Guys, I'm intrested in the Crane Z Cams. Anyone got any suggestions on which one to use (there's several RPM levels to choose from).

Anyone actually have one of these cams? How do you like it? How does it perform?

 

I dont know anybody that runs one. Whats wrong with Comp?

 

Nothing's wrong with Comp I guess. I'm just more attracted to the Z Cam and it's quick lift characteristics and the way the torque curve is explained. Plus you can get one cheap from Sum*it Ra*ing and they said I don't have to change anything with the cam install.

 

I believe that the Crane Z cams and the Vinci cams are pretty much the same thing. Seems like not alot of guys have used those cams here, but the ones that have get good results...there's more than one company that can make decent cam profiles FWIW, I've called both Comp and Vinci, and was much more impressed with the knowledge and customer service I got when speaking to Vinci. Calling Comp, I got a different customer service rep 2 times, with 2 totally different recommendations, which was completely different than the recommendation that my father got from his Comp rep (my pop has been in buisiness building race engines since 1971). When I called Vinci, I spoke right with the source, both Roger and his son...I was quite impressed. IMO, sometimes there's something to be said for the little guy vs. the big money making machine, just my .02.

P.S., I have a Comp cam and it has been great for my needs, so I'm not knocking Comp, just their customer service. If I wasn't able to get an "inside deal" on my cam from my pop, I probably would have bought one from Vinci just from the treatment I got on the phone.

 

If someone told you that you didn't have to change anything but the cam take your business elsewhere. The stock pushrods will not last. You need hardened pushrods.

 

I had already planned on hardened pushrods. I've been doing this long enough, that I know that a hradened pushrod is a good idea for a stock cam not only a performance cam. I was refering to the fact that I had been told that there was no need for rocker arms, headwork or a extensive tune. Providing I choose the correct Z C am.

 

You'll probably need rocker arms, though. I think you need the rockers for the "Quick Lift" to work the correct way. I had the "Quick Lift " 1.8 rockers installed on my Radix'd 5.3, and I think they made a difference. Just with the rockers, and springs (and pushrods, too, of course) I picked up 20 horsepower on Vinci's dyno. Stock cam, with the Radix with a 3.2 pulley,the 1.8 "Quick Lift rockers, and a good tune, I made 517 ft pounds torque on the dyno out in CA.

 

I agree, if Summit told you that you don't need to change anything...someone should be fired! We have been dealing with Crane and their Z-lobes for a couple years now with great results!! Let's start by asking what you want to do with your truck....all street, occasional strip? What tranny (stall size if auto) and gear out back? Stock headed? Any plans for a power adder down the road?

I'll be glad to help you with your Z-can choices and we'll get you what you need to go along with it (at the very least you'll need pushrods, valve springs, and a couple gaskets).

 

Hey guys- I have a question about the Z cam too. What I'd like to do is get some more kick on the bottom, I found what I believe to be the Holy Grail. .502/.502 lift with 200*I and 208*E on 112* Lobe seperation. BTW- what's the profile of the stock cam in a 5.3?

 

gREAT! Thanx for the reply!! My truck is a daily driver, and it does some occasional street racing and once or twice ayear it goes to the track. So I want to keep it "good mannered" because it's my Everyday truck. But I would like to bust *** on some Powerstroke diesels ya know!!!

My truck is a 5.3 4X4 with a 4l60E tranny & upgraded valve body with a shift kit, 3.73 gears with a locker, and of course I got cold air w/ ram air tube and Pacesetter LT's with loudmouth muffler and Nelson Tune.

Any help would be great!! Thanx