What cam shaft to choose for a L99 rebuild? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

aaberg · 07-14-2020, 07:35 AM

I need to rebuild my L99-engine (Camaro 2SS 2012 automatic) since my lifters on AFM don't work. I will use the car for daily drive and remove AFM but keep VVT.

I have been suggested this cam shaft from Summit Racing: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-189-400-13

But in a article this cam shafts are suggested: https://www.summitracing.com/search/...type/camshafts

Article: https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...18FIZlLX3G0SxA

What is the correct cam shaft of these two links? And what is RPM vs SPR for in the cam shafts names?

Update: I also found this kit that seems complete with all parts, perhaps a better choice? But how about daily drive? To ruff? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-mk189-301-13

silversleeper · 07-14-2020, 08:51 AM

The problem with comp cams is when they use soft cores. Their company lost their reputation from doing that not only once. You would want to know where the core metal blank came from. They use high and low quality and if you get the low quality it is bad. You can search for it. I tried to post a search link but had interesting results. "comp cam soft core". It seems google thinks of soft core as "softcore" related to adult movies.

https://gwatneyperformance.com/product/l99-vvt-cam/
I would consider their smallest cam and talk to them about what it needs with tune and parts to order a complete package.
https://gwatneyperformance.com/produ...shaft-included
SS1 kit

MeanV8 · 07-14-2020, 03:21 PM

Just drove my SS with L99 home from GPI. They installed a VVT SS! cam and supporting Goodies. Let me tell those guys Create Smiles. You can do No Better!!
Talk to them and tell them what you want. They will guide you in the right direction.

Dan

InFiD3ViL · 07-14-2020, 03:53 PM

For real. GPI is where it's at.

LCPLPunk · 07-14-2020, 04:13 PM

GPI all the way!

Warship2k15 · 07-14-2020, 04:53 PM

There are lots of good cams by vendors on this site.
My advice is to contact some of them and tell them what you want to do with the car and have them spec a cam for you.
Most will be close in specs of you give them the info.Then pick the vendor you like and buy the cam.
Anyone that’s way off from the other probably is not the one you want to go with.

Roader · 07-14-2020, 05:41 PM

A stage 2 or 3 cam for a DD is what i like. I had a stage 2 from tsp but any of the big companies will work

LCPLPunk · 07-15-2020, 06:08 PM

A Stage 2 or 3 cam on an L99 is gonna need a converter to run right...

lemontwist · 07-15-2020, 08:34 PM

i ran into a guy last weekend his l99 sounded narley/bad ass he said it was a lingenfelter stage 2 he claimed it as the largest cam from them you could run with out doing the converter. the car was super nice.i didn't ride in it so i can't speak to the drive-ability.
i have not been able to find any such cam on their website.

gunchamp · 07-15-2020, 08:36 PM

GPI 100%. Built my L99 this past winter with all their stuff. Car is a beast and my cam from them is straight fire. Add in Corsa extreme and I literally cant go anywhere without a crowd forming lol

acammer · 07-15-2020, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaberg

I need to rebuild my L99-engine (Camaro 2SS 2012 automatic) since my lifters on AFM don't work. I will use the car for daily drive and remove AFM but keep VVT.

I have been suggested this cam shaft from Summit Racing: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-189-400-13

But in a article this cam shafts are suggested: https://www.summitracing.com/search/...type/camshafts

Article: https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...18FIZlLX3G0SxA

What is the correct cam shaft of these two links? And what is RPM vs SPR for in the cam shafts names?

Update: I also found this kit that seems complete with all parts, perhaps a better choice? But how about daily drive? To ruff? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-mk189-301-13

There are a lot of considerations for picking a cam for your Camaro - especially an L99 where you need to consider all the extra components of an AFM delete, keep or ditch the VVT, and what sort of torque converter you'll need, etc. At GPI we have a great selection of camshafts and can put together a complete package for whatever you goals - mild to wild. If you'd like to talk about some options, feel free to message me.

acutron42 · 07-15-2020, 09:31 PM

Well said.

InFiD3ViL · 07-15-2020, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCPLPunk

A Stage 2 or 3 cam on an L99 is gonna need a converter to run right...

I run the Stage 1 GPI LS3 cam and I am right on the edge of needing a convertor. She pushes hard at stop lights and when in drive at lights or stop signs shes bouncing all over the place, especially if I'm not pegging the brake pedal. I admit, it looks awesome as the car rocks like crazy, but I know a converter would be a ton of fun and allow me to take advantage of the power band much better. I couldn't imagine not having a convertor on something bigger than this cam. It is a ton lopier than I thought a stage 1 cam would be, although I know 'stages' are meaningless outside of each vendor. This cam has much higher lift than some other companies numerically higher staged cams, it's just got less duration to keep some streetability. All that said, I did ask Ryan to tune for as much natural lope as possible.

