What about the MS3 Cam?

[Sunset T/A]

i need some input on the MS3 Cam, for a weekend driver, with all bolt-ons, and stock heads on an 02 T/A, 6 spd. Give me some pros and cons and any actual experiences that you may have had. Also, some ideas on the valve train components needed. Thanks.

[35thz28camaro]

i have the ms4 and love it! i made 401rwhp with an a4, that would be about 420rwhp with a m6

[shaggsm3ls1]

I don't think you can use the MS3 cam with stock heads can you?

I know that the MS3 is 603/609 lift, but I'm not sure if that's too much for the stock single valve springs

[INMY01TA]

Well I have a similar size cam (230,236/613,613/111') with stock heads and all the boltons. Runs much harder than my old 224 cam. I see no cons with the MS3 as a weekend driver. For valve train you'll want the TSP dual springs.

[INMY01TA]

I don't think you can use the MS3 cam with stock heads can you?

I know that the MS3 is 603/609 lift, but I'm not sure if that's too much for the stock single valve springs

Sure you can.

[shaggsm3ls1]

Well I really meant the stock single valve springs. I know the heads will be fine, but not the springs. That cam will require duals

[INMY01TA]

Well I really meant the stock single valve springs. I know the heads will be fine, but not the springs. That cam will require duals

Any cam swap will require you to change the springs.

[Mr. Luos]

Any cam swap will require you to change the springs.

Yup.

The stock valvesprings are good for NO MORE than the stock lift.
Any aftermarket cam will require a valvespring swap.

[UTVols98]

I've got the Thunder Racing version of the MS3 and I love it. My car is a weekend car too and this cam is perfect for it. Lopey cam. Put down 435rwhp with the mods in my sig. Great balance for at the track and street. You will want a FAST intake though since the powerband will go up to 6800 rpm's. Shouldn't need any flycutting with stock heads.

[shaggsm3ls1]

What about pushrods? I have the Patriot stage 2 59cc heads, with the MS3 cam. I haven't buttoned back together yet, but do I need to uprgrade my pushrods before I do?

[vettenuts]

What about pushrods? I have the Patriot stage 2 59cc heads, with the MS3 cam. I haven't buttoned back together yet, but do I need to uprgrade my pushrods before I do?

You need to check the rocker wipe pattern first and get that set up, then measure for pushrods with an adjustable pushrod to get the correct lifter preload. These aren't bolt together and go. Did you check PTV?

[UTVols98]

What about pushrods? I have the Patriot stage 2 59cc heads, with the MS3 cam. I haven't buttoned back together yet, but do I need to uprgrade my pushrods before I do?

You will need to get hardened pushrods and might want to get a smaller rod, however I did use stock length pushrods (7.4) though. With the Patriot 59cc heads, you will have to flycut the pistons. Might want to replace the lifters while your at it and the lifter tray.

[570SX]

i totally agree with new lifters, esp. since the LS7 part number has superceeded (sp?) the LS1 p/n, and the corvette race team reported no signs of troubles with continued use of the LS7's up to 8000rpm. but why replace the tray? does it really wear out, or is it just super cheap?

[vettenuts]

Trays keep the lifters aligned and tend to wear. If you ever need to remove the cam, newer trays will hold the lifters up better. Any they are either $4 each for LS1 or $7.50 each for LS2.

[570SX]

wow, i would never have guessed they were $4/ea.

*added to my list of stuff i'm gonna buy when i finally get my chassis up to par . . .

[UTVols98]

I don't think the lifter tray's are that cheap, but you don't want a lifter spinning in the tray like my friends did a couple weeks ago. Determined that the lifter slipped from wear and went sideways and wrecked a part of his valve train and cam.

[slims00ls1z28]

With stock heads stay off the rev limiter.

[vettenuts]

I don't think the lifter tray's are that cheap, but you don't want a lifter spinning in the tray like my friends did a couple weeks ago. Determined that the lifter slipped from wear and went sideways and wrecked a part of his valve train and cam.

Here it is, $3.98 for the LS1 version. The LS2 is more. Link to lifter tray cost

[UTVols98]

Holy shit. I got screwed on mine. I traded some spring seats for a new lifter tray.