If I port...some questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Cotati CA
If I port...some questions
In a couple of months I'm planning to do my own port work on the following on my '89: Plenum, runners, intake and heads. Based on this, here are a few questions:
1 -- Should I replace the springs and rockers? If so, which do you recommend?
2 -- Should I look at a new cam? If so, would I need to pull the oil pan to avoid leaks like some GM's I've worked on (like when replacing the timing chain) that leak if you don't drop the pan and replace the seal?
3 -- If a new cam, which ones should I consider keeping in mind that I plan to keep the engine looking stock even though it'll be ported?
In case it matters, I still will have to pass CA's smog test...ugh!
Thanks for giving this some thought!
Vance
1 -- Should I replace the springs and rockers? If so, which do you recommend?
2 -- Should I look at a new cam? If so, would I need to pull the oil pan to avoid leaks like some GM's I've worked on (like when replacing the timing chain) that leak if you don't drop the pan and replace the seal?
3 -- If a new cam, which ones should I consider keeping in mind that I plan to keep the engine looking stock even though it'll be ported?
In case it matters, I still will have to pass CA's smog test...ugh!
Thanks for giving this some thought!
Vance
Last edited by V's Vette; Mar 2, 2005 at 07:46 PM. Reason: add extra detail - pass smog
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by V's Vette
In a couple of months I'm planning to port the following on my '89: Plenum, runners, intake and heads. Based on this, here are a few questions:
1 -- Should I replace the springs and rockers? If so, which do you recommend?
2 -- Should I look at a new cam? If so, would I need to pull the oil pan to avoid leaks like some GM's I've worked on (like when replacing the timing chain) that leak if you don't drop the pan and replace the seal?
3 -- If a new cam, which ones should I consider keeping in mind that I plan to keep the engine looking stock even though it'll be ported?
At a later date, when I can afford them, I will upgrade to headers and a new rear gear ratio.
Thanks for giving this some thought!
Vance
1 -- Should I replace the springs and rockers? If so, which do you recommend?
2 -- Should I look at a new cam? If so, would I need to pull the oil pan to avoid leaks like some GM's I've worked on (like when replacing the timing chain) that leak if you don't drop the pan and replace the seal?
3 -- If a new cam, which ones should I consider keeping in mind that I plan to keep the engine looking stock even though it'll be ported?
At a later date, when I can afford them, I will upgrade to headers and a new rear gear ratio.
Thanks for giving this some thought!
Vance
you have to ask yourself a question?
how much is it going to port the stock heads, and add new valves, springs, etc.......for the price, i went with the trick flow's heads.
you would be hard pressed to outflow a set of aftermarket heads, actually you wont outflow a set even with a good port job. for the money, i decided to buy a new set, and then u can always see your old heads for $400 or so....go to www.summitracing.com
part # is TFS-30400007, but you dont have to get those one's, they are the 1.46 dual springs. i am planning to run a higher lft cam.
my 2 cents!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Though you're limited by CA emissions (can't go with LT headers), do you have a HP goal in mind?
If you are trying for max power gain you should do:
-heads, ported & worked
-valve train, cam RRs, etc
-exhaust, gutted pre-cats, hi-flow cat & cat-back
-tuning, AFPR to add more fuel at WOT
For your purpose the ZZ-9 would be a nice cam along with 1.6:1 RRs on the intake and 1.52:1 RR on the exhaust.
If you would like to extend upper RPM breathing, consider doing the siamese intake base mod. This with your other mods will take usable power to around 6k RPM. And you will still pass the CA sniffer.
If you are trying for max power gain you should do:
-heads, ported & worked
-valve train, cam RRs, etc
-exhaust, gutted pre-cats, hi-flow cat & cat-back
-tuning, AFPR to add more fuel at WOT
For your purpose the ZZ-9 would be a nice cam along with 1.6:1 RRs on the intake and 1.52:1 RR on the exhaust.
If you would like to extend upper RPM breathing, consider doing the siamese intake base mod. This with your other mods will take usable power to around 6k RPM. And you will still pass the CA sniffer.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 1
From: atlanta Georgia
bob includes $200 valve spring credit with stg 3 orders!!!!
yes youd want a cam and rockers to match your setup.
1.6s are a good place to start find the ecaxt flow #s of your heads and then talk with the porter and also give come cams a call... alot of it is dependant not jsut on head flow but rear ratio and orther mods.
your friend
Sean
yes youd want a cam and rockers to match your setup.
1.6s are a good place to start find the ecaxt flow #s of your heads and then talk with the porter and also give come cams a call... alot of it is dependant not jsut on head flow but rear ratio and orther mods.
your friend
Sean
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Cotati CA
In case I didn't say it above, I'm going to do my own porting job. I will be doing the reading that guys have recommended (especially the books by D. Vizard) and go from there. Yes, the runners and intake will be siamesed.
Does this change your recommendations?
Does this change your recommendations?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 1
From: atlanta Georgia
well you need to find out the flow #s for your heads, runners etc
then call comp cams.....
I would love to port my own heads....as it would save alot of $....
what is good text to read/buy to read about doing this? (link?)
thanks alot your friend
Sean
then call comp cams.....
I would love to port my own heads....as it would save alot of $....
what is good text to read/buy to read about doing this? (link?)
thanks alot your friend
Sean
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Well it's good that you're taking the heads off. The head gaskets on our 89's are ticking time bombs. All these things that you are mentioning I have done already. The runners you can't touch really. The base, when ported will net you another 500 useable RPM. Maybe 6. Alot of work for 500 RPM.
The cam, about the most you can get by with is like a 219/219.
I know I barely squeeked by smog with a 214/220.
I did a chip for that cam too. Had to.
I replaced the springs with Z28 springs and rockers to pro-magnum 1.52's.
The cam, about the most you can get by with is like a 219/219.
I know I barely squeeked by smog with a 214/220.
I did a chip for that cam too. Had to.
I replaced the springs with Z28 springs and rockers to pro-magnum 1.52's.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I was assuming you were going to do your own head porting; Vizard's book is a great reference for #113s.
I've been wanting to port mine based on his pictures and text too. I'm sure it will cost a few $$, when you consider the CC equipment and others, but the personal satisfaction has to be the best.
After you finish work on the base you will be very familiar with your grinder and ready to tackle the heads.
Good luck with the projects.
I've been wanting to port mine based on his pictures and text too. I'm sure it will cost a few $$, when you consider the CC equipment and others, but the personal satisfaction has to be the best.
After you finish work on the base you will be very familiar with your grinder and ready to tackle the heads.
Good luck with the projects.
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