Input or advice from others on cam swap for 6.2L 2011 Yukon Denali

[ls1frc]

VVT is awesome for dds.

Not a good choice for more radical cams. anything with a decent stall also defeats the purpose.

My 6.2 with cam in sig leaps out hard barely touching throttle. Cam is advanced 7 degrees til 4800 rpm.

The software can only retard the cam. So you grind a bunch of advance in then retard the cam at higher rpm. Mine goes 7 to 0 advance by 6500 rpm.

I specced it myself and its low 5 second 0-60 which is insane NA on a 6k truck with no stall.

 

[mikeyss]

VVT is awesome for dds.

Not a good choice for more radical cams. anything with a decent stall also defeats the purpose.

My 6.2 with cam in sig leaps out hard barely touching throttle. Cam is advanced 7 degrees til 4800 rpm.

The software can only retard the cam. So you grind a bunch of advance in then retard the cam at higher rpm. Mine goes 7 to 0 advance by 6500 rpm.

I specced it myself and its low 5 second 0-60 which is insane NA on a 6k truck with no stall.

Do you have any 0-60 videos, I'd like to see how yours behaves compares to mine. I live at 6000 ft above sea level, and I'm hitting 60 somewhere between 5-6 seconds.

 

[91RS]

Keep the VVT. You can make more power with a smaller cam and have better drivability by keeping it (this is not saying you can make more power a big ole fat lopey cam but the curves are very different). Go drive an older Denali with the 6.0L and you'll feel how it just doesn't get out of it's own way taking off from a stop until you hit 3k RPM. I've got a pretty mild cam in mine and is feels fantastic. I used a Comp Cams 156-401-13 (also make sure you get the phaser limiter). I did not want to have to use an aftermarket torque converter either and it wasn't necessary with this cam.

The biggest thing for me in doing the cam swap was freshening up the "wear" parts on the engine like the lifters, oil pump, timing chain, valve springs, all the gaskets, etc. I used hardened pushrods even, replaced the cam actuator with a new one, and used ARP head bolts. I didn't want to worry about anything.

 

[ls1frc]

Do you have any 0-60 videos, I'd like to see how yours behaves compares to mine. I live at 6000 ft above sea level, and I'm hitting 60 somewhere between 5-6 seconds.

Yeah, I timed it 0-60 with HPTuners at 5.3 seconds. I can probably eek another tenth out of it with my e85 and some trans tuning.

Also I think just stomping the gas might flash the stall better, I will try that once I fix my dumb lifter issue.

 

[mikeyss]

Yeah, I timed it 0-60 with HPTuners at 5.3 seconds. I can probably eek another tenth out of it with my e85 and some trans tuning.

Also I think just stomping the gas might flash the stall better, I will try that once I fix my dumb lifter issue.

Nice!
I will get a video of mine here soon. I'm still trying to get used to the extra power I have, it's hard to take my eyes off the road while I have the pedal smashed to the floor, haha

 

[hagar]

I am surprised tsp suggested the vvt delete. The 6.2 is an absolute monster with an aftermarket vvt cam, I personally haven't delete vvt in a 6.2 truck for a few years now. The last one I did was a tsp stage 2 in a 2010 sierra denali, and the thing pulls more like it has a screw supercharger, than a cam.

I am actually putting together a 418 stroker with a tsp stage 3 vvt cam right now. I know for a fact it will give up some top end power, but have a hunch it will be the most amazing powerband ever created.

 

[ls1frc]

I am surprised tsp suggested the vvt delete. The 6.2 is an absolute monster with an aftermarket vvt cam, I personally haven't delete vvt in a 6.2 truck for a few years now. The last one I did was a tsp stage 2 in a 2010 sierra denali, and the thing pulls more like it has a screw supercharger, than a cam.

I am actually putting together a 418 stroker with a tsp stage 3 vvt cam right now. I know for a fact it will give up some top end power, but have a hunch it will be the most amazing powerband ever created.

I can't imagine how awesome a bigger VVT cam is. Mine is a baby and it pulls nice. The powerband would be so broad if I could add some overlap. I don't want a loping monster for my DD kid hauler though lol.

 

[Denaliz]

Talk about back from the dead thread revival..
(Built a pool and outdoor patio vs go fast fun)

So I’m pulling the trigger this week on my cam package but decided I’m going to go ahead and do a supercharger at the same time

I believe I’m going with the tsp cam package linked in my 1st post on this thread with long tube headers

Guessing I’ll go with the maggy tvs1900 since they stopped making the tvs 2600 for my 2011 Yukon Denali

Anyone by chance have a combo suggestion or feedback?

