Head Cam Package Idle Issues

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Aug 20, 2012 | 11:11 PM

Jim Rockford

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 4

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Head Cam Package Idle Issues

I purchased a 2003 C5 two months ago. Phase one was an air intake, long tube headers, and Corsa exhausts. Went from 296 rear wheel horse power to 336. So far so good.

Phase two was a head and cam package plus a FAST intake manifold and a larger throttle body.

Got the car back. Good news 439 rear wheel horsepower. Bad news does not idle at stop lights and dies when I let off the clutch and coast. Very rough idle. When it is warm outside sometimes idles at 1,500 RPM or more. At lights, often drops to 600 RPM and sometimes dies. When rolling, it is a rocket, but the streetability is gone.

I am taking back to the tuner on Saturday and would appreciate any thoughts on what is wrong. Thanks.

Aug 21, 2012 | 12:47 AM

Lothar34

Drifting

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 1,482

Likes: 2

From: Pearland, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Rockford

I am taking back to the tuner on Saturday and would appreciate any thoughts on what is wrong. Thanks.

By your symptoms, it sounds like what is wrong is the tune. It could also be 5 vacuum leaks though, or 3 cylinders misfiring.

Aug 21, 2012 | 01:45 AM

skeeters65

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 1,196

Likes: 1

From: Norwich CT

My guess is ****** tune.

Aug 21, 2012 | 02:59 AM

NukeC5

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 3,163

Likes: 6

From: Oceanside California

Yes, the tune is the most likely cause. But what are the cam specs? The manners of your cam can have much to do with streetability.

Aug 21, 2012 | 04:11 AM

Jim Rockford

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 4

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Quote:

Originally Posted by NukeC5

Yes, the tune is the most likely cause. But what are the cam specs? The manners of your cam can have much to do with streetability.

Cam supposed to be "mild" .050 duration; intake .228; exhaust .230; lobe lift .336 intake, .337 duration; lobe separation 112.

Last edited by Jim Rockford; Aug 21, 2012 at 05:01 AM.

Aug 21, 2012 | 08:06 AM

thepitstop2010

Racer

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 282

Likes: 4

From: Dayton Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeters65

My guess is ****** tune.

Aug 21, 2012 | 08:57 AM

Ikester

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 11,405

Likes: 26

From: Whippany NJ

CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran

St. Jude Donor '08-'09

NCM Sinkhole Donor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Rockford

Cam supposed to be "mild" .050 duration; intake .228; exhaust .230; lobe lift .336 intake, .337 duration; lobe separation 112.

I cant believe the tuner let the car go in its current condition. Was he drunk when tuning?

Aug 21, 2012 | 09:06 AM

DIXZ

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 989

Likes: 8

From: Chino Ca.

Shops that let that kind of work out the door do not last very long around here!

I am sure the tuner will do a better job after you take it back.

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Aug 21, 2012 | 09:29 AM

chaase

Team Owner

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 23,480

Likes: 9

From: East Meadow NY

St. Jude Donor '12

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeters65

My guess is ****** tune.

Aug 21, 2012 | 09:49 AM

#10

Jim Rockford

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikester

I cant believe the tuner let the car go in its current condition. Was he drunk when tuning?

No. I think just in a hurry. I assume this is easy to correct?

Aug 21, 2012 | 10:11 AM

#11

feeder82

Safety Car

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 3,755

Likes: 1,214

From: Wisconsin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Rockford

No. I think just in a hurry. I assume this is easy to correct?

easy to correct, yes

Aug 23, 2012 | 08:39 AM

#12

cvm

Pro

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 698

Likes: 20

From: Md

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikester

I cant believe the tuner let the car go in its current condition. Was he drunk when tuning?

If my tuner was drunk when he let mine go at least he'd have a valid excuse-

Aug 24, 2012 | 08:54 PM

#13

crainholio

Pro

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 653

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Rockford

No. I think just in a hurry. I assume this is easy to correct?

Depends on the cause. Did you use an inch-lb torque wrench when installing the intake manifold, and follow the GM two step sequence & pattern? Or just use a ratchet and go by feel?