CC503 or similar custom grind?

[HoLLo]

I will be saving up for a cam over the winter time. I really have my eyes set on the CC503. This is my daily driver, I want it completely streetable without a crazy RPM range, and not a lope that sounds like its about to die, but not a baby lope. I think the CC503 fits these categories. Are there any similar custom grinds or other cams with similar properties that might yield just a bit more HP?

[MEAN LT1]

cc305 is proven and works very well.

[Fastbird]

Get the 503 on a 112* LSA and you'll be happy. Custom grind will make more power, and more under the curve, but it's going to cost more. The 503 (and 502 for that, I like it better) are really good street cams for a stock headed car.

[knight367]

http://www.elliottsportworks.com/lt1.html you could always get a cam from lloyd elliott.

[joelster]

The 503 is IDEAL for what you want. Nice lope, good power, awesome with basic bolt-ons, totally streetable. No need for a custom cam unless you are going all out.

[HoLLo]

I will eventually get the heads ported. I guess the 503 just gets better with ported heads?

And as far as LE cams. which one is similar to the 503?

[joelster]

If you are getting a set of ported heads eventually, then I would go custom (at THAT time). The cc503 will work with mildly ported heads, but really it's on the tame side for a set of ported heads, no sense in keeping it in when you get the heads done. It is a very sellable commodity to have though. You can pick one up brand new for about $250 right now, and then use it for a year or so, and sell it off for $100-$150.

Do the 503 right now.
When you decide on ported heads, step up to something bigger.

[HoLLo]

If you are getting a set of ported heads eventually, then I would go custom (at THAT time). The cc503 will work with mildly ported heads, but really it's on the tame side for a set of ported heads, no sense in keeping it in when you get the heads done. It is a very sellable commodity to have though. You can pick one up brand new for about $250 right now, and then use it for a year or so, and sell it off for $100-$150.

Do the 503 right now.
When you decide on ported heads, step up to something bigger.

That sounds like a good plan.. So, should i consider mildly porting my heads then? and thanks for the info!

[joelster]

No need to touch the heads with the 503. It works very well with stock heads. I was simply stating that it will still work with a mildly ported set, but any serious port work, and you'd be much better off with something bigger.

[bidicamaro]

Okay, where do I find these 502-503 cams at?

[joelster]

503 right here:http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CC&Product_Code=07-503-8&Category_Code=

502 right here:http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CC&Product_Code=07-502-8&Category_Code=

DO NOT buy them there! They will be cheaper everywhere else you go.

[HoLLo]

Ok so it sounds like the 503 is better. but it says machining of the heads is required. Why is that?

[Fixxer99TA]

I would seriously doubt machining is required with either, the 503 is only a little bigger than the hotcam.

[joelster]

Ok so it sounds like the 503 is better. but it says machining of the heads is required. Why is that?

No, No, No. Look at the italicized number next to the machining text [2]

Now scroll down and look at the related parts list for this camshaft. You'll see a set of valve seals, part-no 503-16 [2]. It means that those selas require machining. The same with the other one that says [11]. It only applies to the lifters part number.

[Fixxer99TA]

No, No, No. Look at the italicized number next to the machining text [2]

Now scroll down and look at the related parts list for this camshaft. You'll see a set of valve seals, part-no 503-16 [2]. It means that those selas require machining. The same with the other one that says [11]. It only applies to the lifters part number.

Ohhh, good call.. Just clicked and looked at it :D

[HoLLo]

I would seriously doubt machining is required with either, the 503 is only a little bigger than the hotcam.

Are there any slightly faster cams that are good with stock heads, then?

[joelster]

Well......the 306, but that is pushing it. The car becomes a top-end monster with it. It requires a really good tune, and all of the bolt-ons to be effective. The 503 can put a car into the bottom 12's quite easily.

[JoeliusZ28]

Are there any slightly faster cams that are good with stock heads, then?
yes ;)

[NicksTAgt]

comp xe 230/236: .544/.555 w/1.6 rockers, available in many variations of LSA - 112 being the most popular is on the big side for stock heads, much like the cc306 but it can definetley give you similar numbers, if not more, than the cc503 with stock heads. Also, if you go a little bigger than the 503 to begin with (230/236) you will be able to simply port the heads to run with that cam and see a significant power increase.

Also, look for a used cam!! These cams you are talking about are ALL hydraulic roller meaning it is very hard to damage one. Only thing I would be slightly concerned about is the cam gear itself and the dowel pin length, which can be changed.

I got a used 230/236 @112 lsa for 125 bucks.

just my biased .02:cheers:

[HoLLo]

Yeah, I don't think I want the 306 until later down the road when I have a 383 forged bottom end and some LE heads. And what kind of RPM range/street manners we talking about on stock heads with that XE 230/236 cam?

[IronOutlaw]

I wouldnt go any bigger than a 503 in a daily driven stock headed car, just because of the bottem end you will lose with a big cam that you use on the street.

