LS1 Based Engine Tech LS1 / LS6 / LS2 / LS3 / LS7 Engine Tech

Small cam install: Need a tune ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 8, 2006 | 04:29 PM
  #1  
jfman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 65
Small cam install: Need a tune ?

I would like to install a small cam into my 98 ls1 z28. Are some cams stock tune friendly?

Presently all stock and will never see anything more than LT's and a catback.

Back when I had a 99 mustang, I put small comp cams in it(the smallest modular cams they offer) and did not have to mess with the ecm and had pleasent results.

Will it be the same scenario with the LS1?
Old Sep 8, 2006 | 06:22 PM
  #2  
GhostZ28's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,326
From: Tulsa, OK
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

the duration and LSA is what effects its drivability on a stock tune. If you get something with a pattern thats close to stock with just a slightly higher lift you'll be good, but there would still be 5-10 HP to be had from a tune.
Old Sep 8, 2006 | 06:48 PM
  #3  
jfman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 65
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

Originally Posted by GhostZ28
the duration and LSA is what effects its drivability on a stock tune. If you get something with a pattern thats close to stock with just a slightly higher lift you'll be good, but there would still be 5-10 HP to be had from a tune.
LSA ... ? Is that lobe seperation ?
Old Sep 8, 2006 | 07:18 PM
  #4  
97WS6NY's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 217
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

Originally Posted by jfman
LSA ... ? Is that lobe seperation ?
yes
Old Sep 8, 2006 | 07:21 PM
  #5  
jfman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 65
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

Ok !

So what cam(s) would you recommend ?

I'm not looking for huge gains.
Old Sep 8, 2006 | 08:50 PM
  #6  
teke184's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 8,319
From: US 1 Mile Marker 52 in the Florida Keys
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

drivability on stock tune with a cam will depend on whether it's a manual or an auto.

autos are alot more touchy about bad tuning.

but any of the 21x cams should be pretty decent...maybe a 20-25hp gain untuned

how bout the LS6 cam
Old Sep 8, 2006 | 08:51 PM
  #7  
teke184's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 8,319
From: US 1 Mile Marker 52 in the Florida Keys
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

actually...why not tune it.

for $300 you can have a mail order tune that is 75% as effective as a dyno on a mild cam.

kindda like changing the oil, but not spending the money on a new oil filter
Old Sep 9, 2006 | 12:49 AM
  #8  
jfman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 65
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

Originally Posted by teke184

how bout the LS6 cam
That's straight drop into my ls1 ?



Originally Posted by teke184
actually...why not tune it.

Even for a 98 ? I hear they run a different kind of ecu.

Originally Posted by teke184

for $300 you can have a mail order tune that is 75% as effective as a dyno on a mild cam.

kindda like changing the oil, but not spending the money on a new oil filter
The motor is to be removed, so I'd lik to do the cam while it's out
Old Sep 9, 2006 | 07:13 AM
  #9  
Kwiksilverz28's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 955
From: Deltona, FL
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

Yes, you can still tune a 98.
Old Sep 9, 2006 | 07:29 AM
  #10  
darrens99formul's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 989
From: Rochester, NY
Re: Small cam install: Need a tune ?

The cam is not overly difficult to install even with the motor in the car. But here is what I would do since it seems like a really nice compromise.

Get the good old TR224 cam. The 224/224 114 lsa cam has been a very good performer with very good street manners. Just big enough to really know you made a difference but just small enough to pass emmissions (with a good tune) and show gains in the mid to upper rpms without sacrificing the down low power.

Here is the thing though, you will need a tune eventually. BUT the cam is small enough that you can drive around without a tune until you have the money/time to take it to a dyno tuner.

Since you're getting LT's then I highly encourage you to at least consider this. I know 95% of the people who buy real small cams eventually regret going too small and want or do swap it out.

Good luck.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rideordie
LS1 Based Engine Tech
9
Nov 5, 2019 04:52 PM
Jazsun
Cars For Sale
0
Dec 29, 2014 12:14 PM
Perry93TransAm
Drag Racing Technique
7
Aug 20, 2002 11:23 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:32 AM.