Ls1 cam upgrade

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

Hi all. I am planning 9n doing a cam upgrade and I’m strongly leaning towards the vcm710 cam. Can anyone tell me if I use a double row timing chain kit do I have to modify the cover? Also where is a good place to get the ls7 lifters?

Cheers chris

[StevossParticipant NewyVQP Ute View build HERE Member since: August 27, 2016 Posts: 73]

Good cam selection and If I was staying n/a that is what I would run, but would probably run only a single chain in a good brand, I have only seen chain issues on failed tensioners in the later models.

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

Thanks Stevoss. I thought the double might be better as it gets rid of the tensioner. I would love to run boost. What cam did you end up using?

[cava454Moderator 93 VR BT1 View build HERE Member since: February 20, 2015 Posts: 2 390]

Good single chain is more then adaquate.

Speak to Adam at precision international. He will be able to do you a kit.

That cam profile will definiently sound the part but not what I’d choose. I prefer smaller duration and more lift.

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

What cam would you choose Cava?

My car is only a weekender.

[cava454Moderator 93 VR BT1 View build HERE Member since: February 20, 2015 Posts: 2 390]

I upset a lot of people with my Comp Cams 215/223 .604/.610 112.

Id look into that range again an go something 1 or 2 steps up.

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

do you have any videos of it running?

would you suggest a high volume oil pump or std?

[cava454Moderator 93 VR BT1 View build HERE Member since: February 20, 2015 Posts: 2 390]

Mine sounded very stock. No one knew. Thus why a few hearts were broken.

I think I installed a Hv pump From memory.

 

But sump has to come off for that.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

+1 for the quality single chain and also speaking to Adam at Precision.

[RangaParticipant Victoria04 VYII Calais V8 97 Harley Fatboy View build HERE Member since: April 10, 2015 Posts: 22]

To answer the questions in the original post…
A double row in a LS1 doesn’t require any modifications to the timing cover to fit, generally any later model engine with a cam sensor mounted in the timing cover will need to be die grinded out to allow the cover to sit back flush on the block. As mentioned by the other guys, a good quality single row these days are just as good as a double row.
Either way the sump will have to be come off or at least lowered to get to the oil pick up bolt in the oil pump, which allows the pump to come off to get to the chain. For simplicity of install a single is good for this as a double row you ideally need to remove the pick up tube to elongate the mount tab hole to line up with the spaced out oil pump.

LS7 lifters can be purchased from almost anywhere these days, just make sure that when looking at the top of them they have a goldish coloured circlip holding the plunger in, this is a quick way to tell that they are proper LS7 lifters, a lot of people get caught out buying standard lifters thinking they are LS7.

Camshaft wise, the VCM710 is a very good camshaft, I may be biased as I work at VCM Performance and helped develop the grind, but it is one of best selling camshafts because it works and sounds good. But I do suggest having a think about what you want to achieve out of a cam as while the 710 works for some it doesn’t work for all(characteristics wise), a lot of people think bigger is always better but as Cava mentioned you can definitely achieve good results with something smaller it just depends on what you are wanting as a whole (idle, drive ability, power, rpm range etc.)

Another +1 for Adam at Precision, I speak with him on a daily basis more than I do with my missus while at work, or if you want give me a call at work and we can have a chat about some different options; we have a massive range of cams and even can do custom grinds. Just ask for me, Leigh. Also that offer is open to everyone as well if anyone needs a hand with camshafting a LS, give me a call and talk some rubbish 

 

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by  Ranga.

[cava454Moderator 93 VR BT1 View build HERE Member since: February 20, 2015 Posts: 2 390]

That’s a quality response right there. 

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

Hi Leigh,

Thank you for the info. I was looking at that cam as it can make good power and sound really lumpy. Im not too fussed with drive ability as its a weekend car. Do you work in parts at VCM? I bought my tuff mounts and x member from there. i might have to pop in and come and see you about the cam selection.

[RangaParticipant Victoria04 VYII Calais V8 97 Harley Fatboy View build HERE Member since: April 10, 2015 Posts: 22]

Yeah I’m in sales and product technical support, if you’re in the area you are more than welcome to pop in!

 

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Certainly a nice group of knowledgeable, helpful (and useful) people on here 

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

Hi Leigh,

Thank you for your help last Friday. I really appreciate it.

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

So i have started to collect the parts. here is a list of what i have so far.

Cloyes TGK346RCL Billet race z chain timing kit, Ls7 lifters, ARP cam bolts, VCM710 camshaft and have ordered the ARP balancer bolt.

I still need to get an Oil pump, Head bolts, Head gaskets, Valve springs, Push rods and timing cover gasket set.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Have you seen the vids on how to make sure the oil pump is aligned properly using feeler gauge strips?  Worth checking out if not.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

This is the one my engine builder said to follow by Melling.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsC2EtNOOPE

 

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by  VRSenator065.

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

I actually watched that video the other day. It was interesting.

[ChrisMParticipant Melbourne VicVN Calais LS1 View build HERE Member since: August 16, 2017 Posts: 140]

I had my car on the dyno today so I can get a before cam power figure and it made 168rwkw I was hoping for a bit more.

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