And I would probably do a torque converter before the heads as well.
Performance options?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 265
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From: san diego california
Performance options?
Maybe this should go in the performance section, but.....
Would it be better to go with a cam/headers and change to 3.42 gears, or go with cam/headers/heads and not change gearing? I have an '02 A4. I'm thinking the cam/headers and gears would be the best bang, but not sure. Cost is probably close to even? Thanks for any input!
Would it be better to go with a cam/headers and change to 3.42 gears, or go with cam/headers/heads and not change gearing? I have an '02 A4. I'm thinking the cam/headers and gears would be the best bang, but not sure. Cost is probably close to even? Thanks for any input!
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I don't have an A4 - but I think you would see a dramatic performance improvement with cam/headers/gears and then a subsequent sharp dyno tune. Depending on what you are running now - stock 2.73 or the optional 3.15 - gears alone will make a huge difference with the feel from a standing start.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: King George Virginia
Maybe this should go in the performance section, but.....
Would it be better to go with a cam/headers and change to 3.42 gears, or go with cam/headers/heads and not change gearing? I have an '02 A4. I'm thinking the cam/headers and gears would be the best bang, but not sure. Cost is probably close to even? Thanks for any input!
Would it be better to go with a cam/headers and change to 3.42 gears, or go with cam/headers/heads and not change gearing? I have an '02 A4. I'm thinking the cam/headers and gears would be the best bang, but not sure. Cost is probably close to even? Thanks for any input!
Look for a set of used 243 CNC heads if you can find a set. Be sure of what you want to do before picking your cam.
HAVE FUN!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: san diego california
Pro
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From: West Jordan Utah
Now that the sun is finally shining and no snow falling, I have been able to test the 3.42's that were installed first week of December. I have a HUGE smile that won't quit. I went from 3.15's, and still notice a big difference. Did not do a converter, and I am still VERY happy. You will not be disappointed.
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Cam/headers/gears will make a noticable difference in how your car performs. 
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However, you may save some money by adding the heads at the same time as the cam swap, so that should be considered. You'll get more power with new heads, but you'll have to answer what your goals are.
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How much power are you looking to make? How do you drive the car, street most of the time, or do you drag race at the track? A lot depends on that.
Cam/headers/Heads will make more Horsepower than cam/headers/gears obviously..however the car will "feel" a bit more torque and responsive by adding a more agressive gear. What gear do you have now? Gears will help put power to the pavement, but will not get you more power. If your gonna add big power, then be careful with adding too much gear, or you willl have traction issues. It just depends on how you want to look at it, and what your goals are with the car long term.
Cam/headers/Heads will make more Horsepower than cam/headers/gears obviously..however the car will "feel" a bit more torque and responsive by adding a more agressive gear. What gear do you have now? Gears will help put power to the pavement, but will not get you more power. If your gonna add big power, then be careful with adding too much gear, or you willl have traction issues. It just depends on how you want to look at it, and what your goals are with the car long term.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 265
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From: san diego california
Thanks everyone for the input. I'll be discussing the options (and expense!) tomorrow at the shop. I'm a street driver, so I think just gears, headers and a cam is sufficient. Heads give a little more performance, but sounds like a pretty high expense for perhaps not that much more hp. As mentioned, it's a blend of hp and speed increase....gears seems to give nice improvements in 0-60, and a little more power will be nice in the mid-range speeds. Find out more tomorrow!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 536
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From: bel air md
Maybe this should go in the performance section, but.....
Would it be better to go with a cam/headers and change to 3.42 gears, or go with cam/headers/heads and not change gearing? I have an '02 A4. I'm thinking the cam/headers and gears would be the best bang, but not sure. Cost is probably close to even? Thanks for any input!
Would it be better to go with a cam/headers and change to 3.42 gears, or go with cam/headers/heads and not change gearing? I have an '02 A4. I'm thinking the cam/headers and gears would be the best bang, but not sure. Cost is probably close to even? Thanks for any input!
rick