03' ZO6 getting new cam...etc.

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

I ordered a new cam from Comp Cams. I gave them a call and talked to one of their sales technicians. I wanted the right cam, so we talked about what mods. I had, and basically designed a package over the phone with them. The customer service was very good. Ofcourse, I cannot wait to install this thing, after doing alot of research.
So, the cam they gave me is a XR281HR : (228/230 Dura.) (.571/.573 I/E lift)
112 degree LSA. The cam is #54-428-11, good for mid range tourque and high rpm power.
I purchased new springs to replace the 271# rate with 313# rate with titanium retainers. The springs are #26918-16. Retainers are #7772
I also purchased new NASCAR quality push rods that are 4130 chromemoly with a .080" wall thickness. The rods are 7.4" #7955-16
I am going to keep the stock 1:7:1 rocker arms in place. This setup with tuning is good for a 2200-7200 rpm. Hopefully I can get into the 500hp range, and keep myself from drooling over the new C6 ZO6 wanting one.........ad <wife <me what????

 

[Edmond]

Todd,

Are you going to try and dyno the car after the mods? Why not go with full roller rockers while you're that far?

Can you do a post about the install? I wonder how difficult it would be to get that LS6 out of there. There seems to be less plumbing in the C5 but is that because it's all covered up?

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Not taking it out leaving it in, but I need to do a baseline dyno first. I will do a before and after dyno and post the results here.

 

[Edmond]

Not taking it out leaving it in, but I need to do a baseline dyno first. I will do a before and after dyno and post the results here.

Sweet!

How are you going to change the cam without taking the motor out?

Z06's are just so awesome!

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Well the first step is remove the radiator and condenser to give the space needed to slide the cam out. To answer your question about the rockers, the stock rockers could be replaced, but the stock rocker arms are pretty good quality anyway. The springs are being replaced because of the added lift. The pushrods are the weak link in the valvetrain, so the need to replace them is very important.

 

[Edmond]

Well the first step is remove the radiator and condenser to give the space needed to slide the cam out. It is all part of the job, which I will enjoy.

Clean out the guestroom because I'm comin' over to help.:L

That doesn't sound too bad. Looks like it will be done in a day so you can go out and drive it at night.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

wow you could have IMed me lol.

 

[Edmond]

wow you could have IMed me lol.

I don't do much work, I eat a lot, I like to get my fair share of sleep (8-9 hours) and I get distracted by women easily. But other than that, I'm ready to help. :L

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

I better keep you away from my 4 daughters then lol!

 

[WhalePirot]

The customer service was very good. Hopefully I can keep myself from drooling over the new C6 ZO6

My experience with them was the same.

Oh, good luck on the not drooling! Like the old buggy can do that!.. When faced by a similar spousal question, I said, "What? Sell my hobby?"

 

[Edmond]

I better keep you away from my 4 daughters then lol!

You can't protect all 4!:L:L:L

My neighbor loves Comp Cams. He likes their cams and roller rockers, uses them pretty much exclusively. He likes to combo those with Edelbrock intakes and Edelbrock or Demon carbs. He's thinking about buying one of the carb systems for the LS6 in his garage and sticking it in his 69' Camaro that already has a 402 with a 150 shot of NOS. :s

He said the same thing about their customer service. He said you just call in, tell them what you got and they'll give you a cam suggestion.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

My experience with them was the same.

Oh, good luck on the not drooling! Like the old buggy can do that!.. When faced by a similar spousal question, I said, "What? Sell my hobby?"

Yes, I always tell her I could be hanging out with my buddies down the local bar. That usually ends that conversation lol!

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Cam arrived with all the other go fast parts 1/11/05. Went to the local Cheverolet dealer this morning and got a timing cover gasket. (gasket is a compression type, a one time user) I ordered a crankshaft seal and cam retainer just in case. Called Comp Cams later on and ordered super locks for the spring retainers and shims just in case my valvetrain needs them for proper geometry. Almost ready to get into it. Have a few specialty tools to pick up.

 

[Gorgon]

This project sounds pretty interesting. Did you already to the before dyno?

Leon

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Hey Gorgon,

Not yet for the dyno, we have about 36" of snow here so probably in a couple of months. I expect it is somewhere in the 370-380rwhp range right now between mods. and tuning. I hope to be looking at 500hp at the fly wheel according to others with a similar set up.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Ahhhhhhh, ready for the dyno tuning. Just got my custom programming finished and I am very happy about the results. The guy I found in Daytona Beach specializes in tuning ZO6's and did an excellent job. The car runs awesome and that 7200rpm rev. limiter really gets it. The car just sings on the road. I have had a few guys try to stay with me, but I just "think" throttle and say goodbye.

 

[JBsC5]

I'd be wary of going beyond 6700 rpms on stock bottom end.


Congrats and enjoy the new found power!

JB

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

That is the first I've heard about the bottom end being too weak. Let me know what the problems are.

 

[JBsC5]

I have had no problem with my motor but I would definitely not spin the motor more than 200 rpms past the stock rev limit...(occasionally past that is not a big deal but I wouldn't do it....) JMO



I could be wrong but I think with the stock bottom end would not take kindly to 7200 rpms often.



I'd spin to 6700 rpms without a doubt once the oil temps are up and do it quite often...(6500,6600,6700, my eyes aren't that good to tell exactly so I use a shift light on the new G tech mounted under the inspection sticker and wires under the dash) but I really wouldn't go for 7200 rpms on purpose...



I think its asking for trouble and reading your threads and posts you really seem like good guy a so I thought I'd just voice my opinion. I hope you don't mind.



JB

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

No problem JB. I was just curious, because I have not seen anything regarding this yet, not saying you are not correct. I just haven't run across the exact info. regarding higher revs. on stock pistons. I know the LS1's in the T/A and Camaros have had spun bearing problems in the past. I know that the stock bottom end is good for 530hp, but beyond that it is recommended that you upgrade. We all know there are alot of 650hp LS6's out there running superchargers and stock bottom ends lol, so I try to make it a habit to stay out of my rev limiter. The shift light on the head up display comes on about 200rpm's before the limiter anyway. Thanks for the info.