How to Get More Power from Your Gen 7 Big Block Chevy

TLDRLearn how to increase the power of your Gen 7 big block Chevy by installing a Gen 6 camshaft. See the before and after dyno results and find out how much horsepower and torque gains were achieved.

Key insights

🔧Installing a Gen 6 camshaft in a Gen 7 big block Chevy can significantly increase its power output.

💪The cam swap resulted in a peak power increase of 42 horsepower and a peak torque increase of 65.5 foot-pounds.

The power gains were seen across the entire tested RPM range, indicating a well-chosen camshaft.

🚀The upgrade improved the performance of the engine, making it more powerful and responsive.

🧰Changing the camshaft requires removing components such as the coil packs, valve covers, rocker arms, spark plugs, and timing chain.

Q&A

What is a Gen 7 big block Chevy?

A Gen 7 big block Chevy refers to the 8.1 liter (496 cubic inch) engine, which is a hybrid between an LS with Cathedral Port heads and a traditional big block.

Why would I want to install a Gen 6 camshaft in a Gen 7 big block Chevy?

Installing a Gen 6 camshaft in a Gen 7 big block Chevy can increase its power output and improve performance. It is a popular modification for enthusiasts looking for more horsepower and torque.

What were the results of the cam swap?

After the cam swap, the engine gained 42 horsepower and 65.5 foot-pounds of torque. The power gains were seen across the entire RPM range.

What other components were upgraded during the installation?

In addition to the camshaft, other components that were upgraded include the valve springs, intake manifold, and throttle body.

Is the cam swap a complicated process?

The cam swap requires removing several components and following a specific procedure. It is recommended to have some mechanical knowledge and experience before attempting it.

Timestamped Summary

01:07The video introduces the topic and the Gen 7 big block Chevy engine.

02:59The baseline dyno test of the stock 8.1 liter engine is shown, revealing its power and torque output.

08:53The installation process of the Gen 6 camshaft is demonstrated, including the removal of various components.

09:59The dyno test is repeated after the cam swap, showing the increased power and torque of the modified engine.

12:28The results of the cam swap are discussed, highlighting the power gains and the improved performance of the engine.