OK Guys, need a little help here. I'm looking at cams, but there are so many out there that are so close in specs, I don't know which one to choose. Here's what I'm working with. It's a 2K LS1 A4 Coupe with a stock bottom end. Currently, the only mod is a Vararam. Have the following parts to be added with cam change.

LT headers/hi-flow cats/x-pipe
Stage 1 ported LS6 243 heads w/ 2.02/1.57's, Patriot spring kit good to .650
ZO6 intake
BBK 80mm TB
Granatelli MAF for cold air intake
and a tune (of course)

The goals: 400+ rwhp with a cam that pulls good vacuum and acts a little choppier than a stock cam at idle, just a little lope. Definitely nothing radical. Also, like to stay close to stock RPM range.

This is going to be a daily driver. Also the date car. Gotta keep it comfy for the ladies!

I'm thinking something in the 224/224 or 224/228 .581/.588 range or maybe a little higher as long as my idle requirements (above) are met.

That's the problem.....I don't know how high I can go (duration AND lift)without sacrificing good idle. I'm aware that LSA can greatly affect idle characteristics, so at least a 114 LSA.

Anyone have any experience/suggestions with any cams that met these criteria? All input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!
Keith

 

C'mon guys....anyone? What do you think this is......Christmas?

 

Gonna need alittle more detail about the car. what gears? What stall? How do you drive it? Will it see track and how bad do you care for track numbers?

Rick

 

If you're going to get it tuned, throw that MAF in the garbage.

 

Just leaving for church, but this caught my eye. Why chuck the mAF?

 

Right now, 2.73 gears and stock converter. Eventually, 3.42 gears and probably a 2800-3000 stall. Probably won't see the track, so don't really care that much about the no.'s. As far as how I drive it.....I drive it like I stole it!

 

Interesting.........anyone else want to help me with the CAM thing?

 

Drove it like you stole it.....thats always good to hear.

I would say when you go to the 3.42's you will need alittle more power band due to quicker shifts and less TQ needed in the middle from the stall and a few other things.

I would keep it mild, maybe a single patter 226. Single patterns seem to work realy well with LS1 heads because of the cylinder design. I would stick a 114lsa, maybe even a 113 lsa in there with no advance built in. This should be good to about 6300-6400 rpm. Should pass smog if you need it too, and drive smooth. But this should give you somewhere to start around.

Rick

 

You realy wont have problems with the MAF until you get in the higher 230's to 240 ranges on cams.

Rick

 

Keith,

To maintain the idle quality you want go with a Comp Cam 220-224 on a 114 +1. We do plenty of A4's with this cam and it's an all around winner.

Happy Holidays,

Charlie

 

Greatly appreciated, gentlemen!

Merry Christmas!

 

Guys, one more question. I notice that in the 220-224 duration range, there's a choice between say a .566 and .588 lift. Which one is better for my application? The heads have not been milled.

Thanks....

 

got with the .588...it's still easy on the springs

Take care,

Charlie

 

Charlie. Thanks again!

 

with the other mods, you'll get right at 400 rwhp with a 228-232/114 LSA and 918 springs. Remember to include the 2800 TC!!!

I'm currently at 333 rwhp.. Kooks LT headers, halltech stinger air intake, 160 thermo, 3.42 rear-end, and corsa exhaust. Spoke with John Page of 21CMC and that is the cam he recommended, which would get me to 400 rwhp.

 

Thanks for that, BAMF!

 

I'm selling my Comp Cam 220/220 .564/.564 114 for only $200 shipped or Futral Motorsports F4 226/226 .575/.575 114 cam $275 shipped (both are in excellent condition and in their original box) - if you're interested.

 

Keith,
I had an A4 with AFR 205 heads on it. I used the cam AFR sells for these heads 224/228, .581/.588 on a 114 LSA. It has one degree of advance ground in.

I duplicated the project car Tony Mamo at AFR built with the exception of my A4, he used an M6. It produced 442 RWHP and 402 RWTQ through 3.73 gears. it idled at around 765 RPM. You can only buy the cam through AFR since it's their custom grind but it was a great cam. I have a different engine now but I liked the cam so much I am keeping it on my shelf.

I would not put more cam in an A4 with a 346 motor. It just gets too difficult to create a good idle. Tony has told me he believes a good idle needs about 15 inches of vacume at idle, I think he is right especially when using an automatic.

 

Thanks LMB04. I'm looking at that exact same cam right now. Idavette98 has one for sale NIB. The only difference is it's on a 112 LSA not a 114. How much difference in idle quality/driveability is there between the two, if any?

Thanks in advance!
K

 

Buddy of mine has the 224/228 .581/.588 on a 113 LSA. Drives great and sounds good in my opinion. He made 385rwhp on a cam only M6 car with headers running Comp 918 springs. I think something like that would be a good cam for you. The 112 will chop just a lil more than a 114 at idle. Not like a rediculous difference though. I'd get a 112 if you want "some" lope. the 224/228 is a GOOD all around cam.

On the other question. The .588" lift cam is a Comp XE-R grind. More agressive lobe profiles, more lift. etc.. GOOD and yes still easy on springs. Don't get the .566".

Those dual springs are overkill for a smaller cam like this though. I'd go with 918's for this application, although you can run those. I'm running those duals with a G5X3 on a 112 LSA. MUCH bigger than a 224/228. I love the cam, but it's TOO much for what you are looking at.

Another friend of mine is installing a 224/224 .581/.581 112 LSA in his LS1 Camaro shortly with 918 springs. It's an A4 car as well. He wanted a smaller cam and got a good deal on this one. I think it will work out great for him also.

steve