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I'm looking for somethng that'll give me good gains both down low and up top...not one that's just all peak hp gains. I also don't want any lope...it should sound stock at idle.
What gains can I expect from just cam versus both heads and cam?
you cant have it all, performance is a trade off you lose something to gain something. decide what you eant the most, and consult the tuners, they have experience with an assortment of cominations
you cant have it all, performance is a trade off you lose something to gain something. decide what you eant the most, and consult the tuners, they have experience with an assortment of cominations
I know there are packages that get gains through the whole range....you just are pushing the car a little farther than the factory is willing to go.
Some members have had fair to good results with a cam only install....BUT..even a cam only would suggest you replace the pulley with a new smaller one simply because the rack needs to be removed for access for the cam install.. :yesnod: Also remember that you will surely need to consider stronger springs and even new pushrods when installing the new cam. In short you have it apart anyway..you might as well get the most from the install and consider a set of more efficient heads to maximize the new found power of the cam... :thumbs:
There are some great inexpensive heads out there from some great tuners!! ARE(Agostino Racing Engine) have a "Eliminator "
head and cam package that is very reasonable and that was my first H/C package..I gained about 45 RWHP with that package ..I remember it was only about $1200 + install..so for under you can get the package ..pulley and installation and have a very street worthy result....Now your only problem will be TRACTION.. :lol:
It never ends..the mods that is.:lol: ..Think about what your expecting from the car performance long term and make a plan and some goals..no need to do things twice..DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!! ...Just my .02:D
Great advice, Vince. I agree that I should just do it righ the first time, as I will ilkely change out a small head/cam. Problem is, I'm just pretty conservative with finding what I want. I really don't know where my ideal point is. :nonod:
I also have to agree that I should do what I can while in there. Should I change the plugs/wires/and put headers on at that time? Or is that kinda a different job?
I'd love to hear some details from the tuners here. Especially with regard to gains in the 2000-4000 rpm range.
There are several cams out there that will do what you want, mine is 220/551/114 from ThunderRacing. It pulls from 1000rpm in 6th gear, uphill, beleive it or not! You can not get this flexibilty with a big cam only install.
Get some kind of heads, cam, longtubes, pulley, and gears. This will all come to about $6000 tuned and ready to go, if you shop.
Great advice, Vince. hould I change the plugs/wires/and put headers on at that time? Or is that kinda a different job?....
Headers will enhance ANY mod..It just make more sense to get the air moving.. :yesnod: ..even on a stock motor you will a significant SOTP gain.
Take your time and set some goals..one mod at a time..get a result move to the next mod..get a result move on..It's more fun that way and you will still have money to pay the rent :lol:
So what's the most gain you can get in a cam only that gives stock idle and doesn't lose power in the low and midrange rpm's? Right now I'm a little short on $$, but have friends who would do labor very cheap. Can you go back and add heads later without much issue?
My cam only car ran very well. It is a custom cam from the Vette Doctors in New York which they do not sell mail order. The parts and install was less thatn 3 grand and it included headers.
Car has run 11.41 and 122 mph. (video in the signature)
Idles a little lumpy but hardly noticable I think.
Good luck with your search. And yes you can add head later.
PS, tuning is key too when you do this type of mod to mazimize the benifit of the cam.