[Supergoslow]

Lessons Learned from a Cam Install on My 2022 Camaro ZL1 1LE

After tackling the cam install on my 2022 ZL1 1LE 6MT this past weekend, I wanted to share some key takeaways—both for those tackling a similar project and as a personal reference for the next time I lend a hand. I'll keep it concise but am happy to elaborate if anyone has questions.


Background

My passion for working on Chevy cars runs deep. I grew up in the garage with my dad and brothers, watching my father build his 1967 Camaro from the ground up. That experience sparked a lifelong dream of building a Camaro of my own. Four months ago, that dream became reality when I got my hands on this incredible machine.


Previous Dyno Results & Modifications

The car was previously tuned at SS LSX in Concord, NC, putting down 682.7 RWHP and 661.10 TQ on 93-octane pump gas with the following setup:

• Kong Ported Supercharger
• Griptech 2.3" Upper Pulley
• DSX Billet Lid
• Nick Williams 103mm Throttle Body
• Rotofab Big Gulp Intake
• DMS 2-Gallon Supercharger Expansion Tank
• Kooks 2" Long Tube Headers
• Kooks Ultra-Green Cats
• WeaponX Heat Exchangers
• Moroso Coolant Tank
• Hawk DTC70/60 Brake Pads (Front & Rear)

Tuning & Cam Upgrade

After researching various builds—especially SOCAL.M6.ZLE's Phase 2 build—I opted for a remote tune from Jannetty Racing. Their team, led by Ted Jannetty, was extremely helpful throughout the process. Ted spent two hours on a call with me right after New Year’s to go over options, and Kristopher was one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable people I’ve worked with. Their responsiveness via phone and email was invaluable.
I ultimately decided on the following Jannetty Racing Cam Package & Supporting Mods:

• JRE Rough Idle Cam Package (Part# JRE-LT222234114-3BOLT)
• TSP 660 Dual Spring Kit (Part# JRE-LT4-660SPRINGKIT)
• BTR 3/8" 7.850" Pushrods (Part# BTR-PR7850375-16)
• Katech 174° Thermostat (Part# KAT-A7260)
• NGK TR7IX Spark Plugs (gapped to .035") (Part# TR7IX)
• ARP Head Studs (Part# 234-4342)
• CHE Trunnion Kit (Part# CHE4290)
• Johnson 2110R Lifters (Part# 2110R)
• Katech Oil Pump (Part# KAT-A7502)
• Katech C5R Timing Chain (Part# KAT-7636)
• LME LTX Timing Chain Guide
• Gates Greenback Serpentine Belt (Part# K080845HD)
• ATI Balancer (Part# ATI918856)
• ATI +15% OD 9.17" Lower Pulley (Part# ATI916227)
• ARP Balancer Bolt (Part# 234-2503)
• TSP LT1 VVT Delete Timing Cover (Part# TSP-LT1VVT-DeleteCover)
• ARP Cam Bolts
• JMS Fuel Pump Voltage Booster (Part# JMS-PM-2000-GMP-AY)
• AEM X Series Wideband (Part# AEM-30-0334)

Lessons Learned

1. The GM Service Manual is Worth It
There are plenty of threads and YouTube videos, but nothing beats the GM Service Manual. A three-day subscription costs $22 (ACDelcoTDS) and would have saved me hours of Googling.

2. Inventory Everything Before You Start
Avoid delays by ensuring you have all necessary parts and fluids (water pump gaskets, distilled water, transmission fluid, brake fluid, A/C compressor belt). The factory belt is stretch-fit and a pain to reinstall, so plan accordingly.

3. Take More Pictures Than You Think You Need
Some steps seem obvious in the moment, but three days later, you’ll wish you had that one reference photo.

4. Label and Bag Everything
Despite my best efforts, two bolts had no home until the very end. Avoid this by bagging and tagging every part.

5. Dropping the Engine Cradle is Easier Than You Think
If you have access to a lift, drop the cradle. It’s intimidating at first, but straightforward. Two extra hands help, and if I had to do it again, I could probably drop everything in about six hours.

6. Keep the Motor and Trans Together
The GM Service Manual suggests separating them, but since I dropped everything as one unit, some steps were unnecessary.

7. Mark Your Jack Stands
If rolling the cradle isn’t an option, mark the jack stands and contact points to ease re-installation. My driver’s side lined up perfectly; the passenger side was off by about an inch.

8. Install a Remote Bleeder if You Have a 6MT
I ended up using a MityVac handheld vacuum pump, which was easy, but having a remote bleeder would provide another option I didn't even consider.

9. Get a DMS Supercharger Bleeder Adapter
I didn’t even know this existed. I used a Harbor Freight funnel and a 3/8" socket to depress the valve while running the coolant pump manually.