 

[Denaliz]

Bumping this thread in hopes of a response. I spoke to TSP again about a cam package that will play nice with the supercharger getting installed at the same time.

They’re really pushing me it seems to do a VVT delete. Below is their suggestion:

We would recommend a dod delete and vvt Delete and our stage 1 l92 cam. Will give a great boost in performance. Here are the links


Dod delete
Add 6.2 head gaskets
Add head studs
Add l92 valley
Add 16 lifters
Leave rest as is

Build Your Own TSP DOD / AFM Delete Kit for LS 5.3/6.0/6.2 Engines

DODdeleteKit DOD / AFM Delete Kit for 5.3/6.0/6.2 Engines

www.texas-speed.com

Vvt Delete
Leave as is

VVT Delete Kit

25-VVTDelete

www.texas-speed.com

Cam kit
Add stg1 216/228 cam
Add gm 0303 oil pump
Leave rest as is

Texas Speed Dual Spring Cam Package for Rectangular Port Heads (LS3/L92/LSA/L76)

Texas Speed Dual Spring Cam Package for Rectangular Port Heads (LS3/L92/LSA/L76)

www.texas-speed.com

I plan on having any needed maintenance refreshing, steering rack and 2/3 suspension drop done while they have the truck for the cam package the SC install. Leaning towards BB for the updated tune as well.

Thanks again for any info guys in advance

 

[Geotrash]

Bumping this thread in hopes of a response. I spoke to TSP again about a cam package that will play nice with the supercharger getting installed at the same time.

They’re really pushing me it seems to do a VVT delete. Below is their suggestion:

We would recommend a dod delete and vvt Delete and our stage 1 l92 cam. Will give a great boost in performance. Here are the links


Dod delete
Add 6.2 head gaskets
Add head studs
Add l92 valley
Add 16 lifters
Leave rest as is

Build Your Own TSP DOD / AFM Delete Kit for LS 5.3/6.0/6.2 Engines

DODdeleteKit DOD / AFM Delete Kit for 5.3/6.0/6.2 Engines

www.texas-speed.com

Vvt Delete
Leave as is

VVT Delete Kit

25-VVTDelete

www.texas-speed.com

Cam kit
Add stg1 216/228 cam
Add gm 0303 oil pump
Leave rest as is

Texas Speed Dual Spring Cam Package for Rectangular Port Heads (LS3/L92/LSA/L76)

Texas Speed Dual Spring Cam Package for Rectangular Port Heads (LS3/L92/LSA/L76)

www.texas-speed.com

I plan on having any needed maintenance refreshing, steering rack and 2/3 suspension drop done while they have the truck for the cam package the SC install. Leaning towards BB for the updated tune as well.

Thanks again for any info guys in advance

So that cam is 'compatible' with the 6.2, which is not the same thing as optimized for it. I learned this lesson with my own cam swap a couple of years ago. The flow dynamics of the heads on the 6.2 are significantly different and the exhaust system is different. You will leave power on the table with that setup. I deleted VVT on mine and haven't missed it but others say they're glad they kept it. With a supercharger though, I don't think you'll miss VVT one iota.

If I were in your shoes, I would give Cam Motion a call and tell them what you have and what you want to do. They can spec a cam for you that's dead nuts on and optimized for your future setup.

 

[Denaliz]

So that cam is 'compatible' with the 6.2, which is not the same thing as optimized for it. I learned this lesson with my own cam swap a couple of years ago. The flow dynamics of the heads on the 6.2 are significantly different and the exhaust system is different. You will leave power on the table with that setup. I deleted VVT on mine and haven't missed it but others say they're glad they kept it. With a supercharger though, I don't think you'll miss VVT one iota.

If I were in your shoes, I would give Cam Motion a call and tell them what you have and what you want to do. They can spec a cam for you that's dead nuts on and optimized for your future setup.

Much appreciated- I’ll reach out to them today.

 

[Denaliz]

@Geotrash
I emailed back and forth with the cam motion guys and below was his suggestion. Almost sounded to me like he thought the whole cam swap would be a waste.. but I could very well have read into something not there.

“

So ill start by saying, if i cam this setup for the supercharger it will be extremely lazy if you try to run it N/A. heres the camshaft i would like to see you use,

218/230
116+4
.586''/.586'' Lift with 1.7

 

[91RS]

If that's a VVT cam, it should be a pretty nice upgrade. That's a little bigger than mine (my LSA is 114 though) and I'm very happy with mine. If that's not a VVT cam, it'll probably feel like a dog below 3k RPM.

 

[Geotrash]

@Geotrash
I emailed back and forth with the cam motion guys and below was his suggestion. Almost sounded to me like he thought the whole cam swap would be a waste.. but I could very well have read into something not there.

