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After I was informed that there is no short cut to install the pulleys, it was brought to my attention that while doing the work I should swap the cam. Here's my dilema: which cam is right for me. I want to keep the stock heads and not have change springs, valves, etc.
Here is the in-process/upcoming mod list for my 2003 coupe A4; Pulleys, LGM headers w/o cats, BB PRT, BBK 80mm Tbody, VaraRam, Yank converter, 3.42 rear, Predetor programer, 180 stat, plug & wires.
Do NOT change to an aftermarket cam w/o at least changing springs. You don't really need the hardened pushrods, titanium retainers, trick lifters, etc. but you do need stronger springs to hold the lifter on the lobe.
I agree with the other posts about springs.They're a must.Also,for what you'll pay for a predator,it's worth every penny to instead dyno tune and LS1 edit.Will do a much better job.For a few more $'s.
Honestly, at a minimum I would look at changing the springs. I don't think I would go with a bigger cam (even a measly Z06 cam) without changing them.
[Modified by Umrswimr, 10:36 AM 3/17/2004]
:iagree: Are you doing the cam install yourself or will a reputable Corvette Performance shop be doing the install? My 2001 C5 Coupe, A4 (3.42) has almost 29K miles on the odo, therefore I like the idea of a Cam Pkg. which includes GM Timing Chain, Comp 921 Dual Springs, Chromoly Push Rods, and Titanium Retainers along with the camshaft, of course. I'm not going to mention the specific camshaft that will be installed in my C5 next month, in Wylie, TX :D , so not to come off as an advertisement, plus I'd rather wait until after the install to report on the performance gains, etc.
Anyway, I realize you probably have very few miles on your Vette but IMHO, at least change the valve springs. If you are having a shop do the install I'd think they would steer you in the right direction.
Thanks for all the advise. There are not any tuners in my area that I am aware of. I may wait to do the pulleys and cam. More work invloved then I have time for. As an alternative I was thinking of only changing the rocker ratio to the SLP 1.85 kit. I will be installing headers soon, I think it would be a good time to do the rockers as well. Can anyone give feedback?
the SLP 1.85 may give you 10rwhpand once they are in and but they will really really limit the size cam that can be added later .... do a 224 to 228 - 114* cam with 918 springs. The Predator will get you close enough (?) tuning wise, but best to take a little trip to a reputable tuner.
I agree that you should also upgrade the rods, springs and retainers when installing a new performance cam. My question is: Should you also upgrade the valves, i.e., Ferrea or Manley 2.02" stainless one piece intake valves, and 1.50" exhaust valves in your stock heads?