[NicksTAgt]

I will tell you exactly what its like when I get mine done around x-mas time wit loads of videos and dyno #s but until then all I can tell you is that it makes peak power around 6400 with plenty under the curve. This cam will benefit from some lightly ported stock heads which I will be runing with mine because it makes power north of 6k, but will still work pretty well with stock, untouched heads, so I have been told. People that have ran it say it has great road manners, even comparing it to the 503 in some cases. But you know how internet product reviews can be.... extremely biased and not worth much in most cases.

However, I have researched this cam pretty thuroughly and people always give great reviews, never really come across an unhappy camper.

[NicksTAgt]

Also check out the Advanced Induction 226/234, great cam for people looking for cc503 alternatives!!

[Neil350]

Do the 503 with stock heads, a well running six speed car with supporting mods can put down 350rwhp with that cam on stock heads. A CC306 or GM847, with the stock heads wont make much more. Do heads, different story, but for the stock heads, don't over cam it, the gains really aren't there, takes more rpm to get peak HP which doesn't always make a quicker car. Look at the fastest cam only LT1s, Frank B was nailing mid 11s with a baby Crane 227, gotta look at where that cam made power instead of what peak power it made. Often an over looked fact.

[nitrousformula]

i just swapped in a 503, and i'm really happy with how it runs. It has really good mid and top end power, I shift at 6300. Just make sure that you do all the supporting mods.

[HoLLo]

Ok. Yeah i've decided nothing else but the CC503. many have used it and have more experience with it than custom cams. I can't wait!

[Fixxer99TA]

You wont be unhappy, the 503 is a nice middle of the run cam. Nice sized, but not too big for a DD or stock headed setup.

If you are doing a mail order tune to get yourself started, the 503 is also easier for them to tune than say a custom grind. The tune they send you for your 503 (or hotcam, 306 or something else popular) should be pretty spot on. Simply because they get more 503s in a month than custom cams.

[bidicamaro]

So where do we get 'em for cheaper and what one would run best with a CAI, full exhaust and my lovely MSD opti? Maybe a 58mm t-body? Man, you fellows are full of smartness...

[NicksTAgt]

So where do we get 'em for cheaper and what one would run best with a CAI, full exhaust and my lovely MSD opti? Maybe a 58mm t-body? Man, you fellows are full of smartness...

You don't really need the TB, but it if makes you feel better, by all means go ahead and do it. I would only suggest buying a cc503 used, it's extremely hard to damage a hydraulic roller cam like the 503, or any cam discussed in this thread for that matter. I would probably look on ls1tech because our sales section isnt jumping off yet.

You could probably get one for around 100 bucks :whistle:

[bidicamaro]

What limits my engine to wrapping over 6k rpm's? Is it the cam or is it the valves or is it just what GM said it's redline is?

[NicksTAgt]

Its the PCM tuning. Whenever you change cams its always a good idea to get it re-tuned. Contact Pcmforless or Madz28, they are both mail-order tune companies that can usually get a simple cam swap like the 503 spot on, putting your new redline where it's safe for your particular cam.

[JoeliusZ28]

a good tune is just as important if not more important than proper cam selection.

[camz450]

I have an auto with 3000 to 3200 stall, pace lt's and borla open with cc306, car runs mid 12's spinning with 373' @ around 110, 111 mph. on pcm for less tune. And I have daily driven it for 10 months with no problems. Heads are untouched alond with Throttlebody. I put a little over a 100 miles a week on it.

[1badz]

I have an auto with 3000 to 3200 stall, pace lt's and borla open with cc306, car runs mid 12's spinning with 373' @ around 110, 111 mph. on pcm for less tune. And I have daily driven it for 10 months with no problems. Heads are untouched alond with Throttlebody. I put a little over a 100 miles a week on it.

You need a tire :secret:

[ben]

Ive been looking for a used 503 cam for a couple of weeks. Not easy.. Everyone buys them real quick

[tbird31]

I'm running the 503 with bumped compression and full bolt-ons in a 355ci car. I made 351rwhp and 357rwtq through a 6 speed. I love this cam BUT I am already aspiring for bigger. It is a great cam for a daily driven car, excellent street manners. Great idle and great power band. I am just wanting to go bigger because I'm one of the morons that never can be satisfied... :( Sound clip in sig of idle.

[Bones]

I have a custom grind from Bret Bauer who use to spec cams for Lloyd Elliot. I honestly have no idea who does them for him now. I stuck with Bret because of his great rep.

Basically I have a beefy CC503. I told Bret what I wanted and he spec a cam for me, engineering a CC503. lift is .565 .568 with a 108LSA. I absolutely love it but yep it is costly. All said an done I think I spent around 2500 bucks. I did do a little overkill tho like nitrited springs and titanium retainers.

Video
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http://vimeo.com/2175545

[BIGT94z]

cc503 is the best bang for the buck when using with stock heads. good luck finding a used one though. i wonder who has the cheapest price new though lol