[Nabush]

After all the issues I had with the TSP VVT3 + Ported heads... The GPI Stage 3 cam....

Katech is the best cam by far.

It idles like stock or almost (yes !) with correct tuning (at 750 rpm), no chop.

It makes excellent power and torque, in fact as much if not more as TSP and GPI stage 3 without the rough idle.





Config :

AFE CAI
95mm Ported TB Solers Performance
MSD Intake Manifold "house ported"

Katech Stage 2 engine :

- Katech Ported heads
- PSI 1511 Beehive springs
- Titanium retainers
- GM LS7 lifters
- ARP bolting
- Katech LT1 Torquer cam 219/233 118 LSA 0.645-0.655 lift
- VVT limiter to 11deg
- Etc

DSX Flex fuel
ARH LT headers
X pipe with high flow cats

I probably left 10-15 Hp on the table because of time constraints on this dyno. I'm not an experienced tuner by any means, I just learned DIY


Honestly I think the heads/cam package from Katech is the best hands down. Torque all accross (410 FTlbs at 2500 rpm !! ) and great power up top, super driveability with a stable idle, like stock.

Weird point is I had to left the VVT at 0 deg until 6000 rpm (so fully advanced) to get the best results, then after 6000 only 3 deg of retard gave the best results.

[OneSlowV]

What issues you have with GPI cam ?

[17camaroSS]

I’m with the above question. What issues did you have with the GPI?

[Nabush]

Originally Posted by OneSlowV

What issues you have with GPI cam ?

Unexplainable dip of torque between 3500-4500, and noticeable weaker torque below 2500.

Had the same issue with the TSP Stage 3

It's almost like I needed to jump 1 tooth on the timing to advance the cam 8 deg. Dot to Dot was not working... Why, I can't explain... I did a test on the VTT with the katech and if I retard my cam 8deg I have exactly the same behavior. Dip of torque above 3000 rpm then catch up at 4500-4800 rpm.

It's like my crank sprocket was off or something...

Anyway, the Katech makes even more peak HP and has stock idle and torque from idle... It's probably also the result of the whole package with Katech mastering valve train control...

[pmoore4321]

I did the same thing. I will only go mild cam from now on. Whatever I left on the table is not worth crappy idle, fuel mileage lost, valve train stress, etc. Latest cam I put in is 210/230 .529/.572 118. It made 580w on 8lbs (biggest pulley Whipple makes). This is on an UNOPENED 5.3 L83 truck. Stock heads, stock factory installed head gaskets. Slid the old cam out, slid the new on in. 15.1mpg honest mileage on E85 and idle at 725rpm. I do have the 38% lobe and LT4 fueling.

[Tim M]

Nabush: Thanks for posting...glad you found success in the updates - great feedback!

[Redlinez]

Congrats! Glad you finally have something that's working well. Makes me wonder about the GMPP hotcam and heads combo.

[Bomicino]

No to derail. But if bottom end tq and a "nice smooth" idle sounds desirable, GMPP is not for you.

Congrats OP, thats a lot of power without sacraficing drivability.

[Nabush]

Originally Posted by Redlinez

Congrats! Glad you finally have something that's working well. Makes me wonder about the GMPP hotcam and heads combo.

Can't tell you what the GMPP Hotcam and head combo does...Never seen one installed or results...

[Redlinez]

I actually like a loping idle, but I don't want to have an overcammed street car that loses its tail on bottom end torque and only realizes real gains way up top where I never am unless at a track. It's sounding a lot like what worked great in LS1's back in the day. Mid 200's duration 600 lift and whatever LSA works on these engines, a 112+2 or so with XE-R/XE lobe mix was great on LS1's. Almost think there needs to be a "small cam" thread for folks looking for daily driveability with significant gains that make the car more fun almost everywhere.

[7speed]

Originally Posted by Redlinez

I actually like a loping idle, but I don't want to have an overcammed street car that loses its tail on bottom end torque and only realizes real gains way up top where I never am unless at a track. It's sounding a lot like what worked great in LS1's back in the day. Mid 200's duration 600 lift and whatever LSA works on these engines, a 112+2 or so with XE-R/XE lobe mix was great on LS1's. Almost think there needs to be a "small cam" thread for folks looking for daily driveability with significant gains that make the car more fun almost everywhere.

I have the chevy hot cam waiting to be installed, I'm just trying to decide and see if will have $ for heads.

[Nabush]

Originally Posted by Redlinez

I actually like a loping idle, but I don't want to have an overcammed street car that loses its tail on bottom end torque and only realizes real gains way up top where I never am unless at a track. It's sounding a lot like what worked great in LS1's back in the day. Mid 200's duration 600 lift and whatever LSA works on these engines, a 112+2 or so with XE-R/XE lobe mix was great on LS1's. Almost think there needs to be a "small cam" thread for folks looking for daily driveability with significant gains that make the car more fun almost everywhere.

I think the 118 LSA of the Katech cam helps the idle...
The GPI had 112 LSA and idle was crappy as hell

[kropscamaro16]

if i keep my car i would love to do cams and e85 and heads and be around 500whp na !

[Nabush]

Originally Posted by kropscamaro16

if i keep my car i would love to do cams and e85 and heads and be around 500whp na !

Definitely a big leap forward in terms of performance.