C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Head/Cam versus Just Cam?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 07:10 AM
  #1  
BQuicksilver's Avatar
BQuicksilver
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Head/Cam versus Just Cam?

Give me all the pros and cons you can think of...

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?

What's the average price difference?
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 07:25 AM
  #2  
FlamerF1's Avatar
FlamerF1
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Port Orange Fl
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (BQuicksilver)

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
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 07:29 AM
  #3  
BQuicksilver's Avatar
BQuicksilver
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (FlamerF1)

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.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 07:35 AM
  #4  
vstella's Avatar
vstella
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,294
Likes: 1
From: Coral Springs Florida
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (BQuicksilver)

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


[Modified by vstella, 7:36 AM 6/28/2003]
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 07:42 AM
  #5  
BQuicksilver's Avatar
BQuicksilver
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (vstella)

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.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 07:47 AM
  #6  
CJS's Avatar
CJS
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,370
Likes: 51
From: New Milford CT
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (BQuicksilver)

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.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 08:01 AM
  #7  
vstella's Avatar
vstella
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,294
Likes: 1
From: Coral Springs Florida
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (BQuicksilver)

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:
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 09:19 AM
  #8  
SnowyATX's Avatar
SnowyATX
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 395
From: Austin, TX
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (BQuicksilver)

Gotta MTI Stealth cam going in today along with a pulley. Headers are next. :cheers:
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 28, 2003 | 08:56 PM
  #9  
vstella's Avatar
vstella
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,294
Likes: 1
From: Coral Springs Florida
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (PewterC5)

Gotta MTI Stealth cam going in today along with a pulley. Headers are next. :cheers:
Good choice :thumbs:
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2003 | 04:46 AM
  #10  
BQuicksilver's Avatar
BQuicksilver
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (vstella)

Kinda want to dig this thread back up.

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?
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2003 | 01:17 AM
  #11  
BQuicksilver's Avatar
BQuicksilver
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (BQuicksilver)

TTT
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2003 | 01:27 AM
  #12  
REDGAR's Avatar
REDGAR
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 32,545
Likes: 2
From: Lithia FL
Cruise-In II & IV Veteran
CI VI Drag Champ!
Default Re: Head/Cam versus Just Cam? (BQuicksilver)

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.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Head/Cam versus Just Cam?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:16 PM.

story-0
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-4
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE