sftdyna

just wondering is the increase from an ls7 cam and the 1.8 ratio rockers worth 30hp? also is it true you dont need to change the valve springs? there was a rumor that the 2011 ls3 valve springs were improved so i was just thinking that if you werent looking for alot of power maybe this would be a cost effective mod to add to my 2011 gs along with the ls7 exhaust i have being the price of the cam and not needing the valve springs or extra labor should save a few bucks. i was originally considering the lg executive cam because its close to stock sounding and has perfect drivability. its not really a money thing as much as being able to keep the motor all gm.

old motorhead

It will work fine with your stock springs. The lift on the LS3, 7, and 9 are similar. The LS7 rocker arms won't work. Even if they would, the extra lift would be too much for the stock springs. I don't know that it would be worth your 30 hp though. A custom grind cam ground on lower lift lobes (for your stock springs) would get your 30 hp and more if you're willing to spend just a few more bucks for your cam.

sftdyna

thanks motorhead, one more question if i may be so bold? what would be the max lift/duration with the stock valvetrain? could i run the lg executive without springs? safely of course

old motorhead

You'd have to ask LG. Their cam specs are "secret". I wouldn't use one of their cams because of that. I've heard of folks using .580 lift cams with the stock LS2/3 springs. I have no experience pushing the stock springs that far though.

sftdyna

Thanks for all the info

FloydSummerOf68

Why wouldn't you want to change valvesprings during a cam swap?

You can get a fantastic cam package from Texas Speed for 600 bucks with cam, pushrods and valvesprings.

Don't bother with the LS7 cam.

sftdyna

floyd, i do here you. its just that i had a plan to give the car a few more ponies to close the gap in acceleration with the Z06. i absolutely wanted a vert and have followed the cam only mods for awhile but i dont need 500rwhp i dont want headers or an underdrive pulley, i wanted to go with the z exhaust using the npp from a 2011 zr1 i have that ready to go and have been told it would be good for 25hp so if i could get a cam with perfect driveability that would give me 25-30hp and port the throttle body i was hoping to net 60hp after the tune. im sure it wont be a Z but th seat of the pants feel will be greatly improved. now the cams that ive considered were all very small so ive been told the valve train would be fine for this type of baby cam, i also like the idea of keeping the car all gm which is why ive been looking at the ls7 cam. my friend has an 09 Z that i drive often and i like the powerband the ls7 gives, powerwise its got more then enough for me so if i can get close im happy! its not like you can get addicted to power or anything!!!! LOL

C7&7

I think I have read the stock springs are good to .550. The -E cams from LG have low duration, but A LOT of lift. You will have to change springs without a doubt.

FloydSummerOf68

The LS7 powerband comes from the huge cubic inch motor more than the cam.

Ans LS7 cam in your car will RAISE the powerband and I doubt it will give you 30rwhp.

Sticking with stock springs on an aftermarket cam, even low lift, is just asking for trouble. While lift may be low or similar the lobes are much more aggressive. You have to remove springs for a cam swap anyway. It's very cheap insurance that your car will stay running properly.

C7&7

Might as well replace them while they're off the car. Same with timing chain, pushrods, etc.

sftdyna

thanks floyd, and i also appreciate everyone elses help as well.

Motorhead-47

Have you personally ever actually done a cam swap? That statement simply is not true.

TripleAstyle123

I doubt you would see a 25hp gain by adding ZR1 NPP. just my .02 I may be reading it wrong though.

TripleAstyle123

On this forum, from everything I have read and all of the disasters posted, I would not skimp at all on the springs. If you bust a spring it will do some major damage. (again just from what I have read)

Motorhead-47

FYI the ZR1 factory cam is only $110.00 and the factory OEM ZR1 valve springs are the very same springs used in your 2011 LS3.

Specs: .562"/.558" and 211*/230* @ 0.050

C7&7

True....The only things that have to come off are the rockers and pushrods. Theoretically the springs could stay on.

FloydSummerOf68

Yep, I have, but I suppose my recollection could be wrong because I've never swapped a cam without replacing springs.

Thanks for clearing it up

breecher_7

They were used in the 2010's as well I believe.

Ive got a lightly used crane 224/224 .551/.551 114 LSA cam Ill sell for a decent price if the OP is interested. It will make more power then the options above im pretty sure and you should be able to keep your stock springs if you want to.

8850

Been awhile for me too Shawn but Motorhead is correct. All you have to remove is the rockers. However, from there it's so easy with the right tool to go ahead and replace the stock springs with better springs it almost seems ashamed not to replace them. You might find the new cam liking more rpm than the stock and needing a spring that's up to the task. Not worth the chance going with stock springs IMO.

Ragtop 99

For a little more than the Z06 cam you can get one spec'ed to your driving needs that will be easy to tune to a stock like driving experience. There are a couple cars on here with 218/230 116 cams that have shown better gains than a Z06 cam. At -8 overlap it will be a snap to tune. You can use EPS lobes with good lift, yet it won't destroy a quality valve spring in 10,000 miles.