM

yea i dont know what i was wantin to do so any sugg and likes estimates of how much the stuff will cost?

**SSwt00SS** · 08-26-2006, 03:04 PM

First thing, you need to know what you want. You want a Daily Driver (DD) or a street/strip? What I have learned I got from Ninobrn99 and a lot of reading and research. If you want a DD keep the cam under 230 and the LSA between 112-114. For example I have: Comp Cams 224/224 .581/.581 112lsa. It's a good daily driver cam which is what I was looking for. There are many different cams and combinations to choose from or you can get a custom grind cam with specs that you want. Look into cams packages from Thunder Racing, or you can choose to piece your set-up (look on Ebay), thats up to you. I got mine all in a package for around $700 it included: Comp 224 cam, Patriot dual springs, retainers, bases, Ls2 timing chain, Ls6 oil pump, Comp pushrods 7.4. I got the car tune for $400, and the cam and everything installed for $350. So all and all about $1500 for it. Some might think that high, others no. Personally i don't. Figure out your goals first and what you want. Don't look at peak numbers because sometimes those aren't always reached.

Nino will have to toss in his knowledge on tuning 98-99 cars, I've heard the PCM's are fickle...

**ninobrn99** · 08-26-2006, 05:51 PM

they're not that bad...but it could always be better

**brad22486** · 08-26-2006, 06:08 PM

yea ide like to do like street strip cause i dont drive very far. Trails is usually the farthest i go. And its like 20 mins away.

**Redphoenix1998** · 08-27-2006, 12:52 AM

it's easy to install a cam. Tuning is a definate must. I'm sending you a PM with info on a cam install

**SSwt00SS** · 08-27-2006, 06:57 AM

well if it is a street/strip car then i suggest a cam in the 232 or 236 range with a 114 or 112 lsa. the lower the lsa the more 'choppy' the cam is at idle, and some say harder to launch smoothly from a stop. also with the cam install and supoprting upgrades mentioned above, you would want full blot-ons: (ie. LT's, Ls6 intake, induction, under-drive pulley, cat-back, and heads if you have the money laying around for that). I decided to do mine differently and work backwards. I have the cam in and once I get the time I have stainless steel LT's and an Ls6 intake to install and then get re-tuned. If you are going to go with a cam in the 230 range (could go bigger if you wanted, 240 range) but none of it will do you good if it can't breathe. Do your research and find out exactly what you want before buying anything

**$TransAm$** · 08-29-2006, 03:26 PM

Can u just go to any car place and get it tuned?

**2002/black/ss** · 08-29-2006, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by $TransAm$

Can u just go to any car place and get it tuned?

nope, go to someone who knows what they are doing and has teh right software

**TheKitchenSink** · 08-30-2006, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Redphoenix1998

it's easy to install a cam. Tuning is a definate must. I'm sending you a PM with info on a cam install

Can you send me that to? Im gonna be looking into a cam soon and wanna see whats involved in all this.

**ninobrn99** · 08-30-2006, 09:21 PM

http://ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23

**Redphoenix1998** · 08-31-2006, 12:14 AM

eh, Nino beat me to it

Look for a shop that specializes in LS1 Edit or HP Tuners. There are great performance shops all over the place, it's just picking the right one. DO your research on shops, ask questions, and try out a tuner. When you find one, stick with him.