Cam install opinion

Vileintent · 07-01-2021, 01:45 PM

My car is down due to an oil pump failure. I'm debating on if I should take the opportunity to do a cam swap while things are opened up.

I have a local quote for two options:

Option 1: Oil pump repair only ($3,500)

Katech pump, 20hrs labor, oil and hazmat

Option 2: Cam and Oil pump ($6,500)

30 hrs labor
Cam and DOD delete $1,750
ARP bolts
CHE Trunions
LS7 lifters
Gaskets, Springs, Pushrods
Tune
Fluids and Hazmat

Other mods on the car already

Magnuson 2650R
NW 103mm TB and snout
Rotofab
AWE axle back exhaust

Doing the cam seems pretty pricey. Might not be worth it too if I don't do headers and high flow cats so that's another 3K+ I'm sure.

If I do go for the cam swap, any advice on the supporting mods (internals) to go with it while it's open?

Decisions, decisions ...

gotswap · 07-01-2021, 01:59 PM

I would do a cam just to have more overhead on the fuel system for the 2650

gtfoxy · 07-01-2021, 02:22 PM

If it were me & my car, I’d do it since it’s already apart.

Camaro1973 · 07-01-2021, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vileintent

My car is down due to an oil pump failure. I'm debating on if I should take the opportunity to do a cam swap while things are opened up.

I have a local quote for two options:

Option 1: Oil pump repair only ($3,500)

Katech pump, 20hrs labor, oil and hazmat

Option 2: Cam and Oil pump ($6,500)

30 hrs labor
Cam and DOD delete $1,750
ARP bolts
CHE Trunions
LS7 lifters
Gaskets, Springs, Pushrods
Tune
Fluids and Hazmat

Other mods on the car already

Magnuson 2650R
NW 103mm TB and snout
Rotofab
AWE axle back exhaust

Doing the cam seems pretty pricey. Might not be worth it too if I don't do headers and high flow cats so that's another 3K+ I'm sure.

If I do go for the cam swap, any advice on the supporting mods (internals) to go with it while it's open?

Decisions, decisions ...

If you have the money do it now. The engine is already going to be out and opened up. Install the cam, get the heads done (optional) and get headers on it and call it a day so you dont have to do it again and spend even more. Trust me, down the road you'll want to do it anyway

I have a set of 2" kooks i currently have up for sale in the classifieds as well as offroad pipes and cats.

SFV1LE · 07-01-2021, 04:52 PM

If you already have the 2650 and need the pump repair, definitely do at least the cam. I would do heads too at this point. But seeing these prices makes me realize how much more it costs to mod this car vs others. $3500 to just repair this pump is painful, that would get you a new forged shortblock installed on a nice sport compact, seems like it's the engine R&R that kills us.

swisstyphoon · 07-01-2021, 04:59 PM

If you can do the cam now!
If you don't, and get the itch for more later, you will only regret that you haven't done it now.

Trochoidal · 07-01-2021, 05:34 PM

If you can swing it financially I too would have the cam installed now as well as the headers. I’d also consider a different lifter.

Did they/you spec the cam and is it above .600 and is this with the larger fuel lobe?

Sickspeedkuwait · 07-01-2021, 06:59 PM

Definitely do a cam since it will be apart..

What cam are you leaning towards?

DrBlockHed · 07-01-2021, 07:28 PM

Cam now for sure!!!

Vileintent · 07-01-2021, 08:37 PM

Okay, overwhelming support for doing the cam

I hear you loud and clear. I wasn't sure once I saw the price tag for it. I don't think I can afford to do the headers at the same time.

Up until my oil pump failed, I'd never really put any thought towards as cam swap, so I have zero knowledge on what I need to consider, what brand of parts to use with it. I have trust in my tuner. My only ask was to do a smooth idle, feel stock, except for the power so it's easier to sell down the line.

Several of you advised doing the heads? I assume that's getting them ported? If so, where's a good place to get that done? Ballpark figure on it?

What's the tradeoff between 32 vs. 38 degree lobe for fuel? 38 = more fuel, any downside? I see most are 32's.

Camaro1973 · 07-01-2021, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vileintent

Okay, overwhelming support for doing the cam

I hear you loud and clear. I wasn't sure once I saw the price tag for it. I don't think I can afford to do the headers at the same time.

Up until my oil pump failed, I'd never really put any thought towards as cam swap, so I have zero knowledge on what I need to consider, what brand of parts to use with it. I have trust in my tuner. My only ask was to do a smooth idle, feel stock, except for the power so it's easier to sell down the line.

