Okay, so I am thinking of getting cams and would like to know the opinions of people that have done this on other cars or at least have some knowledge of them.

First off, does anyone have them out yet and if so who are the good companies?

Second, what all is involved in this kind of an installation? I realize that I will have someone else put them in. But do I need to buy other stuff as well so that I don't run into problems?

I am hoping VMS will be able to tune for this.

Thanks in advance.

i have had VERY GOOD results with comp cams...(69 nova w/ small block)...

you will DEFINITELY NEED lifters...

not too sure with the whole AFM ordeal...

but you can check with the 07-up gm truck guys to see what they are doing about cam swaps...

yea i would recommend a tune with a cam swap...

good luck...

I'm pretty sure that AFM is toast with a cam swap. In fact, I think there is a little extra that needs to be done with the new cam to "close off" something that is used by the AFM. Not trying to be vague, just don't remember the exact details.

I'm sure VMS could tune, but I'll let them chime in.

If you think about it, whoever makes a blower for the G8 is going to have to do something with AFM as well, if only programmatically.

Though you could technically use the DOD with a different cam, you would have to get someone to spend a LOT of time reprogramming the computer to deal with the new cam and integrating it with the DOD programing. That doesn't even address the unknown nature of the other stock hardware (lifters, pushrods, etc) to deal with a new cam. To top that off I just don't think any of the after market, who is concerned with making more power, is going to bother to try to make it work with new cam. Bottom line is that you are most likely going to have to program the DOD off and replace some hardware other then the cam. Then it will be choosing a cam based on your wants/needs and the past experiences of various cams in this kind of engine/head. If your going to get rid of the DOD then you'll also need different lifters, pushrods, lifter trays, valley tray, and probably some other small parts. With a cam your also going to have to change your springs/retainers/locks/etc. Also the labor for this cam install is going to be more expensive then a straight LS cam install. If your going to replace those other hardware parts your going to have to take the heads off, which basically makes it the same labor as doing a head/cam. So you probably should just budget in a set of ported heads too.

Though you could technically use the DOD with a different cam, you would have to get someone to spend a LOT of time reprogramming the computer to deal with the new cam and integrating it with the DOD programing. That doesn't even address the unknown nature of the other stock hardware (lifters, pushrods, etc) to deal with a new cam. To top that off I just don't think any of the after market, who is concerned with making more power, is going to bother to try to make it work with new cam. Bottom line is that you are most likely going to have to program the DOD off and replace some hardware other then the cam. Then it will be choosing a cam based on your wants/needs and the past experiences of various cams in this kind of engine/head. If your going to get rid of the DOD then you'll also need different lifters, pushrods, lifter trays, valley tray, and probably some other small parts. With a cam your also going to have to change your springs/retainers/locks/etc. Also the labor for this cam install is going to be more expensive then a straight LS cam install. If your going to replace those other hardware parts your going to have to take the heads off, which basically makes it the same labor as doing a head/cam. So you probably should just budget in a set of ported heads too.

It also makes me think that paying the extra for a GXP might not be as bad if you are planning on modding. There are no AFM parts to remove from the LS3. It will definitely be easier.

Chip

There aren't any cams available yet.

There will be at some time once Comp can mimick the base profiles and then add lift, duration, and lobe seperation, they just aren't out yet.

There aren't any cams available yet.

There will be at some time once Comp can mimick the base profiles and then add lift, duration, and lobe seperation, they just aren't out yet.

Well that sucks :( I am all out of mods to do ( or that I am willing to do) :cursin:

It also makes me think that paying the extra for a GXP might not be as bad if you are planning on modding. There is no AFM parts to remove from the LS3. It will definitely be easier.

Chip

I can see that point of view. That said, if your putting a larger duration cam or fast lobes your going to replace most of those other parts, lifters and push rods, on an LS3 also. But the LS3 would technically be less expensive labor wise to do just a cam as you could use the stock lifters and not have to take the heads off in a cam swap.

