L99 to LS3 Conversion - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Missile Man · 01-23-2018, 12:58 PM

Besides removing the DOD (Delivery on Demand), VVT (Variable Valve Timing), and lifters what other benefits are gained from a L99 to LS3 Conversion (~ $800)? I have the DOD tuned out. Right now I'm getting what sounds like valve tapping when I first start the car, would the new lifters help this?

To replace the Cam I would then buy one for the LS3 application?

Which brings up another question, my Maggie SC is for the L99 engine, not sure how the conversion would affect this. Was just curious.

imaSSnake · 01-23-2018, 01:02 PM

I can't answer all your questions but I know that people say you can get more horsepower with a VVT cam. Why do you want to do the conversion?

Missile Man · 01-23-2018, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imaSSnake

I can't answer all your questions but I know that people say you can get more horsepower with a VVT cam. Why do you want to do the conversion?

That's something I didn't know about VVT. I've heard that the L99 lifters were not that dependable, not sure what affect the SC will have on them. But you bring up a good point though. I'm not sure if the lifters are causing the valve tapping noise I've been experiencing. Didn't want to replace the lifters with the same L99 and have the same issue down the road. Thanks for the input.

SS PANTHER · 01-24-2018, 01:13 AM

There are VVT cams that can make more power than a LS3 conversion setup. For either application you would want to replace all your lifters, springs, cam, timing chain, and some other related valve train components. This would also be a good time to install a good Melling oil pump. I would get a good blower spec cam depending upon your goals. The advantages for doing either type of cam swap on a L99 is to replace that vulnerable valve train with a much more reliable one and you will get additional power and be able to raise your rpm limits from 6200-6800. I would talk to GPI about their VVT cam kits for blower applications. Be sure you have enough injector and fuel supply also.

Missile Man · 01-24-2018, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS PANTHER

There are VVT cams that can make more power than a LS3 conversion setup. For either application you would want to replace all your lifters, springs, cam, timing chain, and some other related valve train components. This would also be a good time to install a good Melling oil pump. I would get a good blower spec cam depending upon your goals. The advantages for doing either type of cam swap on a L99 is to replace that vulnerable valve train with a much more reliable one and you will get additional power and be able to raise your rpm limits from 6200-6800. I would talk to GPI about their VVT cam kits for blower applications. Be sure you have enough injector and fuel supply also.

Thanks for the info.
I guess my mind set is what mod would be the best choice, bang for buck. I have 60K miles, regular oil changes with Mobile 1 extended performance. I need to have the transmission/filter and differential fluid changed, should of done this sooner.

Many options available (a good thing); smaller SC pulley, Cam, E85 (sure I missed something). Have concerns about the L99 valve train (valve tappet noise). I think your right, keep the VVT but redo the valve train. I'll have to do a search for the gains going to a smaller SC pulley.

I was looking into the 2018 ZL1 but for ~70K and having low mileage on my Camaro (should be good for another 5 +years). I'm thinking investing $5K - $7K in my Camaro would go a long way.

I think I need to go to MA (MODS Anonymous)

Kelly@PCMofNC · 01-24-2018, 09:24 AM

Do you happen to have a video of the noise? When a lifter's failing it's like a tapping/slapping sound. Sometimes the noise will go away with the engine running as they pressurize, sometimes it will come and go. In any case it is VERY common with the L99s.

Missile Man · 01-24-2018, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelly@PCMofNC

Do you happen to have a video of the noise? When a lifter's failing it's like a tapping/slapping sound. Sometimes the noise will go away with the engine running as they pressurize, sometimes it will come and go. In any case it is VERY common with the L99s.

Yes, it only happens from a cold start. I'll work on getting a vid of it.

hunter1660 · 01-24-2018, 04:42 PM

There's was/is a tsb about the faulty dod lifters in the early model years. Random,at start up. Goes away as soon as they pump up. If your going to replace them you might as well get the heads done too. They're coming off.

01-23-2018, 12:58 PM	#1
Missile Man Drives: 2010 2SS/Black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 608	L99 to LS3 Conversion Besides removing the DOD (Delivery on Demand), VVT (Variable Valve Timing), and lifters what other benefits are gained from a L99 to LS3 Conversion (~ $800)? I have the DOD tuned out. Right now I'm getting what sounds like valve tapping when I first start the car, would the new lifters help this? To replace the Cam I would then buy one for the LS3 application? Which brings up another question, my Maggie SC is for the L99 engine, not sure how the conversion would affect this. Was just curious. __________________ 2010 Black 2SS L99 Mods: * CAI Intake * Magnuson MP2300 TVS Supercharger/RDS Spacer * Vector Motorsports Tune * Stainless Power LT/Hi Flow Cats/Tru X-* Pipe/36" J-Pipes/40 Series * R1 Concepts ceramic pads and slotted/drilled rotors

01-23-2018, 01:02 PM	#2
imaSSnake 'Maro Drives: 2015 SS 6.2L Auto 2SS Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: US Posts: 867	I can't answer all your questions but I know that people say you can get more horsepower with a VVT cam. Why do you want to do the conversion? __________________ 2015 SS 2SS Auto 93 SCT Perf, Kooks LTH & HFC MBRP Axleback Muffler Delete "Z/28" Spoiler and Grille OEM ZL1 wheels 285/305/35R20 BFG G-force Pro Comp 2

01-24-2018, 04:42 PM	#8
hunter1660 Drives: 2011ss/rs camaro Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: florida Posts: 1,261	There's was/is a tsb about the faulty dod lifters in the early model years. Random,at start up. Goes away as soon as they pump up. If your going to replace them you might as well get the heads done too. They're coming off. __________________ . OBX LTH,Rotofab,Magnuson Heartbeat.AEM wideband, HP Tuners

01-24-2018, 01:13 AM	#4
SS PANTHER Drives: 2013 SS Supercharged Convertible Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,714	There are VVT cams that can make more power than a LS3 conversion setup. For either application you would want to replace all your lifters, springs, cam, timing chain, and some other related valve train components. This would also be a good time to install a good Melling oil pump. I would get a good blower spec cam depending upon your goals. The advantages for doing either type of cam swap on a L99 is to replace that vulnerable valve train with a much more reliable one and you will get additional power and be able to raise your rpm limits from 6200-6800. I would talk to GPI about their VVT cam kits for blower applications. Be sure you have enough injector and fuel supply also.

01-24-2018, 09:24 AM	#6
Kelly@PCMofNC Drives: 2010 RS/SS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 959	Do you happen to have a video of the noise? When a lifter's failing it's like a tapping/slapping sound. Sometimes the noise will go away with the engine running as they pressurize, sometimes it will come and go. In any case it is VERY common with the L99s.