Cam - Roller Combo
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
Cam - Roller Combo
Looking for a cam that will go nicely with a stock 1986 L98 (CI heads) as a basis to start modifications. I'll most likely combo it with 1.6 rockers but I need to get info about reliable cam companies I can check with. Not going for maximum top-end here, just something that will make the motor more torquey overall and some higher-RPM(4,000-5,000) HP without sacrificing a lot of low-end power. If at all possible, numbers I can get ahold of the companies with would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 35,065
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From: Bergen County, NJ Democrats, doing for the country what they did for Michigan
Looking for a cam that will go nicely with a stock 1986 L98 (CI heads) as a basis to start modifications. I'll most likely combo it with 1.6 rockers but I need to get info about reliable cam companies I can check with. Not going for maximum top-end here, just something that will make the motor more torquey overall and some higher-RPM(4,000-5,000) HP without sacrificing a lot of low-end power. If at all possible, numbers I can get ahold of the companies with would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
You won't be happy if you just change the cam.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
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From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
The cam is the beginning of my motor modifications. A starting point, if you will. Eventually, I plan on getting a 52mm TB and cold air intake system, but I need a cam that will get the most out of it. I'm putting 3.73s in when spring arrives and I want hard acceleration, yet it's staying street legal for weekend cruises. If you don't think you agree with my opinion on uses of the cam, then let me know one you would choose to start a project with. I'm kind of going for reactions of "That's pretty quick for a vette.."
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 35,065
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, NJ Democrats, doing for the country what they did for Michigan
The cam is the beginning of my motor modifications. A starting point, if you will. Eventually, I plan on getting a 52mm TB and cold air intake system, but I need a cam that will get the most out of it. I'm putting 3.73s in when spring arrives and I want hard acceleration, yet it's staying street legal for weekend cruises. If you don't think you agree with my opinion on uses of the cam, then let me know one you would choose to start a project with. I'm kind of going for reactions of "That's pretty quick for a vette.."
Second, is the car auto or manual? If its is auto, you don't really want to go over the 3.07 that came stock. I'd save my money on that too. ESPECIALLY if you want do to the long cruises. You can get away with taller gears with the stick.
Personally, I'd do head/cam. I'd port the stock intake. I'd then get the front pipe without the pre-cats if long tubes are out of the budget.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
The cam is the beginning of my motor modifications. A starting point, if you will. Eventually, I plan on getting a 52mm TB and cold air intake system, but I need a cam that will get the most out of it. I'm putting 3.73s in when spring arrives and I want hard acceleration, yet it's staying street legal for weekend cruises. If you don't think you agree with my opinion on uses of the cam, then let me know one you would choose to start a project with. I'm kind of going for reactions of "That's pretty quick for a vette.."
Cold air intake is a waste
SAVE YOUR MONEY
www.tpis.com do some research
Tpis has a cam that will help, your heads and intake will limit it's effectiveness. After you have done some study call them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod Ma
i believe he was refering to the tpi, intake manifold, the design of the tpi, allows a certain RPM power band, ex, the tip looses power above about 4,500rpm?? so with that said your cam, choice refers into what your future plans are for your car with said intake manifold and cylinder heads and such, a bigger throttle body..in my experiences only improves the throttle response, not a h.p. gain though.
so with my rambling, theres ppl, here running 12s without cam changes, just the top end bolt ons ex, 1.6/1.7 roller rockers will help out, increasing the lift of the valves, and some intake manifold upgrades, and exhaust upgrades..
so with my rambling, theres ppl, here running 12s without cam changes, just the top end bolt ons ex, 1.6/1.7 roller rockers will help out, increasing the lift of the valves, and some intake manifold upgrades, and exhaust upgrades..
