High lift cams and accellerated valvetrain wear? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

jimmyducati · 08-31-2020, 10:02 AM

I have a BTR stage 4 cam in my 13' ZL1, and have been considering "downgrading" to a stage 3 or similar to broaden the curve a bit and make it more street/road course friendly.

Another consideration is the increased wear BTR mentions when using the stock rocker arms.. I haven't taken the valve covers off to see, but the seller claimed the valvetrain was updated when the Stage 4 cam went in.

My question is, assuming the correct valvetrain is installed, is there any additional wear I should be periodically checking for?

Full_Spectrum · 08-31-2020, 11:44 AM

Yes- you really should be replacing- at at least checking- your valve springs every 12-15k miles with a cam that big.

You cant really expect a stage 4 cam and related components to last as long as a stock cam.

Some lobe profiles are going to be easier on springs than others, even for a given lift/duration, but anything over .600 lift is going to need regular replacement.

No free lunch.

jimmyducati · 08-31-2020, 12:28 PM

This is what I assumed was the case. Going to be replacing the cam with something more roadcourse friendly this winter for sure!

GONMAD510 · 08-31-2020, 03:30 PM

I am running the BTR stage 3 with their spring kit. I road course the car from time to time. I have not had any issue with it. I also daily drive the car when I can. Easy to drive on the street. I am also a manual.

08-31-2020, 10:02 AM	#1
jimmyducati Drives: 01 SS Camaro Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Louisville, Ky Posts: 17	High lift cams and accellerated valvetrain wear? I have a BTR stage 4 cam in my 13' ZL1, and have been considering "downgrading" to a stage 3 or similar to broaden the curve a bit and make it more street/road course friendly. Another consideration is the increased wear BTR mentions when using the stock rocker arms.. I haven't taken the valve covers off to see, but the seller claimed the valvetrain was updated when the Stage 4 cam went in. My question is, assuming the correct valvetrain is installed, is there any additional wear I should be periodically checking for?

08-31-2020, 03:30 PM	#4
GONMAD510 Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: CA Bay Area Posts: 248	I am running the BTR stage 3 with their spring kit. I road course the car from time to time. I have not had any issue with it. I also daily drive the car when I can. Easy to drive on the street. I am also a manual. __________________ Fast 850cc Injectors, ATI Balancer, 8.66 Lower Pulley, 2.55 Upper Pulley, Lingenfelter CAI, Kooks LT with cat delete pipes, Noweeds Exhaust Cutouts (extremely loud under full throttle), BTR Stage 3 Cam, BTR Platinum 660 Valve Spring Kit, TR7ix Iridium Spark Plugs, Lingenfelter Solid Isolator, 160 Degree Thermostat, Larger SC Coolant Reservoir with Hose Relocation Kit, BMR 1.25" Lowering Springs, MGW Short Throw Shifter, Racing Brake 2 piece rotors front and rear, Starkweather Performance Custom Dyno Tune on 91 Octane. 691.38 RWHP 630.35 RWTQ

08-31-2020, 11:44 AM	#2
Full_Spectrum Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 55	Yes- you really should be replacing- at at least checking- your valve springs every 12-15k miles with a cam that big. You cant really expect a stage 4 cam and related components to last as long as a stock cam. Some lobe profiles are going to be easier on springs than others, even for a given lift/duration, but anything over .600 lift is going to need regular replacement. No free lunch.

08-31-2020, 12:28 PM	#3
jimmyducati Drives: 01 SS Camaro Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Louisville, Ky Posts: 17	This is what I assumed was the case. Going to be replacing the cam with something more roadcourse friendly this winter for sure!