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Cam/converter ?

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Old 07-05-2011, 05:01 PM
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Default Cam/converter ?

I'm sure this question has been asked before I just can't make up my mind. I have an 02 ECSB that i wanna cam. It has a CAI and catback. It my DD and here in Indiana we get plenty of snow. I have been looking into the 03-04 Z06 cam but am worried I'll be disappointed. I've had some loping SBC so am not worried about the idle (lopier the better imo). What do you all think I should run? I know I'll get hung for this but I'm kinda shying away from a stall. 3" ice on ground + stall = ditch lol. Whats the biggest i could pull of without a stall? Seen a few people mention something about the trailblazer converter? Anyways I'm wanting to do it soon, just can't figure out what to run with. I'm gonna order the Predator tuner also.
Old 07-05-2011, 05:23 PM
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5.3? On the milder end of the spectrum, the Comp 212/218 low lift with a Circle-D 278mm 2600-3k converter is a crowd favorite, whereas the TR220 has proven itself to be a proven performer in 5.3's, but you'll definitely want a 3000-3200 converter with that IMO, and if you want something a little crazier, 224/22x and up with a 3600+ converter might be what you're looking for. Search this section and you'll find enough info to make your head spin Personally, after doing a mild cam first (which provided me with excellent gains on the factory converter), and doing a 3k Circle-D 258mm multi-disc a few years later, I think that if I were to do it over again, I'd do the converter first, then get more gear, then the cam.
Old 07-05-2011, 05:38 PM
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I guess I really never thought of a converter first. I'm not looking for too radical. Just enough to get the point across to the guy next to me. I drag it occasionally but not competitively. I just drag for fun like street legal nights/club nights etc. My last stall (82 monte, 355 11.0:1 lumpy cam, stall)was a nightmare in winter weather. lol i tried to make it a DD but then again i was 17 lol didn't really know better. I guess the lifts I see now compared to what I used to run 13 years ago are a little different. anything .550 and up was definitely not DD quality. I've had this truck since new and have gotten used to it so I'm looking for more. Any info on running a trailblazer converter? Does it stall in a 5.3 truck? I'm leery about running a 3000 stall. I know it won't stall that high but I'm also leery about another 900 bucks on a converter. If I hit high 13's maybe even low 14's I'll be happy. Although I have a hell of a time with traction lol.
Old 07-05-2011, 07:12 PM
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check out the circle d 278mm HP 3K, it's only $395.
Old 07-05-2011, 08:28 PM
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welcome dropped02, where you from in IN, im from Jasper(southern) i will be getting a converter like the one above ^^^ and i only have 2wd could be interesting in the winter haha,

i had the same question and going with what budhayes3 stated, stall,4.10's, then a tr220
Old 07-05-2011, 08:41 PM
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A stock Trailblazer converter usually stalls about 2600 behind a 5.3, but as b4vwannabe mentioned, for under $400, you can have a Circle-D 278mm that's and upgrade over a factory converter, and have it made to stall where you want it
Old 07-05-2011, 08:56 PM
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dropped02 welcome to the forum. If you get a converter get a Circle D you won't regret it! Awesome converters and for the price you cannot beat it!
Old 07-06-2011, 02:55 PM
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I checked their website. The stall don't sound so far fetched lol. I was doin some reading last night and I think the comp cam 212/218 on a 114lsa seems more on what I'm looking for. Looked pretty popular and proven. I noticed also Cirlce D states that the converters will not stall under light throttle which is perfect for the ice skating. Anyone have any experience with the Predator tuner? I have tuned a ton of OBD I set ups (honda turbos and tuned port setups) via laptop and some ancient programming. It seems all that can be done with a handheld unit now? Does the predator give me full control of everything including fuel maps, timing, transmission pressure, lockup control, and idle etc? How about torque management and abuse management that the lovely GM put in? Thanks alot for the responses. Oh and Chevy_King I'm from the Indianapolis area. About 5 minutes from Oreilly raceway.
Old 07-06-2011, 03:04 PM
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Bud, appreciate your help. What kinda gains on the track did ya get with that 212/218 cam and stall?
Old 07-06-2011, 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by dropped02
Bud, appreciate your help. What kinda gains on the track did ya get with that 212/218 cam and stall?
Always glad to help brother, and welcome to the forum! I don't have a 212/218 though, I have the smaller 206/212 on a 114, which, by itself, with tuning, was good for a .9 and 8 mph improvement, back when I was on 33's. I haven't been to the track with the truck since the converter, or shorter tires, as it's been repeatedly injured in one way or another Many members here have run that cam though with great results, and I know that a 3k converter alone is usually good for a half a second improvement all by itself


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