10. The Slave Cylinder Retaining Pin Goes in From the Side
I lost an hour figuring out that the pin doesn’t go straight up from the bottom.

11. Don’t Throw Away Any Bolts Until You’re Done
I found myself digging through the trash looking for three missing engine cradle bolts. Lesson learned...

12. Valve Locks & Wear Caps Matter

• The TSP valve spring kit comes with 16 hardened valve locks—use these only on the eight intake valves. The exhaust valves retain the factory GM locks.
• The intake valves have wear caps—they can come loose and get lost in a hot tank wash. A magnet helped me recover a missing cap.

13. Secure the Steering Wheel
If the steering shaft disconnects, make sure the wheel doesn’t spin. Mine did, and now I’m troubleshooting power steering and ESC issues.

14. BMR Motor Mounts Require Adjustments
I torqued everything down, but later had to loosen the mounts significantly to align the transmission crossmember.

15. Preload the Oil Pump
Before fully filling the engine with oil, make sure to preload the oil pump after filling the filter.

16. Wideband Setup in HP Tuners Requires a Specific Process
This video explains how to add the wideband channel, but I had to:

• Ensure the car was running
• Let the wideband pass the "heat" stage
• Re-poll for parameters
• Add WB EQ Ratio 1 (SAE)

17. Load the Correct Tune
VCM Editor stores the last edited tune by default. This pains me to admit... but I accidentally reloaded the same tune, leading to 20+ error codes.
18. Read Ted’s Instructions Carefully
I skimmed past the crank re-learn procedure, leading to unnecessary troubleshooting. Once I followed it correctly, all DTCs were cleared.



In the end, the build had a few sticking points, a couple of smashed fingers, and plenty of lessons learned—but the result is a very choppy ZLE.

[PowerDemon]

Badass. Always love to see guys tackling jobs like this in the garage. Well done.

Also I see the R8 peeping in watching the operation!

[Supergoslow]

Originally Posted by PowerDemon

Badass. Always love to see guys tackling jobs like this in the garage. Well done.

Also I see the R8 peeping in watching the operation!

Thanks! That twin turbo'd R8 was my given to me by my friend to daily while the ZLE was apart. Needless to say, I wasn't in a rush to finish the job haha

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

Originally Posted by Supergoslow

Lessons Learned from a Cam Install on My 2022 Camaro ZL1 1LE

After tackling the cam install on my 2022 ZL1 1LE 6MT this past weekend, I wanted to share some key takeaways—both for those tackling a similar project and as a personal reference for the next time I lend a hand. I'll keep it concise but am happy to elaborate if anyone has questions.


Background

My passion for working on Chevy cars runs deep. I grew up in the garage with my dad and brothers, watching my father build his 1967 Camaro from the ground up. That experience sparked a lifelong dream of building a Camaro of my own. Four months ago, that dream became reality when I got my hands on this incredible machine.


Previous Dyno Results & Modifications

The car was previously tuned at SS LSX in Concord, NC, putting down 682.7 RWHP and 661.10 TQ on 93-octane pump gas with the following setup:

• Kong Ported Supercharger
• Griptech 2.3" Upper Pulley
• DSX Billet Lid
• Nick Williams 103mm Throttle Body
• Rotofab Big Gulp Intake
• DMS 2-Gallon Supercharger Expansion Tank
• Kooks 2" Long Tube Headers
• Kooks Ultra-Green Cats
• WeaponX Heat Exchangers
• Moroso Coolant Tank
• Hawk DTC70/60 Brake Pads (Front & Rear)

Tuning & Cam Upgrade

After researching various builds—especially SOCAL.M6.ZLE's Phase 2 build—I opted for a remote tune from Jannetty Racing. Their team, led by Ted Jannetty, was extremely helpful throughout the process. Ted spent two hours on a call with me right after New Year’s to go over options, and Kristopher was one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable people I’ve worked with. Their responsiveness via phone and email was invaluable.
I ultimately decided on the following Jannetty Racing Cam Package & Supporting Mods:

