Cam vs Supercharger?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 161
Likes: 8
From: Conway Arkansas
Cam vs Supercharger?
I am going to pull the trigger on one of these in the next few months. I want to get pro and cons for both from those that have done this already or those that have good information.
Alright ready set go!!!!
Alright ready set go!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,046
Likes: 884
From: Tampa Florida
Cam alone is no comparison versus the supercharger. You actually need other components in order for the cam to work at it's optimal best. So, if you are going to add headers, cold air intake and tune...etc, the total amount is going to cost you just as much as a supercharger. Just a reminder.......bolt ons alone will give you as much gain as a (cam only). I would compare the price including labor and the horsepower gains on each. That should give you a better idea on your next decision. Other members are going to add to this quickly. So take heed to what they are going to convey.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 161
Likes: 8
From: Conway Arkansas
Fore58 Thanks for the info.
I guess I should have been a little more clear in my op. The cam option is including header, hi-flow cats, x-pipe, and tune.
I was told that the supercharger alone will still make more power than going with the cam option and the price is not a lot different.
However, I really like the idle with a cam.
I guess I should have been a little more clear in my op. The cam option is including header, hi-flow cats, x-pipe, and tune.
I was told that the supercharger alone will still make more power than going with the cam option and the price is not a lot different.
However, I really like the idle with a cam.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 68
From: Cincinnati OH
Fore58 Thanks for the info.
I guess I should have been a little more clear in my op. The cam option is including header, hi-flow cats, x-pipe, and tune.
I was told that the supercharger alone will still make more power than going with the cam option and the price is not a lot different.
However, I really like the idle with a cam.
I guess I should have been a little more clear in my op. The cam option is including header, hi-flow cats, x-pipe, and tune.
I was told that the supercharger alone will still make more power than going with the cam option and the price is not a lot different.
However, I really like the idle with a cam.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 70
Best of both worlds.... CAM + Supercharger. 
You really can't go wrong either way, both are very proven for long term usage.
It will come down to quality of install, and tuning. (For either option)
The nice thing about a blower, is that on a stock car its a little "easier" for tuners to get 100% since they don't have to mess with anything to do with start up, or any form of OEM programing until the car goes into boost. (Obviously a good tuner, should have no issues with any of that with the cam)
Personally opinion, go with the blower first. (Killer bang for the buck)
Then when that goes "old"
Slap the cam in there, and fall in love with the car all over again.
You really can't go wrong either way, both are very proven for long term usage.
It will come down to quality of install, and tuning. (For either option)
The nice thing about a blower, is that on a stock car its a little "easier" for tuners to get 100% since they don't have to mess with anything to do with start up, or any form of OEM programing until the car goes into boost. (Obviously a good tuner, should have no issues with any of that with the cam)
Personally opinion, go with the blower first. (Killer bang for the buck)
Then when that goes "old"
Slap the cam in there, and fall in love with the car all over again.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 161
Likes: 8
From: Conway Arkansas
Best of both worlds.... CAM + Supercharger.
You really can't go wrong either way, both are very proven for long term usage.
It will come down to quality of install, and tuning. (For either option)
The nice thing about a blower, is that on a stock car its a little "easier" for tuners to get 100% since they don't have to mess with anything to do with start up, or any form of OEM programing until the car goes into boost. (Obviously a good tuner, should have no issues with any of that with the cam)
Personally opinion, go with the blower first. (Killer bang for the buck)
Then when that goes "old"
Slap the cam in there, and fall in love with the car all over again.
You really can't go wrong either way, both are very proven for long term usage.
It will come down to quality of install, and tuning. (For either option)
The nice thing about a blower, is that on a stock car its a little "easier" for tuners to get 100% since they don't have to mess with anything to do with start up, or any form of OEM programing until the car goes into boost. (Obviously a good tuner, should have no issues with any of that with the cam)
Personally opinion, go with the blower first. (Killer bang for the buck)
Then when that goes "old"
Slap the cam in there, and fall in love with the car all over again.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
I have a factory positive displacement supercharger on my Mercedes and I love it. Car drives like a normal car but when you need the extra ponies, it comes on strong. I've had cars in the past with cams, etc to get additional horsepower, and in my opinion, supercharging is the way to go.
I believe the Edelbrock E-Force is rated at 624 HP at the crank with their mild canned tune. You never know it's there until you push down on the gas pedal, and then it rips.
With a PD blower, you don't give up a thing but you gain 164 HP when wanted.
I believe the Edelbrock E-Force is rated at 624 HP at the crank with their mild canned tune. You never know it's there until you push down on the gas pedal, and then it rips.
With a PD blower, you don't give up a thing but you gain 164 HP when wanted.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 19
From: Texas Speed TX
I think both will be a blast.
The advantage to the cam or ideally heads & cam is you get rid of that stupid 4 cylinder mode lifter setup.
Think about this: PRC CNC Ported Heads & Cam Package cost WAY under $2,000 on exchange & adds over 100hp! Then add the blower when you save up some cash & you have the best of both worlds! Another great thing is when you get the heads cam package you can go ahead & get the overdrive fuel pump lobe!
H/C has been putting the m7 cars at between 525 & 550rwhp depending on mods...
Not a bad baseline before boost! LOL
The advantage to the cam or ideally heads & cam is you get rid of that stupid 4 cylinder mode lifter setup.
Think about this: PRC CNC Ported Heads & Cam Package cost WAY under $2,000 on exchange & adds over 100hp! Then add the blower when you save up some cash & you have the best of both worlds! Another great thing is when you get the heads cam package you can go ahead & get the overdrive fuel pump lobe!
H/C has been putting the m7 cars at between 525 & 550rwhp depending on mods...
Not a bad baseline before boost! LOL
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 19
From: Texas Speed TX
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
I choose an A&A supercharger for my 08 LS3, making 581 rwhp on a bone stock motor, no meth with 91 crappy CA pump gas.
Why a supercharger?
1. Gas mileage, until you get into boost.
2. A "Sleeper" - facial expressions as you blow by others - priceless.
3. Carb Certified - passes CA emission test bi-annually.
4. The rush of power as you build boost.
In the past, I had the H/C, intake, headers and enjoyed it. I just felt it was time for a change. No right or wrong way, just your way!
Why a supercharger?
1. Gas mileage, until you get into boost.
2. A "Sleeper" - facial expressions as you blow by others - priceless.
3. Carb Certified - passes CA emission test bi-annually.
4. The rush of power as you build boost.
In the past, I had the H/C, intake, headers and enjoyed it. I just felt it was time for a change. No right or wrong way, just your way!
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,599
Likes: 1,224
From: Providing the most proven supercharger kits for your C5/6/7 609-752-0321
We have found most people prefer the supercharger over a cam for street use if you're picking one over the other. Dollar per HP the supercharger is less expensive, the availability to increase power easily, and the drive ability over all is the winner.
I have swapped out many big N/A cams to go to a blower cam and supercharger, I have never removed a supercharger to go to a big N/A cam other then a small handful of people who turned their car into a dedicated road race car.
Hope that helps.
I have swapped out many big N/A cams to go to a blower cam and supercharger, I have never removed a supercharger to go to a big N/A cam other then a small handful of people who turned their car into a dedicated road race car.
Hope that helps.
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C5/C6 and C7 Supercharging Specialist
ECS Supercharger Kits / Mantic Clutches
www.EastCoastSupercharging.com
Facebook Page
ECS YouTube Channel