Let's get hypothetical...

[Big Bad James]

Alright, I've been plotting out the plans I have for my car, budget wise. I wasn't sure what this qualifies as (Nitrous, Advanced Tech), but I have decided on the following:

3.8L V6
- SuperSix Ported Heads/Intake
- CompCams Extreme 4x4 216/216 112LSA (AZ3.8Camaro's sound clip and Dyno 2000 simulations sold me on this particular cam)
- 50 RWHP Dry Shot Nitrous (Just in case I bit off more than I can chew whilst N/A.)

Of course, I want to do it right the first time so I don't have my engine self-destructing during the middle of a run.

Here is what I'm wondering:

1. What else would I need to upgrade with that cam and the heads/intake?
2. After the heads/cam/intake, how would the engine react to a 50 shot of nitrous? Is it even safe to use nitrous with a cam like that?
3. In order to use the nitrous/heads/cam/intake together, what other parts of the engine must be upgraded in order to keep the powerplant running properly?
4. How much power do you think the set-up would net me, without using the nitrous? Is 270 HP unreasonable? Keep in mind I also have a 3" exhaust system (!CAT, headers coming later this year).

I understand a lot of these questions are probably very silly, but you guys know this stuff a LOT better than I do, and your educated guesses would be better than mine for sure.

[WickEdSix9838]

1. Upgrade your springs, pushrods, and buy some headers, tuning would also be a very good idea

2. the engine would love the 50 hp of nitrous, the better the motor breaths the better it will react

3. you shouldnt need anything else, 50hp of nitrous isnt enough to hurt anything, just run the good gas

4. to be conservative i'd guess 240-255 RWHP since guys with stock heads and a cam are dynoing 220-225 it should atleast make 240...

[Big Bad James]

1. LS-1 springs sound good? And what should I get for pushrods? As for tuning, mine is a 97, so I've heard tuning is a biiiiitch. Is it possible to get a fully custom job on it? Anyone ever computer-tuned a 97 3.8?

2. What size rockers would you recommend, since I'm going to be tearing the engine apart to replace all this other stuff, might as well do rockers while I'm at it. One of my L67 buddies is pushing me to do rockers with the whole setup too.

I would still like the car streetable. This IS, after all, my daily driver.

[WickEdSix9838]

1. I guess LS1 springs would be ok but some Comp 915's or 918's would be even better, Comp sells some good hardened pushrods for our cars, as for tuning i dont know what u should do

2. the rockers are up to you, you dont have to have them but if you want them buy them...

[Timbo1969]

As for tuning you're screwed, being a 1997. Get MAFT or a Mini AFC. For Rockers use the 1.6 adjustable Harland Sharp roller rockers on the Intense site if you are upgrading, otherwise leave them alone.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Get LS1 springs. Stock retainers and keepers, stock rockers (ours are really nice, keep them).

New lifters and pushrods are a decent idea but not needed, especially if they are ok now.

I bought newer stock stuff and LS1 springs.
Stock heads here.

The cam LOVES nitrous. Trust me!
Go 100 shot. It rules!

I have no tuning at all, nothing.

Trapped 104 mph with the crappy NOS Dry 100 shot with less than optimum bottle pressure. Seems to work ok for me!

A lot of those calculators say with that MPH and the raceweight I had of 3350 that I should be near the 350HP range (Dunno if I trust them though.) Cam should bump RWHP to 220 or so with no tuning. Then 100 shot goes to 320RWHP, I would say add some more for the fact that the cam works well with nitrous, and I would say 350 isn't WAY out of line.

[RedFrk13]

I have heard over at clubgp that LS1 springs are almost identical to out stock springs. LS6 springs are rated at like 90 lbs compared to are 60 lbs. You can get them from GMparts direct with retatiners for like 85 bucks. Cant beat that price. :D

[AZ3.8Camaro]

I got my LS1 Springs for $20 from lingenfelter (sp?) on ebay. They cam with LS1 valves too, but I had no need for them.

Who cares if they are identical, this cam doesn't require anything drastic. This cam has been run on STOCK valvetrain before.

[RedFrk13]

Originally posted by AZ3.8Camaro:
Who cares if they are identical, this cam doesn't require anything drastic. This cam has been run on STOCK valvetrain before.

Yes, it can be run on stock valvespring if you are not planning on raising shift points, but that cam will really benefit from raised shift points. Raised shift points will most likely cause valve float with stock valvesprings.

I have a DHP PCM that shift at like 6100 on stock cam and valvetrain and get valve float. But I do have 110,000 miles on my engine, so that definitly doesn't help.

[Timbo1969]

Use 913 or 918 springs from Comp Cams they are much better and well worth the extra money. Also upgrade the pushrods.

[John_D.]

The used supersix heads I had, came with 918 springs if I remember right. I think that's what he puts on them...

You'll be at the limit on the stock fuel system. Plan on an upgraded pump or a boost-a-pump to electrically overdrive the stock pump.

If it's an automatic, an aftermarket torque converter would be a plus too.

[Timbo1969]

^ What he said.. :D

[Big Bad James]

Thanks for your help guys. Much appreciated. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Originally posted by RedFrk13:
Yes, it can be run on stock valvespring if you are not planning on raising shift points, but that cam will really benefit from raised shift points. Raised shift points will most likely cause valve float with stock valvesprings.

I have a DHP PCM that shift at like 6100 on stock cam and valvetrain and get valve float. But I do have 110,000 miles on my engine, so that definitly doesn't help.

Thats completely false. The stock valvetrain can be used up to 6500 rpm at least with this cam, it it is new and in good shape. It has been done. Period.

Investigate this first before you post false info.

[RedFrk13]

Originally posted by AZ3.8Camaro:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by RedFrk13:
Yes, it can be run on stock valvespring if you are not planning on raising shift points, but that cam will really benefit from raised shift points. Raised shift points will most likely cause valve float with stock valvesprings.

I have a DHP PCM that shift at like 6100 on stock cam and valvetrain and get valve float. But I do have 110,000 miles on my engine, so that definitly doesn't help.

Thats completely false. The stock valvetrain can be used up to 6500 rpm at least with this cam, it it is new and in good shape. It has been done. Period.

Investigate this first before you post false info. </font>[/QUOTE]Wow, did u miss the part were I stated I have valve float with a stock cam revving above 5800! Now I have a valve tap! I even stated my valvesprings are old, why wait for them to wear out when you can put better ones in and not worry about it. I was just telling him not to risk it when putting all that money into an engine, aparently, others agree with me.