• JRE Rough Idle Cam Package (Part# JRE-LT222234114-3BOLT)
• TSP 660 Dual Spring Kit (Part# JRE-LT4-660SPRINGKIT)
• BTR 3/8" 7.850" Pushrods (Part# BTR-PR7850375-16)
• Katech 174° Thermostat (Part# KAT-A7260)
• NGK TR7IX Spark Plugs (gapped to .035") (Part# TR7IX)
• ARP Head Studs (Part# 234-4342)
• CHE Trunnion Kit (Part# CHE4290)
• Johnson 2110R Lifters (Part# 2110R)
• Katech Oil Pump (Part# KAT-A7502)
• Katech C5R Timing Chain (Part# KAT-7636)
• LME LTX Timing Chain Guide
• Gates Greenback Serpentine Belt (Part# K080845HD)
• ATI Balancer (Part# ATI918856)
• ATI +15% OD 9.17" Lower Pulley (Part# ATI916227)
• ARP Balancer Bolt (Part# 234-2503)
• TSP LT1 VVT Delete Timing Cover (Part# TSP-LT1VVT-DeleteCover)
• ARP Cam Bolts
• JMS Fuel Pump Voltage Booster (Part# JMS-PM-2000-GMP-AY)
• AEM X Series Wideband (Part# AEM-30-0334)

Lessons Learned

1. The GM Service Manual is Worth It
There are plenty of threads and YouTube videos, but nothing beats the GM Service Manual. A three-day subscription costs $22 (ACDelcoTDS) and would have saved me hours of Googling.

2. Inventory Everything Before You Start
Avoid delays by ensuring you have all necessary parts and fluids (water pump gaskets, distilled water, transmission fluid, brake fluid, A/C compressor belt). The factory belt is stretch-fit and a pain to reinstall, so plan accordingly.

3. Take More Pictures Than You Think You Need
Some steps seem obvious in the moment, but three days later, you’ll wish you had that one reference photo.

4. Label and Bag Everything
Despite my best efforts, two bolts had no home until the very end. Avoid this by bagging and tagging every part.

5. Dropping the Engine Cradle is Easier Than You Think
If you have access to a lift, drop the cradle. It’s intimidating at first, but straightforward. Two extra hands help, and if I had to do it again, I could probably drop everything in about six hours.

6. Keep the Motor and Trans Together
The GM Service Manual suggests separating them, but since I dropped everything as one unit, some steps were unnecessary.

7. Mark Your Jack Stands
If rolling the cradle isn’t an option, mark the jack stands and contact points to ease re-installation. My driver’s side lined up perfectly; the passenger side was off by about an inch.

8. Install a Remote Bleeder if You Have a 6MT
I ended up using a MityVac handheld vacuum pump, which was easy, but having a remote bleeder would provide another option I didn't even consider.

9. Get a DMS Supercharger Bleeder Adapter
I didn’t even know this existed. I used a Harbor Freight funnel and a 3/8" socket to depress the valve while running the coolant pump manually.

10. The Slave Cylinder Retaining Pin Goes in From the Side
I lost an hour figuring out that the pin doesn’t go straight up from the bottom.

11. Don’t Throw Away Any Bolts Until You’re Done
I found myself digging through the trash looking for three missing engine cradle bolts. Lesson learned...

12. Valve Locks & Wear Caps Matter

• The TSP valve spring kit comes with 16 hardened valve locks—use these only on the eight intake valves. The exhaust valves retain the factory GM locks.
• The intake valves have wear caps—they can come loose and get lost in a hot tank wash. A magnet helped me recover a missing cap.

13. Secure the Steering Wheel
If the steering shaft disconnects, make sure the wheel doesn’t spin. Mine did, and now I’m troubleshooting power steering and ESC issues.

14. BMR Motor Mounts Require Adjustments
I torqued everything down, but later had to loosen the mounts significantly to align the transmission crossmember.

15. Preload the Oil Pump
Before fully filling the engine with oil, make sure to preload the oil pump after filling the filter.

16. Wideband Setup in HP Tuners Requires a Specific Process
This video explains how to add the wideband channel, but I had to:

• Ensure the car was running
• Let the wideband pass the "heat" stage
• Re-poll for parameters
• Add WB EQ Ratio 1 (SAE)

17. Load the Correct Tune
VCM Editor stores the last edited tune by default. This pains me to admit... but I accidentally reloaded the same tune, leading to 20+ error codes.
18. Read Ted’s Instructions Carefully
I skimmed past the crank re-learn procedure, leading to unnecessary troubleshooting. Once I followed it correctly, all DTCs were cleared.



In the end, the build had a few sticking points, a couple of smashed fingers, and plenty of lessons learned—but the result is a very choppy ZLE.

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My Man! Congratulations!!! So excited to see how fast you finished this project! I hope you had more fun than expected, proving that this can be a DIY project!
Great write up and lessons learned! Can't wait to see your dyno numbers !

[KingLT1]

A lot of good information in your synopsis of the installation process. Nice Work!!

[RobZL1]

Excellent timing for me on this post, particularly the parts list, as I'm starting to see my oil pressure drop. :(

I was just about to start making a parts list.

Nice work. I wish I had a lift!

I'll post up my garage floor version of this awesome post in the coming months, although my garage floor isn't nearly as pretty as Gabe's...