Several of you advised doing the heads? I assume that's getting them ported? If so, where's a good place to get that done? Ballpark figure on it?

What's the tradeoff between 32 vs. 38 degree lobe for fuel? 38 = more fuel, any downside? I see most are 32's.

You can go with a stage 1/2 cam that has a very slight lope with 32% fuel lobe and get the heads done at a reputable place. LME probably does the best head work. Texas speed is another one. Your tuner/shop can help you spec a cam for what you want. 32% lobes seem to be more common, i am not 100% sure why but its quite possible many just dont want to overwork the HPFP that much more then 32%.

You'll be able to hit 800rwhp though on pump.

swisstyphoon · 07-02-2021, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vileintent

Okay, overwhelming support for doing the cam

I hear you loud and clear. I wasn't sure once I saw the price tag for it. I don't think I can afford to do the headers at the same time.

Up until my oil pump failed, I'd never really put any thought towards as cam swap, so I have zero knowledge on what I need to consider, what brand of parts to use with it. I have trust in my tuner. My only ask was to do a smooth idle, feel stock, except for the power so it's easier to sell down the line.

Several of you advised doing the heads? I assume that's getting them ported? If so, where's a good place to get that done? Ballpark figure on it?

What's the tradeoff between 32 vs. 38 degree lobe for fuel? 38 = more fuel, any downside? I see most are 32's.

There are lots of options for smooth idle cams.
Katech has one specific for 2650 combinations, it is the K-Force 3 2650
Other smooth idle options are:
Cam Motion positive dis. 220/236 -118 32% fuel lobe
Jannetty smooth idle
Lingenfelter GT35
Lingenfelter GT31

For heads porting, LME or Frankenstein

arpad_m · 07-02-2021, 11:23 AM

As an additional data point (yes, my car is an SS, but still), I have recently had JRE install their smooth idle cam (+32% fuel lobe) on my car, and it's close to stock but definitely has a slight lope and "tremble", it will not be mistaken for a stock cam.

I for one love it and the changes are mild, but they're definitely tangible (just in case you think it would feel 100% stock).

JSH · 07-02-2021, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vileintent

My car is down due to an oil pump failure.

I say upgrade your cam/valve train as early as possible when you start down the "Mod Road."

07-01-2021, 01:45 PM	#1
Vileintent Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Washington State Posts: 83	Cam install opinion My car is down due to an oil pump failure. I'm debating on if I should take the opportunity to do a cam swap while things are opened up. I have a local quote for two options: Option 1: Oil pump repair only ($3,500) Katech pump, 20hrs labor, oil and hazmat Option 2: Cam and Oil pump ($6,500) 30 hrs labor Cam and DOD delete $1,750 ARP bolts CHE Trunions LS7 lifters Gaskets, Springs, Pushrods Tune Fluids and Hazmat Other mods on the car already Magnuson 2650R NW 103mm TB and snout Rotofab AWE axle back exhaust Doing the cam seems pretty pricey. Might not be worth it too if I don't do headers and high flow cats so that's another 3K+ I'm sure. If I do go for the cam swap, any advice on the supporting mods (internals) to go with it while it's open? Decisions, decisions ... __________________ 2017 ZL1 Black, A10 Build: Magnuson 2650R, 103NW Throttle Body, Rotofab Big Gulp, Kooks 2" headers, Catless, AWE Touring exhaust, JRE Smooth Idle Cam, Katech Oil Pump, Elite Catch Can, JMS Fuel Booster

07-01-2021, 01:59 PM	#2
gotswap Drives: 2019 ZL1 Crush Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 564	I would do a cam just to have more overhead on the fuel system for the 2650 __________________ 2019 Crush A10 E-Force 2650 670WHP 615WTQ All besides the 2650 is bone stock down to the air filter.