I think GPI's VVT version of this cam is slightly less duration and lift, but not by much. Knowing I am going to get a convertor fairly soon, I really do wish I had gone bigger with the cam.

Cold start, closed loop idle at 1:30

GAD · 07-16-2020, 01:17 AM

I went with TSP “Stage 3.2“ VVT CAM. Not drive through friendly. ��

07-14-2020, 07:35 AM	#1
aaberg Drives: 1997 30th conv & 2012 45th conv Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 122 View My Garage	What cam shaft to choose for a L99 rebuild? I need to rebuild my L99-engine (Camaro 2SS 2012 automatic) since my lifters on AFM don't work. I will use the car for daily drive and remove AFM but keep VVT. I have been suggested this cam shaft from Summit Racing: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-189-400-13 But in a article this cam shafts are suggested: https://www.summitracing.com/search/...type/camshafts Article: https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...18FIZlLX3G0SxA What is the correct cam shaft of these two links? And what is RPM vs SPR for in the cam shafts names? Update: I also found this kit that seems complete with all parts, perhaps a better choice? But how about daily drive? To ruff? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-mk189-301-13 Last edited by aaberg; 07-14-2020 at 08:35 AM.

07-14-2020, 08:51 AM	#2
silversleeper Big Crow Drives: '13 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: California Posts: 1,486	The problem with comp cams is when they use soft cores. Their company lost their reputation from doing that not only once. You would want to know where the core metal blank came from. They use high and low quality and if you get the low quality it is bad. You can search for it. I tried to post a search link but had interesting results. "comp cam soft core". It seems google thinks of soft core as "softcore" related to adult movies. https://gwatneyperformance.com/product/l99-vvt-cam/ I would consider their smallest cam and talk to them about what it needs with tune and parts to order a complete package. https://gwatneyperformance.com/produ...shaft-included SS1 kit Last edited by silversleeper; 07-14-2020 at 09:41 AM.

07-14-2020, 03:53 PM	#4
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,574	For real. GPI is where it's at. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

07-14-2020, 04:13 PM	#5
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	GPI all the way! __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete

07-15-2020, 06:08 PM	#8
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	A Stage 2 or 3 cam on an L99 is gonna need a converter to run right... __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete

07-14-2020, 03:21 PM	#3
MeanV8 Drives: Chevy Camaro SS, Chevy Corvette, Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Illinois Posts: 149	Just drove my SS with L99 home from GPI. They installed a VVT SS! cam and supporting Goodies. Let me tell those guys Create Smiles. You can do No Better!! Talk to them and tell them what you want. They will guide you in the right direction. Dan

07-14-2020, 04:53 PM	#6
Warship2k15 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: May 2016 Location: Kissimmee Posts: 158	There are lots of good cams by vendors on this site. My advice is to contact some of them and tell them what you want to do with the car and have them spec a cam for you. Most will be close in specs of you give them the info.Then pick the vendor you like and buy the cam. Anyone that’s way off from the other probably is not the one you want to go with.

07-14-2020, 05:41 PM	#7
Roader Drives: Camaro Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Alabama Posts: 673	A stage 2 or 3 cam for a DD is what i like. I had a stage 2 from tsp but any of the big companies will work

07-15-2020, 08:34 PM	#9
lemontwist Drives: 12 2SS/RS L99,11 2SS/RS LS3totaled Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: mooresville nc Posts: 1,048	i ran into a guy last weekend his l99 sounded narley/bad ass he said it was a lingenfelter stage 2 he claimed it as the largest cam from them you could run with out doing the converter. the car was super nice.i didn't ride in it so i can't speak to the drive-ability. i have not been able to find any such cam on their website.

07-15-2020, 08:36 PM	#10
gunchamp Drives: 15 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Mountains of central PA Posts: 1,442	GPI 100%. Built my L99 this past winter with all their stuff. Car is a beast and my cam from them is straight fire. Add in Corsa extreme and I literally cant go anywhere without a crowd forming lol __________________ 15 Camaro SS- GPI max top end, ESS Vortech V3 9psi, ID 1050s, ZL1 pump, JMS bap, Long tubes, Corsa extreme, Circle D pro 5C, 391 rear, DSS carbon drive shaft, poly cradle bushings, tuned by Ted Jannetty and much much more

07-15-2020, 09:31 PM	#12
acutron42 Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS AGM Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: WNY Posts: 733	Well said.

07-16-2020, 01:17 AM	#14
GAD Drives: Silver 2014 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Knoxville Posts: 225	I went with TSP “Stage 3.2“ VVT CAM. Not drive through friendly. �� __________________ 2014 Silver 2SS L99 with Roto-Fab CAI, Kooks LT Headers, Kooks Cat-less 3” exhaust, TS Stage 3.2 VVT CAM, Circle D 3200 Stall, E85 Kit, FIC 850cc injectors and Elite Engineering Catch Can. Dynoed at 478rwhp.