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View Full Version : Variable Valve Timing - keep it or not???


scherp69
05-26-2010, 09:35 AM
I've searched this topic on the forums, internet and read in magazines, but still can't make up my mind. Everytime I think I have my mind made up about whether or not I should keep the VVT on my L92, I find something else that changes it. I was going to go VVT, then I found out that it would be quite a bit cheaper to get rid of the VVT, or so I thought. I went on to the Pace Performance site and found the performance package from Mast Motorsports has gone down in price to 2300 for computer, cam, springs, harness and a few other parts including dbw pedal. Frank had a good point with the fact that any local performance shop should be able to tune non-vvt, and harder to find someone to tune vvt. Then I read the latest Hot Rod article and it seems the VVT is pretty easy to tune with the Mast software ($399).

So I need your guys' input as to whether you think it's worth it to keep the VVT or just drop it and go to a regular LS3 cam setup. I don't completely understand the VVT set up, but keep reading it has so much potential. One thing I'm wondering is whether where I live would impact my decision. Where I am, it is mostly mountain therefore lots of hills. I used to have a Dodge Ram with the MDS but never noticed a difference since I'm in the mountains. Would this be the same with VVT? I know a lot of guys are dropping the VVT, but why if it's supposed to have so much more potential.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

Pros:
- better performance at higher rpms
- 5 - 10 % better fuel mileage
- potential is more than non VVT motor

Cons:
- Not very well known set up. Mast Motorsports is the only place that sells a plug n play set up, although it is supposed to be very easy to install and tune
- May be harder to find someone to tune it. Any performance shop should be able to tune a non VVT computer.
- Cost is a bit more. A LS3 cam set up would be around 1k for the computer and about 1k for the cam, springs, water pump, etc. The Mast set up is about 2300 for computer, cam, springs, harness and a few other parts. Another 300 to get some spacers to run a LS3 serpentine set up.

If anyone has any suggestions/advice, etc. on this topic, please feel free to jump in. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm sure I'm not the only that is trying to make this decision and hopefully this thread will help others as well. Thanks in advance.

Pantera EFI
05-27-2010, 01:07 PM
Hi, we ALSO support VVT with my EMS.

You may need a VVT limiter, YES very important.

I use a Crower camshaft (232/252 .561" 118C/L)

I use MY "phaser" limiter with "stops" for both Advance/Retard.

Lance

scherp69
05-27-2010, 03:58 PM
Hi, we ALSO support VVT with my EMS.

You may need a VVT limiter, YES very important.

I use a Crower camshaft (232/252 .561" 118C/L)

I use MY "phaser" limiter with "stops" for both Advance/Retard.

Lance

Thanks for the reply Lance. Do you have any details about your set up...cost, hp rating with that cam, etc. Whatever you can tell me would be greatly appreciated. I will be running a stock L92 with a FAST 102 intake with 102 throttle body. I would like to be around 540 - 560 hp. Thanks.

6spdcamaro
05-27-2010, 05:55 PM
I remember reading that the reason GM only uses VVT in camaro's with automatics, was they were having some sort of issue with the manual. I think that your using a TKO so if you could find out what the issue was, it may be a deciding factor. A quick google search shows no answers..... :goofy: