Not too mention the Tune which will be required after the cam install.
cam or headers?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 1
From: Rugby North Dakota
My vote is for headers FIRST - reason: you will need headers to make your car breath properly with a cam - I'm thinking that doing the cam first, you might not see initial gains from the cam w/o a good set of headers to get rid of gases.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Haymarket VA
CI 7-8 Veteran
Headers first and then save up to do the engines all at once. Heads cam, underdrive pulley, oil pump, and timing chain. Saves on labor if you plan on doing this anyway, just tear down the engine once.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 15
From: Hurricane Alley
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
TSP Headers are only $750 WITH an X-pipe (maybe less, they had a GP started awhile back). You can also find used headers on here for cheap.
Also, guys are always changing to bigger cams, so there are usually several used cams for sale, as well (average about $250). These roller cams are very durable, and a used one is rarely damaged from 'normal' high performance LS engine usage. Just use common sense.
Depending on the cam you are considering, you may, of course, need springs (less than $300). I assume this is on a Z06/LS6?
Just because these are Corvettes doesn't mean you HAVE to buy a $1600 set of headers, or a $500 cam (or $600 spring kit)! Again, common sense applies, and maybe a little creativity with your research.
Wait a little longer, save a few more dollars, and do both. Then you can get a good tune and take COMPLETE advantage of both mods.
I have always believed a larger/better cam is your best SINGLE, most effective engine mod. But it is not necessarily the easiest, or cheapest. Calling it a SINGLE mod is decieving, though, since you may need springs, retainers, pushrods, etc.
Also, guys are always changing to bigger cams, so there are usually several used cams for sale, as well (average about $250). These roller cams are very durable, and a used one is rarely damaged from 'normal' high performance LS engine usage. Just use common sense.
Depending on the cam you are considering, you may, of course, need springs (less than $300). I assume this is on a Z06/LS6?
Just because these are Corvettes doesn't mean you HAVE to buy a $1600 set of headers, or a $500 cam (or $600 spring kit)! Again, common sense applies, and maybe a little creativity with your research.
Wait a little longer, save a few more dollars, and do both. Then you can get a good tune and take COMPLETE advantage of both mods.
I have always believed a larger/better cam is your best SINGLE, most effective engine mod. But it is not necessarily the easiest, or cheapest. Calling it a SINGLE mod is decieving, though, since you may need springs, retainers, pushrods, etc.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Warrington Pennsylvania
I just finished with my cam install ($750) cam,springs,pushrods. True, you have to mget a tune($125) but the performance gain is unbeleivable, nothing that headers would give you. Good set of headers are what 800-900ish. IMO go with the cam first. Then by the time that you finally do headers, now that you have the cam, the h/p gain will be so much more!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
The decision is obvious:
Wrong Option. Get the not-too-aggressive cam, cause you don't plan on going crazy with this "modding" thing.
Then get the headers.
Then change the cam again cause it's now not enough for "mod fever".
Right Option. Get the headers - enjoy for awhile.
Think more about that "just-a-bit-bigger" cam you now want.
Install that cam and be done with it - for awhile at least.
Any arguments with this logic, "Mod-Heads"?
Cheers,
DG
Wrong Option. Get the not-too-aggressive cam, cause you don't plan on going crazy with this "modding" thing.
Then get the headers.
Then change the cam again cause it's now not enough for "mod fever".
Right Option. Get the headers - enjoy for awhile.
Think more about that "just-a-bit-bigger" cam you now want.
Install that cam and be done with it - for awhile at least.
Any arguments with this logic, "Mod-Heads"?
Cheers,
DG
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 380
Likes: 1
From: Janesville Wisconsin
Id put a cam in it first. Who says the factory manifolds dont flow enough? The vette manifolds are way better than the f-body ones and we put a cam only in my friends formula and it ran mid 12s through manifolds and a 3" y-pipe.
The vette has much supperior exhaust factory.
Unless your going with some .600+ lift cam, 4000+ stall, and plan on racing it all the time all you need is someone who can tune your car good and it will run good with the factory manifolds. I would lose the cats though for sure.
Headers would only make a difference in the higher RPMs and which your car is only there for a second before you shift anyways.
The vette has much supperior exhaust factory.
Unless your going with some .600+ lift cam, 4000+ stall, and plan on racing it all the time all you need is someone who can tune your car good and it will run good with the factory manifolds. I would lose the cats though for sure.
Headers would only make a difference in the higher RPMs and which your car is only there for a second before you shift anyways.