Well that sucks :( I am all out of mods to do ( or that I am willing to do) :cursin:

You were willing to do a cam, so you have done all the bolt on then?

UDP
Electric Waterpump
headers
exhaust
higher ratio rockers
ported tb
ported intake
air intake kit
tune
exhaust system

I'm going to throw a cam in mine just as soon as I slow down a bit. I've already got one cut for what I think would work good. I'm a big fan of stealthy cams that put down the number.. I'm expecting a honest 40 rwhp if not more as the stock G8GT cam is weak as all heck.. I have a real stealthy cam in my TBSS that you can't even hear or detect and it picked it up 34 at the wheels. The TBSS's has a fairly aggressive cam for a factory cam. The AFM lifters are good up till .590 lift

I'm going to throw a cam in mine just as soon as I slow down a bit. I've already got one cut for what I think would work good. I'm a big fan of stealthy cams that put down the number.. I'm expecting a honest 40 rwhp if not more as the stock G8GT cam is weak as all heck.. I have a real stealthy cam in my TBSS that you can't even hear or detect and it picked it up 34 at the wheels. The TBSS's has a fairly aggressive cam for a factory cam. The AFM lifters are good up till .590 lift

Where's that info from?

Damn Alvin, take a week off and get it done!!!:drink:

Mr. Dodson, you are a long way from finishing your boltons. Look at KLR's list above for details. I would skip the ported tb though. Dont really need anything larger than 90mm yet. Also, you can have your tranny programmed too. Btw, take that damn car to the track and let us know what it runs!!

You were willing to do a cam, so you have done all the bolt on then?

UDP
Electric Waterpump
headers
exhaust
higher ratio rockers
ported tb
ported intake
air intake kit
tune
exhaust system

I have a tune, axlebacks and H pipe (I may have 2.5" pipes put in and a possible X pipe later) I do have a CAI just haven't bothered putting it in yet.

Is the rest of that stuff out yet? I haven't kept up with the chevy engines before now. So I am at a bit of a loss as to where to look for these things.

Where's that info from?

The .590 safe lift number has been known since 2005 on the DOD lifters. Here is an article that talks about DOD. That same number is quoted about 2/3 way through the article: http://www.superchevy.com/technical/engines_drivetrain/accessories_electronics/0405sc_gmdod/index.html

Chip

I would skip the ported tb though. Dont really need anything larger than 90mm yet.

I'm not sure how the G8 TB compares to an LS2 TB, but the LS2s have a nasty hump in the bottom that when opened up gives a ton better throttle response.

I'm not sure how the G8 TB compares to an LS2 TB, but the LS2s have a nasty hump in the bottom that when opened up gives a ton better throttle response.


Forgot all about that, will check mine in the morning.

I have a tune, axlebacks and H pipe (I may have 2.5" pipes put in and a possible X pipe later) I do have a CAI just haven't bothered putting it in yet.

Is the rest of that stuff out yet? I haven't kept up with the chevy engines before now. So I am at a bit of a loss as to where to look for these things.

I'll remove what you already have-
UDP- you want the manufacture powerbond 25% underdrive. You’ll need new belts to go with this.
Electric Waterpump-you would want to use a Meziere. This is the last bolt on to do in my opinion anyway due to the cost vs. power.
headers-no one has longtubes out yet, but Thorley just showed the prototypes they did and I am sure other manufactures will follow soon.
higher ratio rockers-manufacture yella terra lists a 1.85 rocker. Also you'll need to do new valve springs if your going to do these also.
ported tb- www.ls2portworks
ported intake- www.ls2portworks

For the headers, ported stuff, and rockers your also going to want to get the vehicle retuned also to maximize the power. For any part that I didn’t list a vendor for you'll have to do your own searching, as I don't want to get the mod patrol complaining about non-vendors. You can search around on ls1tech.com, ls1gto.com, etc for vendors. I listed one specific vendor because they are doing an actual mod to a stock part and there are no other board vendors performing this service.