07-01-2021, 04:59 PM	#6
swisstyphoon Former GM Technician Drives: 2018 ZL1 A10, 06 Silverado Duramax Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Switzerland Posts: 342	If you can do the cam now! If you don't, and get the itch for more later, you will only regret that you haven't done it now. __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1 A10 Rotofab Big Gulp, Nick Williams 103, Magnuson 2650, 9.17" (14%) lower, 90mm upper, Vengeance Racing Heads (LME) Cam Package (Cammotion Stage 1), Johnson Lifters, JMS Voltage Booster, Lingenfelter high flow check valve, BBK shorty headers, Custom 2.75" down pipes, Gesi Gen2 high flow cats, MM catch can 791whp, 772ft-lbs SAE Just added 30% XDI Injectors, LPE big bore hpfp, Flex fuel. Elite tuning, results coming soon. 2006 Silverado Duramax Diesel MPI Compound Turbo 40% over Injectors Efi Live DSP5 Tuning Follow me on Instagram: Swisstyphoon1980

07-01-2021, 05:34 PM	#7
Trochoidal Drives: 2017 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: May 2019 Location: USA Posts: 1,656	If you can swing it financially I too would have the cam installed now as well as the headers. I’d also consider a different lifter. Did they/you spec the cam and is it above .600 and is this with the larger fuel lobe? __________________ Roto-Fab w/sound tube delete, Katech ported TB, Pray IM, Velossa, DD side markers, DSX FF, UPR Catch can, Halo brace, My custom vent gauge pod Originally Posted by arpad_m - “Aww, yet another oil thread with almost the same question in the OP“

07-01-2021, 06:59 PM	#8
Sickspeedkuwait Drives: '17 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Earth Posts: 108	Definitely do a cam since it will be apart.. What cam are you leaning towards? __________________ '17 ZL1 M6 8xxwhp Magnuson 2650

07-01-2021, 02:22 PM	#3
gtfoxy Account Suspended Drives: '21 Wild Cherry ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: WI Posts: 2,082	If it were me & my car, I’d do it since it’s already apart.

07-01-2021, 04:52 PM	#5
SFV1LE Drives: 2018 Hyper Blue ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CA Posts: 1,360	If you already have the 2650 and need the pump repair, definitely do at least the cam. I would do heads too at this point. But seeing these prices makes me realize how much more it costs to mod this car vs others. $3500 to just repair this pump is painful, that would get you a new forged shortblock installed on a nice sport compact, seems like it's the engine R&R that kills us.

07-01-2021, 07:28 PM	#9
DrBlockHed Drives: 18 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: NJ Posts: 118	Cam now for sure!!!

07-01-2021, 08:37 PM	#10
Vileintent Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Washington State Posts: 83	Okay, overwhelming support for doing the cam I hear you loud and clear. I wasn't sure once I saw the price tag for it. I don't think I can afford to do the headers at the same time. Up until my oil pump failed, I'd never really put any thought towards as cam swap, so I have zero knowledge on what I need to consider, what brand of parts to use with it. I have trust in my tuner. My only ask was to do a smooth idle, feel stock, except for the power so it's easier to sell down the line. Several of you advised doing the heads? I assume that's getting them ported? If so, where's a good place to get that done? Ballpark figure on it? What's the tradeoff between 32 vs. 38 degree lobe for fuel? 38 = more fuel, any downside? I see most are 32's. __________________ 2017 ZL1 Black, A10 Build: Magnuson 2650R, 103NW Throttle Body, Rotofab Big Gulp, Kooks 2" headers, Catless, AWE Touring exhaust, JRE Smooth Idle Cam, Katech Oil Pump, Elite Catch Can, JMS Fuel Booster

07-02-2021, 11:23 AM	#13
arpad_m Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 11,696 View My Garage	As an additional data point (yes, my car is an SS, but still), I have recently had JRE install their smooth idle cam (+32% fuel lobe) on my car, and it's close to stock but definitely has a slight lope and "tremble", it will not be mistaken for a stock cam. I for one love it and the changes are mild, but they're definitely tangible (just in case you think it would feel 100% stock). __________________ 2018 Camaro 2SS — G7E MX0 NPP F55 IO6 735 rwhp \| 665 rwtq Magnuson TVS 2300 80mm pulley \| Kooks 1 7/8" LT headers \| JRE smooth idle terminator cam \| LT4 FS & injectors \| TSP forged pistons & rods JMS PowerMAX \| DSX flex fuel kit \| Roto-Fab CAI \| Soler 95mm LT5 TB \| 1LE wheels \| 1LE brakes \| BMR rear cradle lockout \| JRE custom tune 1100 - 1/30/18 \| 2000 - 1/31/18 3000 - 2/06/18 TPW 2/26/18 3400 - 2/19/18 \| 3800 - 2/26/18 4300 - 2/27/18 \| 4B00 - 3/01/18 4200 - 3/05/18 \| 4800 - 3/14/18 5000 - 3/16/18 \| 6000 - 3/19/18

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