I'm contemplating this mod package to my bone stock '04 coupe, with around 5k miles on it.

Callaway intake
"mild plus" street cam
Comp 918 valve springs
Hypertech 160 degree Tstat
Underdrive pulley
Kooks LT headers, highflow cats, intermediate pipe
Z06 catback
Dyno tune

(Work done by yours truly and 21st Century Musclecars here in Dallas)

I have not decided on cam specs. Basically, I'm looking for a big bump in low and mid-range torque. Longevity and very good "streetability" are definately issues for me. This will not be a track car and I'd like to put at least 50k on the mods without going back into the motor. I don't mind a little lope at idle, but I don't want to have to floor it to keep it running either. Given this mod package and my goals, can anyone suggest a range of cam specs that I ought to be looking at? Any other "cheap" power I'm missing?

Thanks!
BZ

 

I am not sure about 50K miles on an aftermarket cam and springs, unless it is a very mild cam. That aside, I have a VHP cam with 216/224 .551/.551 115 LSA that I have found fit my goals for strong low/mid range, good boost up top and it makes peak power at 5,800 RPM.

 

I've been to several shops here in South Florida looking for a similar package for my 1998 A4 and here's what I've found....

1. Since your not doing aftermarket heads at this time, going huge on the lift isn't going to necessarily produce more power.

2. The more aggressive you go with the cam the closer you'll be to needing a higher stall converter to launch/stay in the optimum powerband.

3. If you're going to be changing the valve springs to a stiffer performance set might as well do the pushrods/retainers/valve seals. You are already there and they are cheap insurance at that point hopefully preventing you from having to go into the motor again. Plus, and this is important, should you go with aftermarket heads down the road the top half of your motor is DONE and can be swapped into the new heads.

4. The majority of the tuners have found for those guys wanting near stock idle/ride quality and good power, something in the 218/220 to 224/224 range duration with nothing less than 114 LSA is optimal with the auto for good power and excellent street manners.

5. Most important factor, and I don't see it on your list, is a good tune. No Hypertech or Predator is gonna get you what you want with those mods. Don't even be surprised if you can't drive it to the tuner after this install. A good tune can net you another good chunk of horsepower, insure the driveability you want, and optimize your setup. Plus they can lower the fan temps for your new 'stat, adjust your shiftpoints/rev limiter, adhjust the torque management settings so you can actually launch that thing, and correct the air/fuel ratio. At around $500 it's probably the best you can do to your car with those mods.

6. Torque converter and gears should be next on your list to make that car fly....!

Basic thing is to have fun with it and enjoy yourself. Ask around and get several opinions/estimates before committing the cash. Hopefully some more experienced members can add more but I think I've covered a lot. Good luck and definitely let us see some pics of all the goodies when you get them, bro.....

 

Forgot to mention that my car's a 6 speed...last item on my list was dyno tune.

Thanks for the input!

BZ

 

Sorry, read A4 not '04 when I glanced over the post. In this case, you can go more aggressive with the cam and still be happy. I would say no bigger than 224/228 with the stock heads but 220/224 or a "sleeper" 218/220 sounds like it's a little more what you're looking for. The valvetrain upgrade is a MUST in my opinion and make sure the tuner knows what he's doing. Good luck.....

 

My 04' 6 speed LS1 coupe made 402rwhp/373rwtq with just a small custom ground comp cam cam 224/224 .581 lift on a 115LSA, PRC dual valve springs, Kooks 1 7/8" headers, B&B cat back, Vararam and a tune Very nice cam for the street...