Cam question

[Phate]

Ive got a 96 camaro lt1 3800, im a mechanic and still have yet to ever put a cam in a v6. A few questions..

First, how does it sound? is there a distinct difference?

Second, am I going to throw a code? its a 96 so I am forced to OBD2, and here in NC we're emissions not saftey inspection.

Third, how bad will it kill my gas mileage, will it still be not too horrible to drive every day?

Fourth, is it even worth it for the HP gain?

Im sure alot of you have done this already, so i'd just like to hear some feedback on what you think about doing it, tips, experiences, anything.

Thanks in advance.

[ January 16, 2006, 03:01 AM: Message edited by: Phate ]

[vanbibber]

1. yes but it depends on the cam mostly some are more lopey than others.
2. you shouldnt throw a code(not 100% sure though), and emissions im not sure about, i know on lt1s certain cams will pass others wont
3. i havent heard to many people complain about it so i cant be that bad.
4. yes with the right head/cam combo there are guys here making nice hp and tq numbers.

[vanbibber]

btw.. read up on the stickies and do a search about heads/cams. soak up the knowledge theres plenty of it here.

[Phate]

Which brand cam would you recommend? Was thinking about Comp.

[FuryCharger]

ok, yes the larger cam you choose the more distinct the sound will be. I have a GT2 cam and there is a very noticeable lope to it, but I love it so its all good.

and yes depending on the cam you will throw a code. usually with all the smaller cams you wont throw a code but for mine with a 216/216 duration and like a .507 lift, I threw a code. Even if you do throw a code tho you can just get it reprogrammed out for like 150 from texas speed.

Gas mileage is about the same. I lost maybe a mile or two at the most. I say its worth it. But keep in mind that with a cam you are going to be spending close to a grand if not more on all the parts. hmmmm, I suppose if you are just doing a cam swap then it would only cost you maybe 500 but still.....

There is a sticky above of all the different cams available for our 3800. I wrote the research portion above and broke down into techincal terms how each cam behaves and in what application it would be best to use each. Id say a good cam for just a simple cam swap would be a GT1 cam which you can get at zzperformance.com

[Phate]

Fury, what code did you throw? Number and discription if you could..

Can you get a chip burned for the PCM or does it have to be reprogrammed (flashed)?

[FuryCharger]

its the multiple misfire code. Im not exactly sure what the number is, like P0033 or somethin like that. But yea a large cam will make the computer think its misfiring when its not. Before I got my computer reprogrammed the cam only set the code when i would reach like 4500 rpm, otherwise everything was cool. I believe you are going to have to get a 97 pcm or later to program the code out of system. this is because hptuners and dhp tuning doesnt work with pcms year 96 and below.

you should be able to flash a pcm but it would have to be flashed from a pcm that already has that code deleted.

[Phate]

What cam brand and size would you recommend Fury? Im looking for a decent sound, and hp/tq gain while still keeping the car daily drivable.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

First and foremost, here is how a farily large cammed (gt2) v6 sounds.
GT2 Cam

Fuel consumption is a little more for me, but I dont care that much, I drive it hard and don't complain.

I DID NOT throw a code with the GT2, except my cam has a 112 LSA (less overlap).

If you can afford at least $1000 for the install and are capable of doing it yourself, than go for it. Plan on working on your car at least once a month after the cam install indefinately. Little things come up.

[Phate]

Sounds awesome, what little problems have you been having? just curious, and that GT2 is what you recommend I assume? your the 2nd person that said they used that, originally I was going to go with Comp cause I know they make a good cam.

[98Camaro3.8]

Originally posted by AZ3.8Camaro:
Plan on working on your car at least once a month after the cam install indefinately. Little things come up.

This is so true. I think we need to add it to the sticky.

[FuryCharger]

Im telling u, i wouldnt go with the gt2 cam unless you plan on doing a full plenum and head upgrade with an upgraded valvetrain. Stay with the GT1 if you plan on staying stock. You will gain I would say about maybe 25 hp max with a cam + tuning with the GT1. With the GT2 + valvletrain + tuning + heads + upper intake, you are looking at a potential 50 horsepower gain.

Big project tho. I wouldnt consider doing a cam upgrade until you have upgraded ur rear axle, intake and exhaust.

[Phate]

Well, its turning out to be alot cheaper than I thought (given im doing it myself) but its probally going to come out to around $500 for everything, getting the PCM flashed is only going cost me 150, and the cam was 300, labor guide said estimated 9 hours for the job... so that usually means about 13 :rolleyes: But none the less, i'll tell you guys how it turns out.

[98Camaro3.8]

The cam costs $300, but you will pay more for all the necessary supplies and supporting mods.

As for GT1 vs GT2, I personally would not ever choose the GT1 over GT2, stock heads or not. Even GT1 will need basic valvetrain upgrades to avoid vavle float in upper powerband.

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

heads, turbo cam (not over lap -12 i think) open down pipe

http://www.turbov6camaro.com/dyno/442.MPG