Cam swap on ls-1 (1998-2007)

[Samul91]

Ive just brought a howards ls-1 camshaft kit (mild 224/234 cam, dual valve springs, dual row chain, lifters etc), and currently in the process of aquiring extractors, cats and bigger exhaust and different intake. engine is a standard ls-1 (in a car from 2002), and was wondering what everyones views were with what else i should be doing? I want to try and get away with as minimal machining thats needed as im trying to do this on a budget and don't want to go to the extent of dialing in the cam and doing bottom ends n shit. Im not after high horsepower as its still my daily driver, id be happy with 300rwhp.

[SMWS6TA]

Is the block still in the car or out? (not that it matters just lets you look it over more).

LS2 timing chain and a Melling 10295 oil pump would be my recommendation to add to the list. Not sure if you will need a higher fuel injector with that cam. Others will chime in.

BTW you already have 300rwhp in stock form. Should be around 325 HP is the true stock HP numbers for LS1's. With that cam, headers & LS6 intake you should be around 370 RWHP with tuning.

[initechpeter]

Wow that would nice jump in power.

[SMWS6TA]

Since you just looking for a nice bump in power and still be DD friendly you are looking at the right cam.

LS6 intake
SLP Airlid
MLS gaskets
Long tube headers
Catted or non Catted ORY and a good muffler like Magnaflow
ARP Head Studs (not required but it makes any future mods easier because you no longer worry about filling & cleaning * the head bolt holes when you pull a head.)


With the double roller timing chain, kinda over kill for that cam but anyways, you can forget the LS2 timing chain. YOU WILL NEED TO check clearance on the front cover. It will need to be grind down in a couple of spots to clear the chain.



NOTE * - Make sure you clear all head bolt holes of all coolant and debris. Its a PITA and time consuming but it if you leave even a little bit of liquid in the holes you can crack the block. Believe me it's not pretty.

[Samul91]

The block is still in the car i havent started it yet, ive got a melling oil pump with 10% more flow. The timing chain that came with the kit is just a howards billet dual row chain.
My engine is 225kw or 302hp at the flywheel, car is a holden vu ss ute.

[SMWS6TA]

Nice, looks like our old El Caminos.

Must be in the factory tuning. Another thing that would help is a good set of 243 heads or even 317 heads that have some porting done.

[Samul91]

Yeah they shouldve had more power. Been told just with an intake, exhaust and tune done right the ls1 in my car is capable of 300rwhp. Speaking of exhausts; what size headers cats and catback should i go? Looking at 1 7/8" headers into 100cpi hi flow cats and twin 3 inch exhaust, is that overkill?

[SMWS6TA]

For your plans that's good.