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

Originally Posted by RobZL1

Excellent timing for me on this post, particularly the parts list, as I'm starting to see my oil pressure drop. :(

I was just about to start making a parts list.

Nice work. I wish I had a lift!

I'll post up my garage floor version of this awesome post in the coming months, although my garage floor isn't nearly as pretty as Gabe's...

Hey Rob, sorry to hear your pressure is dropping... but happy to hear you will be talking this and a cam swap DIY. Trust me, my floor is not that pretty... but I have had my back on worse, thats for sure. Are you going to pull the motor or swap "in car"?

[rcoe]

Only 6 hours to drop the whole cradle, that is pretty good. It took me about 2 hours to drop just the trans, kinda wishing I had just dropped the whole thing when I did my trans last winter.

[Supergoslow]

Originally Posted by SOCAL.M6.ZLE

My Man! Congratulations!!! So excited to see how fast you finished this project! I hope you had more fun than expected, proving that this can be a DIY project!
Great write up and lessons learned! Can't wait to see your dyno numbers !

Thanks dude! I appreciate your quick responses to my questions. I definitely had more fun than stress which is a first in my lifetime of working on cars lol

[RobZL1]

Originally Posted by SOCAL.M6.ZLE

Hey Rob, sorry to hear your pressure is dropping... but happy to hear you will be talking this and a cam swap DIY. Trust me, my floor is not that pretty... but I have had my back on worse, thats for sure. Are you going to pull the motor or swap "in car"?

Thanks. I knew this day might come before I planned to do the cam/heads/etc., so I was mentally prepared that it might not be on my desired schedule.

I'm still on the fence about pulling the motor. Since the cradle has to drop a bit either way, and either way is a PITA compared to the LS motors, I'm leaning toward just doing it in the car. Part of the driving force is that I don't want to deal with buying a hoist and engine stand that I'd then just be putting up on FB marketplace when I'm done. Stupid reason, I know, but that sounds like a PITA, too.

[Supergoslow]

Originally Posted by RobZL1

Excellent timing for me on this post, particularly the parts list, as I'm starting to see my oil pressure drop. :(

I was just about to start making a parts list.

Nice work. I wish I had a lift!

I'll post up my garage floor version of this awesome post in the coming months, although my garage floor isn't nearly as pretty as Gabe's...

Dang, I'm sorry to hear that but stoked you'll be doing the work! I have a more in-depth parts list that includes gaskets, fluids, etc if you're interested.

Originally Posted by rcoe

Only 6 hours to drop the whole cradle, that is pretty good. It took me about 2 hours to drop just the trans, kinda wishing I had just dropped the whole thing when I did my trans last winter.

Yeah that's just me guesstimating and also factors in the help of a knowledgeable friend. He was working the rats nest of wire harness on the passenger side while I was doing everything else. We had the cradle dropped in 8 hours but there was a lot of head-scratching and googling going on.

[RobZL1]

Originally Posted by Supergoslow

Dang, I'm sorry to hear that but stoked you'll be doing the work! I have a more in-depth parts list that includes gaskets, fluids, etc if you're interested.

Yeah, I can't afford the hobby if I don't do the work. Plus, I still enjoy doing it.

The larger list would be awesome! I'll shoot you a PM. Thank you!

[Supergoslow]

Update: Steering Angle Sensor Relearn Fixes ESC and Power Steering Issues

After driving the car, I ran into some unexpected warnings—specifically, "ESC Service," "Rear Axle Off," and "Power Steering Service. Drive With Care". Suspecting that my steering wheel may have shifted while the shaft was disconnected, I attempted to realign it to its original position. However, the errors persisted once I started driving.

Searching through forums, I found multiple cases of similar issues, often unresolved due to scan tools failing to connect properly. My first attempt at relearning the steering angle sensor using a Matco Maximus Plus was unsuccessful, despite the scanner recognizing the system.

A breakthrough came at a local shop equipped with a Snap-on Zeus Plus. Unlike the previous scanner, this tool provided a different set of relearning instructions, which ultimately resolved all three warning messages.
For now, the car is code-free—except for my rear-view camera, which hasn’t worked since I bought it.

[2023_ZL1-AUTO]

Originally Posted by Supergoslow

Lessons Learned from a Cam Install on My 2022 Camaro ZL1 1LE
After tackling the cam install on my 2022 ZL1 1LE 6MT this past weekend, I wanted to share some key takeaways—both for those tackling a similar project and as a personal reference for the next time I lend a hand. I'll keep it concise but am happy to elaborate if anyone has questions.
My passion for working on Chevy cars runs deep. I grew up in the garage with my dad and brothers...

Awesome project !!!!!! GREAT POST !