Questions: GPI SS2 VVT Cam Kit

[phoenix78]

Hi All,

I have a 2014 Camaro 1SS (L99) and am thinking about upgrading to a Gwatney Performance SS2 VVT camshaft. This car is primarily a daily driver, but I do occasionally go on "spirited drives" on the weekends and seem to enjoy top end speed. Perhaps that would change with a 3.91 gear swap, which I'm debating. Historically, I haven't had a consistently lead foot haha.




Current mods:

• Kooks 1 7/8" long tube headers with high flow cats
• Borla S-Type axle-back exhaust
• CAI cold air intake
• Ridetech HQ series coilovers
• Janetty Racing SCT X4 tune - 93 octane

In selecting options for the cam kit, I want to "do it right the first time". Therefore, I'm ready to save up the money to get the best setup possible for how the car is used. I've read that camming an L99 is pretty pricy, regardless of the options selected.


I installed the previous mods with friends, but plan to pay a professional this time around.



My apologies for the wall of text. Here are my questions:

1. Is the SS3 VVT worth it over the SS2 version for how I drive?
2. Which specific parts should I select to be included in the cam kit?
3. What's a good torque converter to get for this setup?
4. Should I instead convert the L99 to an LS3 and use a non-VVT cam?
5. What might be the average cost of parts and installation (I'm in Austin, Texas if that helps).
6. Is there any particular maintenance that needs to happen regularly after you cam a car?

Thanks so much! This forum has always been so helpful.

[Ashen 6.2]

I have a that cam and have enjoyed it. I called and talked with Ryan at GPI and he set me up with all the goodies including a 3600 converter and rod mod intake. Did all the work myself with help from a buddy (did his Camaro right after mine).

I have the SS2VVT, rod mod intake, PTB, Kooks 1 7/8 headers & cats with a Solo cat back & 3.91's as well. Its a fun set up and I wouldn't be scared to daily it if needed. It drives well and I honestly wished I would have just went with the SS3VVT or SS4VVT to begin with. Not having any experience with driving a street car with a converter made me a little weary of going to a big cam & converter. Hindsight is 20/20 right? lol

If you are planning on being a DD and spirited car, I would recommend keeping the VVT. It gives your tuner a broader timing range with the cam. The SS2VVt is a great cam for this IMO.

GPI lists the costs for parts and install on their site - https://gwatneyperformance.com/camaro-services/
That should be a good starting point for you. While GPI is a great shop, Texas Speed is closer for you (I think) so probably wouldn't hurt to compare with them.

Whatever you do, get a really good set of lifters, thats not an area to cheap out on. Rocker bushings are an option, wasn't for me as I found 2 broken rockers during disassembly and went with C.H.E bushings. You will want a really good transmission cooler being in Austin. This is a popular transmission cooler to get - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...LEZIILVE&psc=1

As far as maintenance, it's recommended to swap valve springs around every 20K miles or so.

[morepowerjoe]

I just priced everything from GPI for the ss1 vvt cam swap with the che trunnion upgrade and it's around $2600. So you would be looking at that plus your torque converter. I played around with the cart at Texas Speed and I think it was quite a bit cheaper. So I would definitely get a price from both places and Texas Speed is in Georgetown so you can drive there and pick everything up.

[phoenix78]

Thanks so much for the feedback! You both made some really good points that I'll have to consider. Really looking forward to this.

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

I have the GPI SS2 VVT cam. Puts down amazing power. Has a great growl and chop. You can daily it as long as you get at least a 3200 stall converter. Of course a tranny cooler is then needed too. If you go with the SS1 you can roll with the stock converter and still put out respectable power gains.

Expect about 5k if someone does it for you. Maybe $3500ish if you do it yourself.

Best suggestions;

Get CHE trunion upgrade kit
Change ALL the lifters
Change oil pump
Get a Circle D converter

[phoenix78]

Thanks for the heads up! Didn't realize that a different oil pump would be recommended (learning as I go haha).

[Roader]

You don’t need to change oil pump on l99. On ls3, yes. On the l99 it’s a personal preference but not required

From a personal standpoint I went from a tsp vvt2 to gpi vvt4. I think sweet spot is stage 3 from either company for your needs. Pair it with a 3600 converter or larger and you’ll be good. I’ve found it is best to go bigger than you think you’ll want so stage 3 and 4K stall is my overall recommendation.

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

Originally Posted by Roader

You don’t need to change oil pump on l99. On ls3, yes. On the l99 it’s a personal preference but not required

This is correct. And I nearly didn't change mine. But since it was opened up, and the part is cheap, I did it for piece of mind.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Good advice from all the above!! And as for this statement in your first post.....................
I haven't had a consistently lead foot haha.

This will change with the cam and stall!! Ask me how I know.. lol. Good luck.

[Ashen 6.2]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

Good advice from all the above!! And as for this statement in your first post.....................
I haven't had a consistently lead foot haha.

This will change with the cam and stall!! Ask me how I know.. lol. Good luck.

Spot on!

[Tarendor]

*questions:
#1 yes because it's the same price for more power, now you will need to add a stall and tranny cooler, but then you won't want the ss3 after getting the ss2. (I got all of my parts to do the swap from them)


#2 What's a good torque converter to get for this setup? CircleD 3800 or higher..

#3 NO, Ryan can remote tune that baby like a boss.

What might be the average cost of parts and installation (I'm in Austin, Texas if that helps. NO IDEA I did my own in my garage.

I spent some serious time comparing the price between comparable items at GPI vs TS...Ts was around $200.00 cheaper on the bottom line. I just felt that GPI was the better choice after talking with them.

I have purchased 4 cam setups from them and have been completely satisfied.

I call them every now and then with silly questions I come up with at random times and they always take the time to help me out. Excellent customer service.

[phoenix78]

Thanks so much! This community is fantastic!

[morepowerjoe]

The only thing about TSP is they don't have a tuner device or a tech that could tune for them like GPI does. I've had some time to think about it and I think I will go with GPI just for that reason. TSP like someone said earlier is only around $200 cheaper and they gave me a phone number to call for tuning and I thought that was kinda lame since he didn't tell me the name of the company or anything about them what so ever.

[JLGO]

Originally Posted by morepowerjoe

The only thing about TSP is they don't have a tuner device or a tech that could tune for them like GPI does. I've had some time to think about it and I think I will go with GPI just for that reason. TSP like someone said earlier is only around $200 cheaper and they gave me a phone number to call for tuning and I thought that was kinda lame since he didn't tell me the name of the company or anything about them what so ever.

They probably gave you Jessey's phone number. He tunes all of their race cars. He has a website remotetuning.com or something like that. Sounds pretty basic. You still need to call him for the remote tuning. Is about 400 for the HP TUNERS and 300 dollars for him.