LS1 guys

[mehrshad]

my co worker is trying to put cams on. i can do it on his car, but i have never done LS1 before. is there any cams out there that does not need new valve springs and if no what's best cams for street car? is it possible to change the springs without pulling the heads on ls1? i ask that because the engine sits far back. how much should i charge him for it?

[HKSemo]

according to rams, LS1's are single cam

its always a good idea to replace valve springs and retainers and whatnot for a new cam, might as well since your at it


But cam install's are usually best done by a shop, because its easy to mess up

gaskets are a good thing to change aswell since you have it taken apart, not really good to use the after you take it apart



Just my .02 cents

[mehrshad]

yea i figured it might need new springs and push rods, but i don't know if i can replace the valve spring on the engine. there is not much room under the hood.

[American Psycho]

don't touch the car. obviously you have no clue.


What kinda vehicle?

[Memphis]

This should help you with the install.
LS1Howto.com
This might help with cam selection
*** Cam Guide *** - LS1TECH
This also
What is the best cam for stock LS1? - LS1TECH

[mehrshad]

Originally Posted by American Psycho

don't touch the car. obviously you have no clue.


What kinda vehicle?

i have done engine rebuild on push rod engines, i just have never done LS1. it's a 6 speed TA.

[01mmmz28]

Yes, if you are good at working on what you have, stick to that unless you have someone there that has done SEVERAL LS1 cam swap, DO NOT attempt it by yourself or w/ another novice.

This is not some OHC car, changing the cam requires time and experience.

The springs should be changed out if the cam is anything over .520 lift, and if it is an aftermarket cam that has lower lift than that it aint worth doing.

The back springs can be done easily, a duel spring compressor from made by Crane will work nicely.

7.4 hardened pushrods are also required, along with ( my suggestion ) .660 or .670 lift PRC Gold duel valve springs, TSP Titanium retainers, TSP valve seats, a ported LS6 oil pump, LS2 timing chain and gear set or double roller adjustable timing chain and gear set.

A cam swap is just not what the name suggests......it has a lot more involved if it is going to be done right. You cannot just upgrade one part and expect the other factory parts that I listed to just hold up magically.

Don't forget to factor in the price of a GOOD tune from a well know and or respected LS1 tuner. All together w/ parts and tune you are looking at about $ 1250 - 1400 depending on how much the tuner will charge. It aint just a simple " hey there is a $379 cam, lets throw it in your car" project.

Do it right or don't do it at all.




and if he does get a cam, tell him to do some research 1st and read the ENTIRE cam selection guide on LS1Tech.com. Biggest is not the best.

[bmxer99]

Originally Posted by 01mmmz28

Yes, if you are good at working on what you have, stick to that unless you have someone there that has done SEVERAL LS1 cam swap, DO NOT attempt it by yourself or w/ another novice.

This is not some OHC car, changing the cam requires time and experience.

The springs should be changed out if the cam is anything over .520 lift, and if it is an aftermarket cam that has lower lift than that it aint worth doing.

The back springs can be done easily, a duel spring compressor from made by Crane will work nicely.

7.4 hardened pushrods are also required, along with ( my suggestion ) .660 or .670 lift PRC Gold duel valve springs, TSP Titanium retainers, TSP valve seats, a ported LS6 oil pump, LS3 timing chain and gear set or double roller adjustable timing chain and gear set.

A cam swap is just not what the name suggests......it has a lot more involved if it is going to be done right. You cannot just upgrade one part and expect the other factory parts that I listed to just hold up magically.

Don't forget to factor in the price of a GOOD tune from a well know and or respected LS1 tuner. All together w/ parts and tune you are looking at about $ 1250 - 1400 depending on how much the tuner will charge. It aint just a simple " hey there is a $379 cam, lets throw it in your car" project.

Do it right or don't do it at all.




and if he does get a cam, tell him to do some research 1st and read the ENTIRE cam selection guide on LS1Tech.com. Biggest is not the best.

take this mans advice, and joey your right.. i was correct ls1s have ONE CAM NOT CAMS'

dont touch your buddies car in my opinion

[Memphis]

oh my I thought the LSX series of engines have 4 cams

[HKSemo]

Originally Posted by Memphis

oh my I thought the LSX series of engines have 4 cams

thats exactly what i thought lol

[Memphis]

I think I should've added a sarcasm smiley after my post

[HKSemo]

well screw you memphis lol

[Memphis]

[bmxer99]

haha bustin balls,

[Magnusen]

Haha I thought both of you were being sarcastic