L76 with DOD and VVT

[Code510]

Hey team,

I'm working on my buddies L76. I removed the DOD with a kit. Then I found out that I can't use the stock cam, I have to replace it.

Should I just run a stock LS2 or LS3 cam? This is a daily driver truck actually, so not really looking for performance. Still has to pass SMOG.

My only fear with doing this, the VVT plug wouldn't be hooked up and the engine would throw a CEL. Definitely don't want that. I have Diablo tuner, but it will only tune out the DOD, doesn't say anything about the VVT.

Any help would be appreciated! and Thank You!

[Che70velle]

Tell us about this DOD removal "kit".
If this is just a daily driver, why do want to do away with your fuel mileage enhancing features? The DOD is terrible from a performance standpoint (lifters) but helps fuel mileage. The VVT is probably the biggest argument starter, from a performance standpoint, that GM ever produced. It's a great feature, and has mad potential, if you understand it. Most people don't, so they toss it out.

[Code510]

Tell us about this DOD removal "kit".
If this is just a daily driver, why do want to do away with your fuel mileage enhancing features? The DOD is terrible from a performance standpoint (lifters) but helps fuel mileage. The VVT is probably the biggest argument starter, from a performance standpoint, that GM ever produced. It's a great feature, and has mad potential, if you understand it. Most people don't, so they toss it out.

The DoD removal kit was basically a new set of LS7 lifters, with buckets, an LS2 valley cover, and all the associated gaskets.

I shouldn't say this is a daily driver...soon as I get this finished, it's getting a full mid-travel kit, so it will mainly be an off-road truck with street use. So fuel mileage isn't the number one concern. From all my research, it only squeezes a couple of MPG anyways. I'd rather have more of a 'bulletproof' engine than have the possibility of a couple extra MPG.

Yesterday I unhooked the VVT plug and fired the engine up...it didn't throw a check engine light. I'm going to test drive it today and see if it does anything.

The truck has the same symptoms as everybody else who does this kit and doesn't change the cam. I researched it a ton and have the same symptoms. Low compression on the DOD cylinders so it idles rough.

Mainly just concerned if I should fork over the $400 and keep the VVT, or just delete it all out. Looks like if I buy a used cam, new chain cover, timing chain gear, etc etc to change it over I'm still in it $300 bucks. Maybe I should just buy a new VVT cam and be done with it?

[Che70velle]

I'm running a VVT camshaft kit from Mast Motorsports. They are pricey, at about $900.00, but the power numbers that Mast has found with these VVT engines are crazy. Don't blame you at all for getting rid of the DOD, since I see what your doing with the engine. The DOD lifters are trouble, if you attempt any high rpm stuff. You'll have to delete the VVT in the ECM with HPtuners, or through a tuner, if you plan on getting rid of it. It will throw a code eventually, if not.

[Code510]

I'm running a VVT camshaft kit from Mast Motorsports. They are pricey, at about $900.00, but the power numbers that Mast has found with these VVT engines are crazy. Don't blame you at all for getting rid of the DOD, since I see what your doing with the engine. The DOD lifters are trouble, if you attempt any high rpm stuff. You'll have to delete the VVT in the ECM with HPtuners, or through a tuner, if you plan on getting rid of it. It will throw a code eventually, if not.

Thanks for the help. I actually just got off the phone with a buddy of mine. He went with a Mast Motorsports camshaft as well, so we are doing some trading for his old L92 cam. That way I can keep the VVT, but have no DOD. Its a win, win, win!

Thanks again for the help! Hopefully one day I can turn this into a full race truck...but for now has to be SMOG legal.

[Che70velle]

No problem. Glad to help! Enjoy your ride!