“

Cam Motion doesn't make VVT cams so it's almost certainly a 3-bolt. I have a 3-bolt Stage 2 truck cam from Cam Motion in my 2012 n/a 6.2 and it's anything *but* lazy below 3K. The way I read his comments is that he's trying to set your expectations appropriately. If you get that particular cam and *don't* get around to putting a supercharger on it, then you probably won't be happy with the results because it's designed for forced induction. That's normal and good advice. That LSA should give you a smooth idle as well. With .586 lift though, you'll probably want matched dual valve springs.

 

[Denaliz]

Cam Motion doesn't make VVT cams so it's almost certainly a 3-bolt. I have a 3-bolt Stage 2 truck cam from Cam Motion in my 2012 n/a 6.2 and it's anything *but* lazy below 3K. The way I read his comments is that he's trying to set your expectations appropriately. If you get that particular cam and *don't* get around to putting a supercharger on it, then you probably won't be happy with the results because it's designed for forced induction. That's normal and good advice. That LSA should give you a smooth idle as well. With .586 lift though, you'll probably want matched dual valve springs.

Awesome- thanks for the detailed info. It totally makes sense that a cam meant to work in conjunction/w a SC isn’t what you’d want as a stand alone if you scratched doing the sc.

I asked CM put together a cam swap package they’d recommend. If they don’t then I’ll prob ask for guidance putting together my own.

I’m having both done at the same time as well as some custom fabrication to the interior, upgrades and sound system update. My fab/interior and audio guys have a LS performance shop close to them so I can do it all at once.

They do some amazing killer custom consoles, interior and car audio builds for classic, exotic and daily drivers. They did the work in my avatar few years ago.

I bought my ride new in 11 w/ the plans to make it a long term play toy I can have fun with. Only took me 11 years to get around to finalizing it all.

I appreciate your help and info!

 

[Denaliz]

I guess I should prob go ahead and get my 2/3 drop parts ordered since front coilovers coming out to replace oem air ride struts I had put in a year ago. Still blows me away they both locked up right at 12 months after replacing the entire front coilovers w/ gm parts excluding the strut mounts. I bit the bullet and ordered gm strut mounts as well so it’s all oem gm parts.

Swear I’m spending money like a coke fueled stripper it seems

 

[Geotrash]

Awesome- thanks for the detailed info. It totally makes sense that a cam meant to work in conjunction/w a SC isn’t what you’d want as a stand alone if you scratched doing the sc.

I asked CM put together a cam swap package they’d recommend. If they don’t then I’ll prob ask for guidance putting together my own.

I’m having both done at the same time as well as some custom fabrication to the interior, upgrades and sound system update. My fab/interior and audio guys have a LS performance shop close to them so I can do it all at once.

They do some amazing killer custom consoles, interior and car audio builds for classic, exotic and daily drivers. They did the work in my avatar few years ago.

I bought my ride new in 11 w/ the plans to make it a long term play toy I can have fun with. Only took me 11 years to get around to finalizing it all.

I appreciate your help and info!

That interior work looks great!

Sure, happy to help you spec out the parts when the time comes. My guess is they will only spec the cam for you.

 

[Foggy]

218/230
116+4
.586''/.586'' Lift with 1.7

This cam is way too big for our heavy trucks. Yes, with a supercharger on it, it would be
fine. But getting it idle and behave would be very time consuming...
WITH a supercharger, you DON'T need a crap load of cam... Unless it's a race
vehicle operating at higher rpms
The 116* Lobe Sep is ideal for a forced induction and will work great on NA too

The main thing with Forced Induction is that you need your exhaust profile to
"work" as in the intake doesn't care as it's being forced into the chambers

IMO, that particular cam is just too big. FI or NA.....
Reduce the duration by about 6* and you'll be fine, and it will work with either situation

 

[Geotrash]

218/230
116+4
.586''/.586'' Lift with 1.7

This cam is way too big for our heavy trucks. Yes, with a supercharger on it, it would be
fine. But getting it idle and behave would be very time consuming...
WITH a supercharger, you DON'T need a crap load of cam... Unless it's a race
vehicle operating at higher rpms
The 116* Lobe Sep is ideal for a forced induction and will work great on NA too

The main thing with Forced Induction is that you need your exhaust profile to
"work" as in the intake doesn't care as it's being forced into the chambers

IMO, that particular cam is just too big. FI or NA.....
Reduce the duration by about 6* and you'll be fine, and it will work with either situation

I also agree with this assessment that it's too big of a cam. I'm bummed Cam Motion wasn't more exacting in their analysis.

 

[Denaliz]

Well f me ..