cam worth it?

**JDCAMARO99** · 06-22-2012, 05:47 PM

So, i would like to install a cam, but not sure if it will work with my set up now. I wasn't planning on doing any other mods but what I have now...+ a cam.

Currently i have LT's ,high flow cats, off road Y, PYPES muffler, SLP airlid w\ bellow, 160 thermo, throttle coolant bypass and tune. This is it though.

My question is: can I get a cam kit installed (that will add power) without me having to put a new clutch, rear end , new heads, etc.??? i wasn't planning on doing anything else to the car. I just kind of wanted a nice rumble with a little more power. It's kind of a cruiser and occasionally I like to smoke those cars that pull up beside me and start piping me. I've had it to the track once and pulled a 12.9.....not sure if that's good with the mods i have done or not.

So, Is this possible with my setup? ( I do know i'll need a re-tune done if i get a cam installed).

**lipsasaurus** · 06-23-2012, 04:53 PM

you may want to do some more research on what a cam swap does, you wont need a new clutch, rear end, nor heads unless you put in a giant cam, even then you wont need new heads just the valve train components. If you get a small cam you can reuse them if i am not mistaken. So to answer your question yes you can do a cam swap with your current mods. But i am no expert im sure someone else will chime in here with more knowledge.

**robcas47** · 06-23-2012, 08:24 PM

You'll be fine as long as you are dead set on your goals with the car, but keep in mind that to do a cam swap right you'll want to go ahead and upgrade your valve springs as necessary, and get a tune. Also replacing the pushrods is always a good idea and either replacing the timing chain or upgrading to at least a LS2 chain is a good idea. This isnt a cheap mod but definitely worth it. There's a sticky on cam swaps on this forum

**Smittro** · 06-24-2012, 03:43 AM

If you're sceptical about your clutch holding up I would change it out..

Especially if you run it hard on a regular basis..

**JDCAMARO99** · 06-24-2012, 05:15 AM

thanks for the info guys. I've been researching all weekend. Looks like it's going to be a pricey mod, but everyone is saying it's so worth it. I appreciate the help.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 06-24-2012, 07:22 AM

If you're an auto you really should match a cam selection to an aftermarket stall. If you're a stick, typically cars with cams like a lower gear like a 4.10.

At minimal, you should upgrade your valve springs, push rods, timing chain and oil pump regardless if you're an auto or stick.

If you're an auto though, I'd highly recommend a stall with any cam swap.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 06-25-2012, 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

If you're an auto you really should match a cam selection to an aftermarket stall. If you're a stick, typically cars with cams like a lower gear like a 4.10.

At minimal, you should upgrade your valve springs, push rods, timing chain and oil pump regardless if you're an auto or stick.

If you're an auto though, I'd highly recommend a stall with any cam swap.

This plus if you have an auto some cams without an after market stall will actually break through the brakes.

**BrownsMillsAntz** · 06-29-2012, 06:38 AM

You can definately cam the car without upgrading the clutch, rear end , and heads. Call a reputable vendor texas speed, ls1speed, thunderracing etc. and they should beable to steer you in the right direction.