Hello all. My car (an '88 Z52 automagic) is going to get the head gaskets replaced sometime early next year, preventative maintenance and all that. I've been meaning to get some more useable power out of the engine for a while and have some long tube headers to put on there, but I'm thinking of expanding the scope of my upgrades. Originally I was going to put the new exhaust on, and just find a larger intake base and runners, then port the plenum and consider that good enough. However, I've found myself in the position to potentially get a Super Ram intake, and if I'm going to put that on then I might as well go all the way for a build while the heads are off. The goal of this build is just to get a more useable powerband, it's my daily driver so I've no intentions of squeezing every ounce of power out of the engine for drag races or anything like that. Most I'll do is maybe put a rowdy commuter back in their place while they try to pass me in a no-passing zone (or from a stoplight's turn lane, which wasn't a fun day).

From researching on the internet, it seems the Lingenfelter 219 cams are a good choice for this build. Are there any other good cam options that people would recommend for a daily? Another thing is my heads are the 113s, which I've heard are "good enough", but springs are an issue with the cam swap as well. Is there anything else I'd need to change on the heads, or would just the springs be enough?

I also know I'll need a tuned chip to go with it. Are there any good places that'll do tunes with the specs I send them, or is this something I'll need to do myself? Again, not planning on squeezing every last bit of power, so a more general tune will work fine.

 

pcm for less-tune
the 219 was designed for the super ram, Johns 211/219 does well in the tpi
He used 2.00 intake and 1.6 exh valves in the heads then ported them along with headers, decent intake. They ran pretty strong, drove like stockers just made lots of torque. Lots of ways to do this

 

Looked up pcm for less, doesn't seem like they offer a tune for the L98 anymore. Would you need to contact them as a special order of some sort? As for the valves, will the stock valves work fine or do I need to change them no matter what?

 

PCM of NC just did a tune for me in August or September for my L98. They had a simple online order process and it arrived in just a few days.

 

You have to call "PCM for less" and tell him what you need, "PCM of NC" is good also.
The only thing I will note is PCM of DC needs the 3 letter code off your computer so if its a running car you have to drop the computer get the code put it back and drop again when the part comes in.

 

Thanks. I posted the incorrect info in my previous post and corrected it. Showing my age I guess.

 

If your valves are in good shape they could probably take a valve job. If youre really wanting power out of them then porting/stepping up to a larger valve size sure helps. Stock heads flow maybe 200cfm on a good day.
You dont have to do it but if its apart and in front of you then...or even keeping the stock size and do some bowl work if you cant afford more

 

If they're in good shape, will the stock rocker arms and valves work, then? Would the 211/219 work better with the stock head, or will the 219/219 work just as fine?