Ls9 cam swap into ls3 with asa cam set up already .. valve spring question.

[pt2285]

swapping to ls9 cam, asa cam is good but the ls9 cam is better suited for my needs and will idle under 1000 rpm... everything I’ve read and seen said the ls9 cam does require springs but the ASA cam does, so since I’m moving the ls9 cam and already have the ASA set up do I need springs? Moving to a 1.8 rocker also do I need springs?

[badazz81z28]

You want to run a blower application cam in a NA LS3. Why?

You will be much happier with a proper spec'd cam for the LS3s characteristics.

[cdoggy81]

For a budget build the LS9 cam really isn't that bad in the LS3 but I agree with you completely badazz81z28, why even bother as there are so many other good cams out there as you will be much happier with a proper spec'd cam for the LS3s characteristics.

but to answer the original question, yes spend $60 & get new springs if you are hell bent on that cam...
https://www.lingenfelter.com/PROD.html?product_code=12625033#.WfAT7yYix94

As for the rockers help me understand why are you going with 1.8??? Where they a gift? If you still need to buy them just get a better cam the works with the stock 1.7's.

What are your goals?
Is this a budget build?

[pt2285]

For a budget build the LS9 cam really isn't that bad in the LS3 but I agree with you completely badazz81z28, why even bother as there are so many other good cams out there as you will be much happier with a proper spec'd cam for the LS3s characteristics.

but to answer the original question, yes spend $60 & get new springs if you are hell bent on that cam...
https://www.lingenfelter.com/PROD.html?product_code=12625033#.WfAT7yYix94

As for the rockers help me understand why are you going with 1.8??? Where they a gift? If you still need to buy them just get a better cam the works with the stock 1.7's.

What are your goals?
Is this a budget build?

no budget build. tuner recommended it to me for my needs and what i wanna do. tuner is really good and he can make power using this cam. i know there are better cams, but we can maximize the LS9 cam for a great price. also said the 1.8s will help with torque across the power band.

[badazz81z28]

Is he the seller of the ls9 cam? To each their own. I know a decent LS cam is about $400, but it's such a critical part of the engine for power production.

[pt2285]

Is he the seller of the ls9 cam? To each their own. I know a decent LS cam is about $400, but it's such a critical part of the engine for power production.

Summit has them for $140, mass production as it finest. Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s not the right component for the job I need it to do. And it’s still a GM product.

[badazz81z28]

Summit has them for $140, mass production as it finest. Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s not the right component for the job I need it to do. And it’s still a GM product.

Not saying that, usually you see guys that swap out their old cam and try to sell it to someone else (talk it up just to sell it). Not very many people would take a stock cam from a LS9 (Boosted Application) and put in a LS3 with a supporting market that we have. The engines are different. Swapping a cam is somewhat work involved, and to make it worth it I personally would swap in a cam ground to optimize a NA LS3. Granted its $350-$400, but what's another $200?

Stock LS9 211/230 @.050 valve lift and .558/.552 lift with 1.7 rockers

The smallest LS3 Texas Speed Cam: 225/236 .629"/615" 113 LSA (65 Peak HP more then stock)

Just IMHO...Swap away.

[cdoggy81]

Again, I agree with badazz. For all the work involved to pull your asa cam just spend the extra $200 & get a better NA cam then the ls9... You say “no budget build” but you are going with a cheap cam your tuner recommends. This is the same guy who then can’t tell you to get the necessary springs. Then he tells you to get 1.8 ratio rockers. Does tour tuner do this for a living or is this your buddy with a laptop & HP Tuners :)
Don’t get me wrong, the ls9 cam in an ls3 WILL make more power & be a good driver (as I said originally) but when you add up the cost of the cam, springs & these 1.8 rockers you want it will cost close to the same as just gettting a better cam & you will make more power. That is just my opinion :)

Is your current tuner the same person who can’t get your current ads cam to idle under 1000? I’m going to assume you purchased the ls3 crate motor & GM plug & play / connect & cruise setup for it that came with computer, harness, pedal, maf, etc?

[SSLOW6.0]

no budget build. tuner recommended it to me for my needs and what i wanna do. tuner is really good and he can make power using this cam. i know there are better cams, but we can maximize the LS9 cam for a great price. also said the 1.8s will help with torque across the power band.

I wouldn't trust your tuner. The LS9 cam in non boosted applications is garbage. the LSA is WAY too large for a NA motor. Sure it's going to idle like a stock cam, but it shifts the RPM range up so high, and gives up so much low end torque, you're going to hate it. You're also giving up a lot even going from an ASA cam to LS9. The valve springs should work with either FWIW, the blue springs are stock for LS9, and I believe also work with the ASA cam.

The biggest mistake i made was running a stock LS3 cam instead of an aftermarket cam in my build.