[Z06] cam without headers?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 55
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From: Sacramento California
cam without headers?
Just wondering, would it be worth it to do a cam swap in a z06 without doing headers first? I understand the princible behind headers first, but a.) Im in cali so its to much of a pain and b.) im under the impression GM attempted to design the z06 the breathe much more air stock than the normal c5.
Giving that they're designed to breathe better from the getgo will a cam less the headers still have a significant performance dampener?
And i know its a rough question as cam ranges are so wide, but what kinda HP range would one realistically be looking at in a scenario as this, from stealth to radical.
Giving that they're designed to breathe better from the getgo will a cam less the headers still have a significant performance dampener?
And i know its a rough question as cam ranges are so wide, but what kinda HP range would one realistically be looking at in a scenario as this, from stealth to radical.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 57
From: Mt Pleasant, TN
I actually did a install at point with a 228/232 115 (RSD-S4) cam and stock exhaust made around 380rwhp and still passed smog. So that is a 20-30rwhp gain depending on where yours is stock.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 651
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From: Z16 #1990 Ridgecrest CA
I have a 225/230/114 cam, AFR 205 heads, shorty headers, stock Z06 cats and make 442 RWHP SAE. Living in CA makes it important to consider visual smog requirements. I have CARB EO #'s for the AFR heads, shorty headers, and my honker intake 
Keep the cam on the small side and it should work pretty well...
Keep the cam on the small side and it should work pretty well...
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 55
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From: Sacramento California
Heck i hadnt even thought much of actually passing emissions... Does a larger more radical came significantly impact your ability to pass emmisions? If i cam i want a big boy... Otherwise i'll save to FI
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,186
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From: Woodinville WA
Also a big cam would suffer without headers, and wouldn't be a good idea performance-wise without them; bigger is not always better, its about matching the proper components for a particular purpose to get the best performance from the combination.
