Is mild cam good idea for 70,000mi.???

**BlackZ28629** · 03-16-2006, 11:13 PM

I was toying with the idea of putting a cam package on my 99 LS1. It has 71,000 miles on it though. Is this a bad idea? Will the bottom end hold up? (mainly the rings) How about the heads? I was about o put a 100shot on it but I wanna put a cam & lifter kit on it. Maybe a268-272? What is a safe size to go with if I was to put one in?

**HASTINGSRJ** · 03-17-2006, 04:09 AM

Go with whatever size cam that you want too. I have seen a 98 LS1 with 156k on it, and he didnt do heads/cam till it had 100k on it. AND, he is running N20, and not having any problems, 11.30's as a matter of fact in the 1/4. BUT, there are some things that you are going to want to change (not just the cam and springs) Look into getting a new timing chain, replacement gaskets, lifters and gaskets, valve seals, and retainers.

**BIG D's SS** · 03-17-2006, 04:55 AM

I put a 232/234 595/598 on a 112 lsa cam in my SS when it had over 85k on it. I replaced cam,springs,pushrods,oil pump and timing chain. Still running great. Go for it.

**KurtRardin** · 03-22-2006, 01:02 PM

Is that the tsp torquer? Mine has 70k and i wouldnt think twice about it. Hell, 70k is just broken in!

**hammertime** · 03-23-2006, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by BlackZ28629

I was toying with the idea of putting a cam package on my 99 LS1. It has 71,000 miles on it though. Is this a bad idea? Will the bottom end hold up? (mainly the rings) How about the heads? I was about o put a 100shot on it but I wanna put a cam & lifter kit on it. Maybe a268-272? What is a safe size to go with if I was to put one in?

Is this your daily driver? How much street driving do you do? What are you hoping to get out of a cam swap?

The mileage shouldn't be a concern if you do things right. Replace the parts as stated above, all though the lifters may not be a necessity. If you are just looking for a modest gain, then one of the 224/224 cams would suit you well. How much more than that depends on your other mods, whether you have a stick or an auto (with or without a stall).

**KurtRardin** · 03-23-2006, 05:13 PM

With a good tune and an M6 you can still get 27mpg on the road with a big cam like the torquer. But, in town goes down to like 16.

**camaroi3** · 03-23-2006, 06:33 PM

wow do u really get 16mpg around town. i have an m6 99 camaro and im lucky to get 10. is this not normal.

**BlackZ28629** · 03-23-2006, 08:56 PM

ok might sound stupid but I am unfamiliar with "m6" what does that mean?

I have a 3000 stall I am gonna put in; bolt-ons etc. I just dont wanna get something too extreme, but at the same time I want something that has a good noticeable lope and makes about 30-60hp. It is a daily driver and compromising will be done to save on gas. Also, I want to get a cam that has good midrange and top end. Our cars have plenty of torque at the very bottom, and mine hardly gets traction as it is. 60' times need to increase. A lot of things to take into perspective. Suggestions?

**KurtRardin** · 03-24-2006, 04:01 AM

M6=6 speed A4=auto. Yeah, i talked to guys that said their torquer v2 cams from TSP still give em 16/27 mpg.

A 60hp gain on just a cam is going to be hard, especially if you want it to be streetable. A 224 cam might add 35rwhp. The tsp torquer is one that will put you well over 400rwhp if you have a tune, full exhaust, ls6 intake, and the rest of the bolt ons.

**Roastem** · 03-24-2006, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by camaroi3

wow do u really get 16mpg around town. i have an m6 99 camaro and im lucky to get 10. is this not normal.

I get about 12-14 mpg around town with 4.10's. The highway is a different story, I get about 25-30 piddling along at 80 in sixth gear. In that gear the rpms are like 1600-1800 or so.

**Roastem** · 03-24-2006, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by KurtRardin

M6=6 speed A4=auto. Yeah, i talked to guys that said their torquer v2 cams from TSP still give em 16/27 mpg.

A 60hp gain on just a cam is going to be hard, especially if you want it to be streetable. A 224 cam might add 35rwhp. The tsp torquer is one that will put you well over 400rwhp if you have a tune, full exhaust, ls6 intake, and the rest of the bolt ons.

I got almost 50 hp to the wheels with a 222/224 cam and an LS6 intake. I don't think the 918 springs and lightweight retainers added any power.

I put my cam in with almost 90000 on the clock. I am going to put heads on it shortly. It still runs strong, doesn't smoke, ping, pop, or click. It does however drink a quart of oil every month, and damned if I know where its going.

**hammertime** · 03-25-2006, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by Roastem

I got almost 50 hp to the wheels with a 222/224 cam and an LS6 intake. I don't think the 918 springs and lightweight retainers added any power.

I put my cam in with almost 90000 on the clock. I am going to put heads on it shortly. It still runs strong, doesn't smoke, ping, pop, or click. It does however drink a quart of oil every month, and damned if I know where its going.

Springs and retainers don't necessarily make more power - they let the cam make power by giving you proper valve control. Your stock springs might be fine with a cam such as yours up to 3500 - 4000 rpm. After that, the increased lift and acceleration of the comp cam would over come the worn factory springs and cause a loss of valve control. Floating valves and bouncing them of the seats not only costs you power, it will eventually cause internal damage.

**98BluBrd** · 04-01-2006, 10:07 AM

I put my cam in when the car had about 75k on the clock and the car is running like a champ. Just put down some really good numbers on the dyno a couple weeks ago w/93k on the clock. LSX motors seem to do pretty well with high mileage. Just make sure you take your time, do it right and replace the stuff while your in there, oil pump, timing set, pushrods, springs, ect. I love my TR 224/224 and would stick with a average sized cam unless you want to have to rev your car past 6500 rpms. The bigger cams really seem to make the most power/get the best results up top. With my TR224 the power starts droping around 6200-6300 rpm's and the Torque curve is awesome. I really didnt want to have to spin the motor past 6500.