LS3 cam swap and vacuum

[NovaSF]

Thinking about a cam swap in my 1970 Nova. Car currently has a LS3 “hot cam”, TKO600, 3.91s (440whp/400wtq). I drive the car everywhere any chance I get. While the car is definitely fun it’s fairly tame. Looking for something a little more aggressive along the lines of a stage 3 Brian Tooley, Gwatney, TSP, etc..... The tuner will custom spec the cam.



Anyone have a similar set up or can comment on vacuum with a fairly aggressive cam swap? Car has factory power discs up front/rear drums. Any Potential vacuum issues with the new cam....? I’d prefer not to Hydro-Boost.

thanks!

[79 Camaro]

What's the specs on the cam?

[NovaSF]

233/253 .646/.637 112 +4 or 229/243.9 .630/.615. 113+4

[andrewb70]

I have a friend with a LS 3 and BTR Stage 2 and associated springs and push rods. Car idles around 55kPa. Very nice drivability and it rips. If you are debating between two cams, go with the smaller one.

Andrew

[NovaSF]

Thanks Andrew!! Good to know. Are they running power brakes with no issues?

[andrewb70]

Thanks Andrew!! Good to know. Are they running power brakes with no issues?

He has manual brakes, but at his vacuum level, power brakes should not be an issue.

[dhutton]

Had issues with a relatively mild BTR cam that had lousy vacuum. A little reading of the reviews on Summit revealed it was a widespread problem with that cam. Do your homework because some BTR cams do produce low vacuum....

Don

[1985olds]

I use my car the same as you, daily driver during nice days, powertour, etc. I run 229/244 .629"/615" 112 LSA tsp cam with their ported heads in my ls3 and it drives great. I made 500 whp through a tremec magnum. I still run my vacuum brakes as well.

[NovaSF]

Thanks!! We shall see. Gonna do H/C swap. If it’s an issue could always go electric vac pump too. We’ll see