Cam sizes and what to use

[HSV069]

Hi All

Just wondering what all the cam sizes mean eg some use 614/621 others use 242/248 i don't get it as I'm asking motor builders and part shops what the biggest cam I can go in an LS1 with out changing pistons
Even motor builders can't agree some say 242/248 others say 235/243 and a parts shop said 614/621
Any ideas or help would be great
Thanks

[JezzaB]

614/621 I would say they are referring to the lift (valve) of the camshaft. It should actually be 0.614" and 0.621"
Some people also quote the advertised duration of the cam. Most will talk in duration at 0.050" ('at fifty thou')

The duration is one part of the equation but the LSA (Lobe Separation Angle) comes into it as well, PLUS the lift. Then you have the head gasket thickness, what heads, etc.

[HSV069]

It's a standed vx HSV at the moment it's got a small cam and I was wondering what cam is the biggest I can go without changing pistons

[2010blackve]

Why don't you call one of the sponsors on here and tell them what you hope to achieve from the upgrade, they will be able to recommend a cam to suit your needs.

BIGGEST will not necessarily get you to your goal.

Good luck with it.

[GTS PAUL]

Agreed with the above comment 100%. A smaller cam can make more power where you need it for 90 % of the time , be nice to drive too and have better economy. I have been down this track with customers before.

Cheers Paul

[lukemcg]

A cam is only half the story, having the car setup properly plays a big part too.

A huge cam with standard diff gears may very well be slower and worse to drive than a car with a smaller cam with 3.7's or 3.9s in the the diff, and if its an auto a well matched stall converter.

A mate of mine has a forged LS1 with a fairly hefty cam (23x-24x not sure of exact numbers) and headwork, but runs standard manual diff gears and while its great at 7000rpm it can take a while to get there, and is useless to drive around the street with, horrible in traffic, car parks etc.

[peter b]

the biggest thing is how do you want it to drive. My pet hate is being asked for the biggest cam that will fit get that question more than one would like to think.
What is the rest of the car auto? manual? diff gears? other mods?

[HSV069]

sorry guys
it has 4-11 gears with tru track, 6 speed, allready has a 222/222 cam but is to small

it will have a super victor manifold with fast square throttle body

the car hardly gets drivin not for track o drags just for sound and looks

i have contacted sponsers and have got different sizes of cams so i just asked what would be the biggest cam i could fit in an LS1 from you guys