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Author Topic: LS3 Cam Suggestions  (Read 4564 times)

Offline Bushytea

LS3 Cam Suggestions
« on: July 20, 2015, 04:14:08 PM »
It is that time for me to start figuring out which camshaft I want to install in my LS3 before dropping the drive train into the car for the final time. I have been picking others brains to get an idea of what their suggestions would be. So, I figured I would ask the group to get some thoughts since a lot of you will know what kind of impact the cams will have on the car and drive ability. I want to get as much power out of the car as I can while still being able to drive the car around town.


I have a 91 FC RX-7 with an LS3 backed by a T56. I did a comp cam trunion upgrade on the rockers already. I am going to go with the BTR .660 lift spring kit and 3 bolt cam gear.  I still have not figured out yet if I am sticking with the stock oil pump or to go with a high performance pump. I currently have a T2 4.10 gear rear diff that I am going to run until it quits/breaks but I will eventually swap out for a 8.8 rear end setup. I might even put a small shot of nitrous on it but not certain yet. 


Below are the recommendations I received for cams (I know there are a lot but I like options). However, I am not against any other options as well as I believe the cam that comp cams suggested is initially intended for a GenIII engine/heads.



Martin @ Tick:


227/235 110+3 LSA




Brian @ BTR:


Stg III cam - 229/244 .615"/.595" 113+4 LSA


Stg IV cam - 233/248 .619"/.595" 113+5 LSA




Comp Cams:


Recommended a 54-444-11 cam


273/279 .581/.588  114 LSA




Texas Speed:


229/236 .624/.615 113 LSA


231/236 .644/613 113 LSA


Thanks in advance.
« Last Edit: July 20, 2015, 04:21:13 PM by Bushytea »

Offline 1320king

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2015, 04:37:37 PM »
BTR ls3 stage 4 cam idle. This is cold idle, with no tuning done to a base map. Holley hp efi

http://youtu.be/j4KnyDCHq8g


Offline MPbdy

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2015, 04:45:33 PM »
Martin has the right idea. The tight centers are going to make the thing rip.

Offline mattster03

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2015, 05:40:33 PM »
Is comp spec-ing their cam to you @ 0.000" instead of 0.050" or what's going on there?
Current Car: 1993 Mazda RX7 Touring, LS1/T56, Stock Stock Stock

1993 Mazda RX7 R1, LS1/T56, EPS 230/238, TSP Ported heads
10.826 @ 128 , 1.53 60' - SOLD

Feature Article - http://www.importmeet.com/blog/2012/03/29/best-of-both-worlds-v8rx7guys-ls1-swapped-1993-mazda-rx-7/
Swap Info - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2801662

1986 Mazda RX7 GXL, LT1/T56 "Retired"
Swap Info - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/641869

Offline MPbdy

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2015, 05:46:34 PM »
http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=1092&sb=2

It's kind of a lame duck suggestion compared to the others.  Did the comp helpline really suggest that?

Offline UH-60Pilot

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2015, 06:12:38 PM »
I had Martin@Tick spec me a cam that I installed this winter. No complaints.
1993 FD Touring, LQ9 Stroker W/T56 Magnum, 513WHP, Ronin 8.8 3.31 gears with trac-loc. Tuned by ShorTuning.(SOLD)
2013 Toyota Sienna, mods include 2 child seats.
1997 Miata K24Z3 swapped.
1977 GMC K10 with LQ9 swap.

Offline mattster03

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2015, 06:16:32 PM »
I know people think Comp should be awesome at secifying cams since they are the actual guys grinding them, but I got the same type WTH recommendation from them way back when.

I also know see that they indeed are relaying the durations at 0.006" rather than 0.050".  Which would make that cam a 224/230 using the "LS1tech approved" cam speak
Current Car: 1993 Mazda RX7 Touring, LS1/T56, Stock Stock Stock

1993 Mazda RX7 R1, LS1/T56, EPS 230/238, TSP Ported heads
10.826 @ 128 , 1.53 60' - SOLD

Feature Article - http://www.importmeet.com/blog/2012/03/29/best-of-both-worlds-v8rx7guys-ls1-swapped-1993-mazda-rx-7/
Swap Info - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2801662

1986 Mazda RX7 GXL, LT1/T56 "Retired"
Swap Info - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/641869

Offline MPbdy

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #7 on: July 20, 2015, 06:18:00 PM »
I'm just surprised to see them spec something so small.  Usually they go crazy lol.

Offline 1320king

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #8 on: July 20, 2015, 06:34:23 PM »
My experience with brian tooley was nothing but perfect. Great price, great help, fast shipping. Give them a call also

Offline AKINA FC

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #9 on: July 20, 2015, 06:53:06 PM »
Either Martins or Bryans stage 3 has my vote. I prefer a pretty good duration split on ls3 heads to help with the exhaust side and make it carry a little further up top along with tightening up the CL to make it punchier.  :cheers:

Offline Bushytea

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #10 on: July 20, 2015, 07:12:54 PM »
http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=1092&sb=2

It's kind of a lame duck suggestion compared to the others.  Did the comp helpline really suggest that?


Yep, that was their suggestion. I am by far no camshaft expert but I was thinking it was a pretty weak cam compared to what others were recommending. Martin or BTR is what had my vote based on word of mouth and personal experience so far with both of them.


I just don't want to leave some power on the table or get something where I can't drive it around town.


I appreciate the help and for any further advice.




Offline scuter83

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #11 on: July 22, 2015, 03:44:58 PM »
I personally have this cam in my mostly LS3.

https://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-dickey-parts-center/sd0130

 Duration @ .050: 230/236
  Gross Lift: 611/612 (1.7ratio)
  LSA:116

I have yet to put it on a dyno, but it starts to pull hard ~3500 and is still pulling hard at 6500 where I have redline set right now.  I have no idea how much power it is making though to tell you where it is, but it is pretty fun.

Offline MoparX

Re: LS3 Cam Suggestions
« Reply #12 on: July 23, 2015, 12:09:12 PM »
My vote goes for the BTR Stage 3 cam if you're planning on running a long runner intake such as a stock LS3 or FAST intake manifold.  It's a proven performer that is still very streetable, and should pull all the way to 7k easily.

Martin's cam looks a little strange given the conversations we had last year when I was researching the right cam for my L92 headed 6.0.  Unless he's changed his mind he tends to like a little longer duration split for the rectangle port heads, and appears to be geared more toward a short runner intake such as the Victor Jr, either carb or 4bbl efi.  I would expect to see those specs for a carb'd ls2.  As an example the cam specs for my carbed motor are 231/246, .615/.617, 110+3.

The first TSP cam would be my second choice out of what you listed, but unless things have changed since they spec'd my cam (it was a tossup between Martin and TSP) the exhaust duration is a little short.  I would ask about this from whoever you decide to buy your cam.

And finally Comp.  That's the same cam they spec'd for my carb'd build.  It would be nice upgrade for a daily driver that plans to run 100k miles, but not optimum for performance.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2015, 12:24:05 PM by MoparX »
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