I'm getting closer to starting the LQ9 build, and gotta make a final decision on a cam. One pre-requequisite that I have for sure is that I want something that will work with LS6 springs. I'm looking to be kind to my valvetrain, and be able to turn the key and go. I'm very happy with the powerband that my 5.3 has now with my baby cam and stock converter, I just want it stronger, and better out of the hole of course (converter is a must).

I've gone back and forth between 218/222, 220/224, and others in the same range with lifts in the .550-.56ish area (which I know will require 918's at the least). I'm really starting to think that the tried and true Comp 216/220 (.525/.532 114) might be just what I'm looking for. Powerband should be around 1150-6150ish in a 6.0, highway manners will be great, and with some smaller tires (31's as opposed to 33's that I have now), a decent converter (I'm expecting that a TB verter will be recommended the most, although I may even consider something a little tighter, like in the 2400-2600 range), and the heads slightly worked by WCCH, I should be able to touch the 13's, and still have a nice smooth daily driver. (Oh yea, and I already have a set of 31lb 8.1 injectors ready to go too....not even sure if they'll be necessary with that cam, but I don't see how they could hurt when properly tuned)

Add my SW longtubes (hoping they can resolve the pass side clearance issue), and some short true duals with an x-pipe and 14" round Magnaflows, and hopefully I'll be golden.

I don't really wanna have to spin this thing up to 6500 rpm's all the time to reap the benefits of my powerband (hoping to build a full race vehicle some day for that gotta win the lottery first)

How's everbody feel about my plans? I know alot of guys are gonna scream to go bigger on the cam, but I've been that route with the cars I've built through my younger years and kinda wanna try something else this time around

Keep in mind I'm sticking with the 3.73's in the rear also...

So whatcha's think???

 

honestly sounds like a good set-up to me, instead of the TB stall you could go with a yank or fuddle, good luck with the long-tubes fitting i would get the comp custom ground with a little higher lift thought IMO, but alls well. good luck with your truck

 

Sounds good. I must be getting old (besides the obvious hair thinning and greying) cause mine is starting to get agrivating as a DD. I still love it, just sitting in traffic on the interstate with the whole truck shaking from the cam lope sometimes isnt what its cracked up to be. I think the 220 or even a 224 on a 114 LSA would be OK though. When I idle mine up to about 900 it really smoths out. I agree with soon2bspooled on the converter though. I think you would be mutch happier with a Yank TT2600, or a Fuddle converter. Plans sound good though. Good luck

Also just out of currosity, why do you want to use LS6 springs over the 918's? If you arent running .600+ lift I think the 918's would serve you for quite some time.

 

I think he wants to keep the LS6 springs for the "get in and go" ability. They don't need to be babied until the engine is warmed up like a 918 or other aftermarket spring. GM designed them to withstand abuse for 100K miles +. Even the best cared for 918 won't come close to touching that.

How much lift are LS6 springs good for?

 

Hmmmm warm up? Oops, I crank mine and go Oh well Guess Ill get more when I start having problems

 

Not to hyjack, but how long do the 918's normally last?

Jeff

 

Well, I have to say that I am a big fan of the 216/220, wish it had a bit more lift and on a 112 LSA. But I think its a good all around cam for someone not wanting to go terribly large. It ran fine on my 2500 converter but would do really well with a 2800-3000.

I did contact Comp a while back about custom grinding a 216/220 on a 112 LSA. The closest they could come up with was a 214/220 .559/.564 lift on a 112LSA grind number is 3710/3713 HR112. Might be a decent little cam too good for mid range and higher end, but not too extreme.

 

I have over 70,000 miles on our set of 918's with no problems. From cold start the truck is driven hard every day. Valve lift is nearly .560".
I'm going to start offering the Comp. 918 springs on our CNC heads as they'll keep the overall costs down. Titaniumn retainers are getting out of sight these days and the little steel retainers that fit the 918 springs are still relatively light weight and way less expensive. IMO the max lift these springs should be used for is .580".

Good luck,

Richard

 

Personally I think the extra ~40 cubes would swallow that cam though. Just my opinion though.

 

Not sure about that. There are more than a couple of guys at SilveradoSS.com who loved the Comp 212/218 in their LQ9s. I think Richard (BigTex) might be running one now.