Replacing cam or heads and cam?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Chandler AZ
Replacing cam or heads and cam?
I'm looking for more HP and a cam or head/cam swap seem a good choice. What performance difference can be gained in going for both? Will the car still be a good daily driver with these mods? Finally, if i get a local shop to do the cahnge, is there a lot more work in changing a head/cam combo over just a cam?
Team Owner
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Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (ElanMike)
Many good shops can do the switch but then you need someone to have the ability to dyno and tune it properly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
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From: Davie Florida
Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (ElanMike)
I did H/C not too long ago, how good your driveability is will depend alot on your cam selection. My car is still very streetable with no issues so far. Give one of the tuners in your area a call and discuss with them what your goals are for your car.
98 A4
Donaldson Blackwing
Cartek Stage 2 Heads
Cartek M Cam
LS6 Intake
TPIS Headers
Underdrive Pulley
Comp Push Rods
Rev 1116 Valve Springs
Borla Exhaust
172 t.stat
ST3500
3.73 Gears
B&M Trans Cooler
Hurst Line Lock
CCW Drag Setup
[Modified by Mitch C, 8:19 AM 3/2/2003]
98 A4
Donaldson Blackwing
Cartek Stage 2 Heads
Cartek M Cam
LS6 Intake
TPIS Headers
Underdrive Pulley
Comp Push Rods
Rev 1116 Valve Springs
Borla Exhaust
172 t.stat
ST3500
3.73 Gears
B&M Trans Cooler
Hurst Line Lock
CCW Drag Setup
[Modified by Mitch C, 8:19 AM 3/2/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (ElanMike)
Finally, if i get a local shop to do the cahnge, is there a lot more work in changing a head/cam combo over just a cam?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,835
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From: NY
Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (ElanMike)
First of all since drivebility is an issue make sure you have a supporting forum tuner do the install for you as you will need tunning to optimize hp and drivebility of any package you choose :yesnod: And 2 I would do both as you wont get nearly hp with just a cam, so save yourself the aggrevation and do it right the first time :yesnod: As far as your down low tq it will all depend on your cam selection. Most of us go for big hp #s on top but that's your choice once again. Dont forget longtube headers are a must and so will a clutch change :) Do your homework first, as it is not as cheap as you think it is. You can do it right the first time and save yourself lots of $$ and aggrevation or you can dick around and keep going and forth to the shop to add or change stuff. Good luck :seeya
Team Owner
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From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
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Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (ElanMike)
If I was going to do Heads and cam, I would first of all be sure that whatever setup you are going to get is going to pass smog. Usually any aggressive head and cam package will require a set of headers to be installed too. I know of a local guy that can tune your car, and he will do a fine job of it too.
vetterdstr :cheers:
vetterdstr :cheers:
Team Owner
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From: Lithia FL
Cruise-In II & IV Veteran
CI VI Drag Champ!
Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (ElanMike)
I went with just the cam for myself. Performance from the heads would likely pick up another 20-40 hp than just the cam.
Powerband depends on the cam you choose. Mine went up a little when I swapped the cam.
There are lots of posts here about cam swaps you can do a search and get quite a bit of info on cams.
Powerband depends on the cam you choose. Mine went up a little when I swapped the cam.
There are lots of posts here about cam swaps you can do a search and get quite a bit of info on cams.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (vetterdstr)
It seems I've gone full circle and am now back to another header question :) If i put on heads and cams, will shorties give me what i need or do i need long tubes and risk failing the CA emmissions? There must be somewhere in the San Jose area i can get to pass the emissions.
With regards to tuning. I'm thinking of getting LS1 edit. Can i install the cams, run stock timing and then edit with this, or does the engine managment need to be updated immediately?
With regards to tuning. I'm thinking of getting LS1 edit. Can i install the cams, run stock timing and then edit with this, or does the engine managment need to be updated immediately?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
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From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (ElanMike)
I would get the shorties and a Cartek heads and cam setup. If the H/C is aggressive you will need tuning right away or the car wont run. Like I said, I know a guy here in SJ with a tuner edition of LS1 that can tune your car to perfection...
vetterdstr :cheers:
vetterdstr :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Replacing cam or heads and cam? (ElanMike)
The rest of the drivetrain will be ok as long as you are not too hard on it. BTW, I have an aftermarket clutch and flywheel setup for sale. Let me know if you are interested.
vetterdstr :cheers:
vetterdstr :cheers: