[Bud357]

I know this topic has been covered before and I have researched several past threads and posts. However I am still not sure what to do. I’m looking to do a mild cam with some power gains across the the whole power band. I would like to keep longevity and durability in mind so I do not want to stress the valve train. I attend road course track day’s occasionally and go to the drag strip a few times a year. I’m not a dedicated race driver just amateur/for fun. I have long tube headers, CAI, and E85 currently. I have no intention of boosting the car or adding NOS. Stock intake and heads. I have been looking at several ‘stage 1’ cams from the major players(BTR, GPI, TSP, and Cam Motion titan 1). Does anyone have experience with any of these cam specs?

[LT1ornothing]

Originally Posted by Bud357

I know this topic has been covered before and I have researched several past threads and posts. However I am still not sure what to do. I’m looking to do a mild cam with some power gains across the the whole power band. I would like to keep longevity and durability in mind so I do not want to stress the valve train. I attend road course track day’s occasionally and go to the drag strip a few times a year. I’m not a dedicated race driver just amateur/for fun. I have long tube headers, CAI, and E85 currently. I have no intention of boosting the car or adding NOS. Stock intake and heads. I have been looking at several ‘stage 1’ cams from the major players(BTR, GPI, TSP, and Cam Motion titan 1). Does anyone have experience with any of these cam specs?

Naturally aspirated builds require specific combinations of parts that work well together. Doing a cam alone would have minimal effect vs matching a cam with ported heads and the appropriate intake manifold and throttle body. You should do a little more research, and prepare to buy a combination of parts as opposed to just a cam kit if you want to see significant gains.

[Bud357]

Thank you for the input!

[LT1ornothing]

Originally Posted by Bud357

Thank you for the input!

Of course man, I think a ported msd manifold + 103mm throttle body with the right cam and ported heads will give you what you want.

[GAOLDGUY]

I'm not trying to overcomplicate things but I remember when I worked at auto parts stores in the 80s, if you ever looked at the information required to get a camshaft recommendation from a manufacturer, it was extensive. Of course, if you are close to factory, it will be much easier. I would contact someone like Cam Motion, https://cammotion.com/, and give them your exact goals and specifications. They can make a recommendation. That will save much heartache. Historically, one of the biggest mistakes people have made in modifying their vehicles is "too much cam". Lastly, I must say that with a good cam / heads package, these LT1s make really good power.

[Bud357]

Thank you. I did send an inquiry to cam motion detailing my goals for the car. Yes I agree with the ‘too big of a cam theory’ so hopefully they can point me in a good direction. I do not want the car to be obnoxious. Drivability and reliability are important.

[KingLT1]

Just make sure you do your homework. The stock heads are not very forgiving in regard to poor valvetrain control. Some of the companies' cams that have been out on the market were causing valve bounce and tearing up the stock seats. They were blaming the factory heads as a result. There are some core shift issues with LT heads, but I always suspected that poor valve control was at play here.

The gen 5 LT platform is unfolding just like the LS1 did 20+ years ago and it seems silly because a lot of that development in cam technology can be applied here yet some companies have been selling cam shafts that produce valve events that cannot be properly controlled with basic valve train setups.

Companies like BTR have redesigned their cams based off of spintron testing to eliminate that issue. I have always been a fan of Cam motion and I now believe BTR is a good option. I have local shop close that seems to be having good success with BTR. However, I personally am a fan of lower lift cams for cars that will see a lot of mileage.

At the very least I would get a LT2 manifold(msd would be better), port the heads or if the Budget allows a set of PRC LTx. The CM Titan 1 would be a good option for you.

[Spaceme1117]

I have a 2017 SS. I have done E85, Kooks headers, CAI, and a tune. It I were to do anything else it would likely be the LT2 intake manifold. Possibly for longevity, I might do a DOD delete and just put the stock LT5 cam in (its the same as the LT1 just no DOD).

For me the LT1 engine responds so well that with E85 and headers, you get gains as if it were an LS engine that you cammed.

[Bud357]

KingLT1. Thank you for your input and advice. I’m leaning towards the titan1 or btr220.

[Slowhawk]

I run a lot of BTR stage 1 and stage 2 NA/boosted cams. Not un common to gain 100rwhp with those cams with longtubes while keeping good drivability.

[KingLT1]

Originally Posted by Slowhawk

I run a lot of BTR stage 1 and stage 2 NA/boosted cams. Not un common to gain 100rwhp with those cams with longtubes while keeping good drivability.

How is the valvetrain stability with these cams? BTR claims they have the opening/closing rates smooth enough that there is no valve bounce with dual springs, stock valves, and a standard OEM lifter/Rocker arm combination. I worry more about longevity than anything.

[6spdhyperblue]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

How is the valvetrain stability with these cams? BTR claims they have the opening/closing rates smooth enough that there is no valve bounce with dual springs, stock valves, and a standard OEM lifter/Rocker arm combination. I worry more about longevity than anything.

I have been waiting for the second gen of cams. Sounds like btr is the first to get there. I would like to get the 225 cam in the a10, with the gmpp heads or prays new small chamber.

I wonder if I can get away with manifolds and ca pipes.

I still have the headers here

[KingLT1]

Originally Posted by 6spdhyperblue

I have been waiting for the second gen of cams. Sounds like btr is the first to get there. I would like to get the 225 cam in the a10, with the gmpp heads or prays new small chamber.

I wonder if I can get away with manifolds and ca pipes.

I still have the headers here

I think the v220 would likely be ok with manifolds and ca pipes. A local shop really likes that cam far as performance and drivability...also works great with stock converter.

[Joey Soul]

I have my engine apart now and planning for a cam, I need the durability also because this car only sees road course. 20-30 min at full throttle. I was leaning on the gpi stage 3.