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 35,065
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, NJ Democrats, doing for the country what they did for Michigan
i believe he was refering to the tpi, intake manifold, the design of the tpi, allows a certain RPM power band, ex, the tip looses power above about 4,500rpm?? so with that said your cam, choice refers into what your future plans are for your car with said intake manifold and cylinder heads and such, a bigger throttle body..in my experiences only improves the throttle response, not a h.p. gain though.
so with my rambling, theres ppl, here running 12s without cam changes, just the top end bolt ons ex, 1.6/1.7 roller rockers will help out, increasing the lift of the valves, and some intake manifold upgrades, and exhaust upgrades..
so with my rambling, theres ppl, here running 12s without cam changes, just the top end bolt ons ex, 1.6/1.7 roller rockers will help out, increasing the lift of the valves, and some intake manifold upgrades, and exhaust upgrades..
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Layton ut
Quick for a vette is around 10.99 or better. You'll be doing good to hit 14.99. You might want to reevaluate your goals. If you really want a significant gain, throw a 100 shot on there and hope it doesn't blow up.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
Not a big fan of Nitrous.. just trying to get some kind of project out of this car. I love the sound a cam makes and I want to get the performance out of the motor, thinking about heads and polished intake runners, with the cam and a new front-Y with hi-flow cat(I have muff-elims and a rear y-pipe already). For the questions, I'm running auto but I still want better acceleration. No go for the TB? It will save money not getting one but I have to know what exactly will work good for my application.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 35,065
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, NJ Democrats, doing for the country what they did for Michigan
Not a big fan of Nitrous.. just trying to get some kind of project out of this car. I love the sound a cam makes and I want to get the performance out of the motor, thinking about heads and polished intake runners, with the cam and a new front-Y with hi-flow cat(I have muff-elims and a rear y-pipe already). For the questions, I'm running auto but I still want better acceleration. No go for the TB? It will save money not getting one but I have to know what exactly will work good for my application.
Last edited by jsup; Feb 28, 2008 at 08:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
"I still want better acceleration"
Lower gears , street tires and TPI bottom end torque = no traction so you won't be going anywhere except up in smoke.
As stated above; 3.07 is the best alround gears UNLESS you change intake for more revs
Race Director
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From: Database Error Indiana
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
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From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
car mods
first of all, do you want to continue to pass smog inspections?
second, how are you going to use the car?
A. if you are going for straight line acceleration, do away with the TPI and go mini ram, LT-1 intake. The TPI cam is a special cam, and to improve the engine, you need a cam that is designed to be used on a TPI engine to get max benefit.
The best resource is TPI fuel injection by John Baechtel, available at Barnes and Noble.
B. If you are going for a road car, enjoy the TPI, get a TPIS cam, better heads, big mouth intake, and runners, port the plenum.
The TPI is a PITA to take apart, reassemble, and then do it all over again, so plan your mods carefully.
Your biggest headache will be the brittle wiring under the hood that regularly sees 230 degrees.
Remember, everything you do to this engine is overseen by the computer, so you have to do computer friendly mods that can either be programmed to work with it, or PROGRAMMED TO FIX WHATEVER YOU SCREWED WITH.
Good Luck
second, how are you going to use the car?
A. if you are going for straight line acceleration, do away with the TPI and go mini ram, LT-1 intake. The TPI cam is a special cam, and to improve the engine, you need a cam that is designed to be used on a TPI engine to get max benefit.
The best resource is TPI fuel injection by John Baechtel, available at Barnes and Noble.
B. If you are going for a road car, enjoy the TPI, get a TPIS cam, better heads, big mouth intake, and runners, port the plenum.
The TPI is a PITA to take apart, reassemble, and then do it all over again, so plan your mods carefully.
Your biggest headache will be the brittle wiring under the hood that regularly sees 230 degrees.
Remember, everything you do to this engine is overseen by the computer, so you have to do computer friendly mods that can either be programmed to work with it, or PROGRAMMED TO FIX WHATEVER YOU SCREWED WITH.
Good Luck
Last edited by coupeguy2001; Feb 29, 2008 at 02:39 PM.
