Cam or headers???
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 450
From: Texarkana Texas
Cam or headers???
I am not much of a mechanic. Just wondering which would give me the most horsepower, a different cam or headers? I have a stock 05 A4. Which would be the best bang for the buck and why? Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,508
Likes: 71
From: round rock tx
Um, ahhhh, both?
Seriously it depends on what you want. On a scale of ride change headers offer power with not much more drivetrain noise so I would do headers first. Cam offers more power BUT also can offer more ride compromises and issues. Another thing to consider is resale. Many people will not buy a cammed car.
I personally did my mods in this order
1. Headers intake polished tb tune netted about 45 rwhp gain
2. Pfadt coilovers bushings kit camber kit
3. Cam, underdrive pulley. Netted 50rwhp gain
If I could do it over again I would change nothing.
Seriously it depends on what you want. On a scale of ride change headers offer power with not much more drivetrain noise so I would do headers first. Cam offers more power BUT also can offer more ride compromises and issues. Another thing to consider is resale. Many people will not buy a cammed car.
I personally did my mods in this order
1. Headers intake polished tb tune netted about 45 rwhp gain
2. Pfadt coilovers bushings kit camber kit
3. Cam, underdrive pulley. Netted 50rwhp gain
If I could do it over again I would change nothing.
2005 Beast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 8
From: Tarpon Springs FL
Well I'm a computer guy and did it all lol...
started with the CAI (cold air intake) and headers and magnaflow exhaust... when it was done I was like....blah blah ho hum.. but I know it was really good for the car, made it breathe and all that....
then I did the cam... boooya really felt it in the seat of the pants over stock but like above about a 50rwhp gain... cam packages aren't cheap either....got ported tb and some other stuff too
then I got ca razzzy and did a Vortech Supercharger and after all dyno tuned and done... VA VA VA VA ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!
I can hand a stock ZO6 his *** now... and pretty sure beat a ZR1 lol...
Came out to around 600rwhp and 545rwtq, car is sick...
started with the CAI (cold air intake) and headers and magnaflow exhaust... when it was done I was like....blah blah ho hum.. but I know it was really good for the car, made it breathe and all that....
then I did the cam... boooya really felt it in the seat of the pants over stock but like above about a 50rwhp gain... cam packages aren't cheap either....got ported tb and some other stuff too
then I got ca razzzy and did a Vortech Supercharger and after all dyno tuned and done... VA VA VA VA ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!
I can hand a stock ZO6 his *** now... and pretty sure beat a ZR1 lol...
Came out to around 600rwhp and 545rwtq, car is sick...
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
You must understand, what you are asking is comparing apples to oranges.
Headers are a bolt on modification, just a better, more breathable component of the exhaust system.
A cam is an internal engine modification, meaning you would be taking your motor apart and replacing the cam shaft, this is a pretty big deal.
Truth is you will need both, so start with the bolt on stuff, intake, exhaust, headers, etc, then do some more research about the cam/head packages.
First you need to decide what your overall goal is, good luck, alot of helpful info on this forum
Headers are a bolt on modification, just a better, more breathable component of the exhaust system.
A cam is an internal engine modification, meaning you would be taking your motor apart and replacing the cam shaft, this is a pretty big deal.
Truth is you will need both, so start with the bolt on stuff, intake, exhaust, headers, etc, then do some more research about the cam/head packages.
First you need to decide what your overall goal is, good luck, alot of helpful info on this forum
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 26
From: Miami
I dont know about a cam on an auto. I have an auto and would think that would make for more "ride" compromise. Ive thought of doing it myself.
I say that for the price of the cam you could do:
kooks headers
Z06 exhaust
Tune
Ported intake/TB( If I did it all over I would get the ported FAST)
It will ride smooth and fast!
If speed on a budget is your main goal then N 2 O!
Just my .02. It depends on your main goal (1/4, top.. etc)
I say that for the price of the cam you could do:
kooks headers
Z06 exhaust
Tune
Ported intake/TB( If I did it all over I would get the ported FAST)
It will ride smooth and fast!
If speed on a budget is your main goal then N 2 O!
Just my .02. It depends on your main goal (1/4, top.. etc)
Last edited by SgtRod; Nov 2, 2009 at 10:43 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 234
Likes: 3
From: Wexford, PA
I would start with a CAI and a set of headers for ~$2000/40-45 RWHP (can install yourself -- easy). This will lay the groundwork for any other mods you want to install in the future.
You could start with the cam, but depending on the size, you will be limiting your gains based on the restrictive exhaust flow. Also, if you have to get someone to install the cam + valve train, this will be over the cost of the headers for approximately as much power.
You could start with the cam, but depending on the size, you will be limiting your gains based on the restrictive exhaust flow. Also, if you have to get someone to install the cam + valve train, this will be over the cost of the headers for approximately as much power.
