Specific questions on my engine modifications.

[JAM]

Ok here is my planned build. I have an 02 38L bird. It is not super wild. Just working to get a few extra reliable, streetable, hp. I need to keep it tamed down a bit as I drive my car every day. Not looking to break any land speed records here. LOL. I’m looking for some suggestions. Some items I do not have part numbers for, and I’m not where to get them. (i.e. Jegs, summit, etc) Or if anyone has better ideas etc?

AM Performance Comp cams 200/206 grind cam part # 76-801-9 $286.25
Cam specs:
200 intake / .498
206 exhaust /. 480
Lobe Separation 112
Intake centerline 108
Summit Racing Comp cams springs part # 26918-12 $141.39

1. 12 Rocker Arm Bolts <-need part number is it necessary to replace these? ARP Brand?
2. 2 Valve Cover Gaskets <-part number? Brand?
3. 1 Intake Manifold Gasket Set <-I think I have this one listed below from GM parts direct.
4. 1 Front Timing Chain Cover Gasket <-part number? Brand?
5. 1 Crank Pulley Bolt <- need part number is it necessary to replace these? Brand?
6. 1 Cam Sprocket Shaft Bolt <- need part number is it necessary to replace these? Brand?

Intake spacer $120.00 http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/cheetah/g3023.html
½ inch intake spacer using 2 intake gaskets top and bottom. <- not sure if this will help or hurt. Suggestions? Just figured while it is apart might as well add the spacer. Will this extra ½ inch clear the BMR shock tower brace? I think it will? Any advantage to custom fabricating my own aluminum one that is taller. (i.e.1 inch )

Stock intake Gasket part # 24504789 9 $9.00 GM parts direct.

Raise compression ration from9.4:1 to 10.5:1 Is this safe for 91-93 octane pump gas? What size pistons should be used? Part number? Brand suggestion? I had thought of using some lighter stronger connecting rods as well. I have read on here that our 3.8L engines can not be bored due to hitting water jackets.

With this set up I am guessing I should have no problems with needing bigger injectors, TB, or computer tuning. If anyone feels this is needed please explain why. I am open to any and all suggestions. Please feel free to comment. Could anyone roughly guess what expected gains from this set up should be?

The only non-stock items are:
1. 2.5 inch SLP Stainless Kat-back exhaust.
2. Whisper Lid.
3. Whisper C.A.I.
4. K&N Filter charger.

Thanks in advance for the help.

PS if this is not considered to be “advanced” material feel free to move this to the appropriate channel. My apologies if this is not the correct forum to post.


;)

[3.4 slow to go]

Make sure the spacer & gaskets are port matched to manifolds. have heads shaved/milled true. If you don't want to bore block, raise cp w/pistons. If concerned w/waterjackets, have bored out & sleeve it (if possible). This should have a lot of items needed for the cam install , you did't mention the ever popular high flow cat [img]tongue.gif[/img] . And don't forget the Digital performance pcm reprogram for your setup.

[JAM]

Anyone else have suggestions, ideas?

[JAM]

Will raising the compression ratio, and this cam be ok?

Will it require computer tuning of any kind?

Is 10.5:1 ok with 92 octane... or can I go a bit higher?

Anyone?

[GTPprix]

A few things valvetrain related that you really need to look into, starters the 26918's are 130lbs springs, which is WAAAY overkill for that cam and the stock lifters on top of it. You might be better off going with the 26915-12's which have 105lbs seat pressure at the same installed height and definately look into the upgraded lifters 875-12 with the extra .060" preload it will help tremendously above 5000 RPM.

[JAM]

Interesting... those are recomended by comp cams. Why would the go so overboard?

[GTPprix]

Because they get more cash for them hehe.. Sales department still knows very little about the L36/L67 cam programs and most likely will for awhile they aren the run of the mill small blocks/big blocks so most of the sales people just go for the option that says "Premium Choice" in the catalog.

[JAM]

Ok so if that takes care of the CAM, what about the pistons for a higher compression ratio? Will a 10.5:1 be ok with this cam?
Will any computer tuning be needed?

Could a higer CR be used? If yes, how much and what gains would it yeild?

[JAM]

Anyone?

Does anyone else have ideas or suggestions on what GTP is suggesting with the springs and lifters?

Also I have been told by Ross Racing Pistons that with this cam I should use 10:1 compression ratio. Any opions on this?

[slomaro]

10:1 would be safer we have an all iron block so heat likes to stay and not go away. if you had alum heads i think 10.5:1 would be fine for 93 but i would go 10:1 to be safe get a bigger cam then that [img]smile.gif[/img]


atleast get the GT cam from zzp

[JAM]

ok... so should I also be checking into different pushrods, retainers, lifters, rockers, etc? since compression is raised, and a slightly stronger cam is installed.

Again, will any pcm changes be required with this mild cam, intake spacer, and 10:1 compression ratio?

Other parts needed? (i.e. different wrist pins for the manely connecting rods? Special bearings?)

[99redcamaro]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by GTPprix:
A few things valvetrain related that you really need to look into, starters the 26918's are 130lbs springs, which is WAAAY overkill for that cam and the stock lifters on top of it. You might be better off going with the 26915-12's which have 105lbs seat pressure at the same installed height and definately look into the upgraded lifters 875-12 with the extra .060" preload it will help tremendously above 5000 RPM.<hr></blockquote>


26918-12 was the recomendation of comp cam for that cam :( .
i installed that cam, with compcam #774-12 retainers and compcam # 29618-12 valve springs. i don't have my car yet (tomorrow afternoon finally [img]smile.gif[/img] ) but i was wonder what did you mean with "wayyy overkilled for that cam". do you think it's not going to run properly???? or even worst it would break???

[slomaro]

umm are 918 behived shaped? if not get behived shaped springs.

get the 105lbs springs from intense or zzp they will be fine

[ October 09, 2003: Message edited by: slomaro ]</p>

[JAM]

I had also read that raising the CR 1 full point (9.5:1 to 10.5:1) is only good for about a 10% increase? Is this correct?

[99redcamaro]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by slomaro:
umm are 918 behived shaped? if not get behived shaped springs.

get the 105lbs springs from intense or zzp they will be fine

[ October 09, 2003: Message edited by: slomaro ]<hr></blockquote>

why???