Thread: Which Cam to Buy?

I started putting away money for a Cam in a few months amongst a few other mods like a GenV. So far I have a top-swapped GT with SLP Headers, 3.2 pulley and a S2IC. I'm torn between the VS, which apparently is great with an IC and stock heads, or the XP cam which is more aggressive but requires springs and other stuff. I don't mine spend the extra for valvetrain upgrades for the more aggressive XP, but still wouldn't mind saving the money and going with the VS cam. Some friends have said "you'll be happy with the XP and glad I spent the extra $ and did the extra work, then others say "you'll be fine with the VS. Has anyone tried them both? XP or VS?

Even with the vs cam I would upgrade the valve springs to be safe. I know Zzp advertise it as valve train safe but its better to be safe then sorry.

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

Even with the vs cam I would upgrade the valve springs to be safe. I know Zzp advertise it as valve train safe but its better to be safe then sorry.

Alright smart idea...something to strongly consider...Which cam do you run?

Vs

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

Vs

Whats your opinion on it? Are you satisfied with the power gains?

i don't have much experience with cams in a 3800 motor. but the way i look at it is, if you're gonna do it, go big. (XP)

Yes. I went the VS route versus the XP because I plan on IC down the road and wanted to maintain a DD driver without sacrificing MPG. I'm happy. Less wear on the valve train is always a plus. A lot of guys will say go big or go home and get at least a XP but the VS has proven to make power without causing the issues I stated below.

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

Yes. I went the VS route versus the XP because I plan on IC down the road and wanted to maintain a DD driver without sacrificing MPG. I'm happy. Less wear on the valve train is always a plus. A lot of guys will say go big or go home and get at least a XP but the VS has proven to make power without causing the issues I stated below.

Good points...so since I'm already intercooled, what would be the difference in the cams. And Fuel economy would suffer that much?

I did springs and new timing chain anyways with the VS I just didn't want to make the car a pain to DD plus VS is awesome I've heard when intercooler. Now if this was a second car I would go bigger then the VS unfortunately not a option at this time.

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

I did springs and new timing chain anyways with the VS I just didn't want to make the car a pain to DD plus VS is awesome I've heard when intercooler. Now if this was a second car I would go bigger then the VS unfortunately not a option at this time.

Where are you getting your info? I've known a few guys who ran a XP cam in their daily GP and had no issues. XP cam hands down.

Originally Posted by 98buicksupercharged

fuel economy will not suffer

With either Cam?

Originally Posted by JDrach

from what i've seen, seems like xp n vs are around equal performance but vs is more DD'able n less wear on the valvetrain....why not vs then.

Thats what Ive heard but its hard to ignore the XPs cams popularity

Me personally I would get the VS cam for those exact reasons you just mentioned. Some people make it seem like the VS cam is worthless but its a around decent mild Cam, especially for Daily Driving...With the VS cam, other mods, and a good Tune you could very well manage 310-350whp. Thats plenty of power for any car on the streets and its definately much more than what our 3800s came with stock.....

Originally Posted by Dee23

Me personally I would get the VS cam for those exact reasons you just mentioned. Some people make it seem like the VS cam is worthless but its a around decent mild Cam, especially for Daily Driving...With the VS cam, other mods, and a good Tune you could very well manage 310-350whp. Thats plenty of power for any car on the streets and its definately much more than what our 3800s came with stock.....

Ok cool sounds good man Thanks for the responses. Im leaning towards the VS