Matching cam to mods

[UsMuScL398]

Ok so ive decided to get a cam for the car, but im about to go to college so mods are limited. i understand that cams only help if they are complimented. i have been lookin at the GT2 cam and 4x4 and was hoping someone with some prior knowledge of these cams could help me choose the right one for my application

Mods Currently
K&N and Catback 3"

Future mods
Headers and some sort of intake either lid or my own cold air.

with just those mods what kind of cam is goin to be just right for it. I was hoping for 220-250 Rwhp.
btw im a 5 speed 98

[RallyRed 98]

headers will make it much easier to install the cam and will uncork all that crap behind the head nicely. i believe that with full intake and exhaust, a GT2 cam would be nice- as long as you got some tuning as well.

i wasn't aware you could get 4x4 ramps on the GT2 but there is a lot in the world of cams that i don't know. i do know that a cam swap will cost you almost $1000 if YOU do all the work. if you get somebody else to do it you will be looking at a price between 1500-2000, depending on what kind of hook up you can get. it's definitely not a cheap or easy thing to do, but it does offer a lot of bang for the buck considering the cost. along with the cam you're looking at lifters, gaskets, pushrods, fluids, and all the little peripheral items that you might not think about. i believe 98camaro3.8 has the GT2 so he can probably lay some decent info on you.

i personally modded my car with practically every bolt-on i could get before i went to a cam. the times in my sig were from last season and don't reflect the cam (which is matt's old cam by the way) and a couple of other things.

if you're looking for speed though, a LOT of ET can be made up without even cracking your motor open; instead focus on tire, gear, and suspension. if it were my car, however, i'd look into full intake and exhaust before worrying about any kind of valvetrain mods.

[AlienInv8r]

Generally what people mean by complimenting mods is that you have an intake and full exhaust (ie-headers back) done on your car already. So it would make most sense to get your headers and supporting bolt-ons done prior to having the cam, especially if you're aiming for that much rwhp.

[UsMuScL398]

exactly, i plan on doing the headers and intake first and foremost then the cam, im just curious which cam would work best, and what other mods i might need to get my goal hp

[RallyRed 98]

as far as i know, the two big hurdles to clear when talking about the 3.8 are:

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• tuning</font>
• heads</font>

so far we have comprehensive tuning from two companies, but we are still limited in terms of lift available because of our heads. there are heads with increased clearance that can help you get to your goal, as long as you're willing to pay .

that cam and some massaged heads will get you close to your target numbers, though, if not within your acceptable range. you might talk to matt (onequickV6), wickedsix983.8, or 98camaro3.8, as they are all near or at the numbers you're looking for.

[1998silverbird]

Get at least a stage 2 cam of whatever you want, N/A, N20, blower..

[UsMuScL398]

ok well say i just want cam headers and intake, wat kind of cam does everyone suggest, and how much am i looking at. A buddys dad of mine is pretty handy so we'll be doing the cam ourselves, so wat 300 plus the cam kit 75?

[andrew.brandon]

check www.ftpp.net for their combo deals. they seem to have some good ones for springs, rods, lifters, that sort of thing

[98Camaro3.8]

GT2 cam uses the 4x4 lobes. ;)
It's a real nice cam, I love it. Makes great power and the sound is awesome! [img]tongue.gif[/img]




Cam - $300

With any cam, you'll want to upgrade your springs to avoid valve float. $150.

Wouldn't hurt to get some lightweight pushrods for higher revs. $100.

Possibly replace lifters for peace of mind. $160.

Gaskets: $150.

Misc bolts and gaskets that you find out you need: $50-$100.

New oil and coolant: $50.

Tuner: $350.

Total: More than $375.


Edit: Spelling.

[ February 03, 2005, 01:04 AM: Message edited by: 98Camaro3.8 ]

[RallyRed 98]

there is also a pretty good group purchase going on over at www.lonestarsix.com

you can definitely pick up a GREAT deal if you get in on that.

[malice10985]

Originally posted by 98Camaro3.8:
GT2 cam uses the 4x4 lobes. ;)
It's a real nice cam, I love it. Makes great power and the sound is awesome! [img]tongue.gif[/img]




Cam - $300

With any cam, you'll want to upgrade your springs to avoid valve float. $150.


Gaskets: $150.

Misc bolts and gaskets that you find out you need: $50-$100.

New oil and coolant: $50.

Tuner: $350.

Total: More than $375.


Edit: Spelling.

Heed this advice if you read nothing else. Everyone that wants a cam only thinks about the hard parts. Gaskets and fluids get expensive quick. If you are doing it yourself, you will need some special tools. They get expensive.

[OneQuickV6]

Originally posted by RallyRed 98:
there is also a pretty good group purchase going on over at www.lonestarsix.com

you can definitely pick up a GREAT deal if you get in on that.

Definitely shoot Lance (WickedSix) an e-mail or post over there to ask him about that GP! Great deal, friendly and knowledgeable F-body guy to help ya, etc. Can't beat that. Check out his head work too!! His car flies.

[UsMuScL398]

Looks good, thanks for all the quick responces. I am very interested in getting this cam. I got a few more questions for ya. as of now i have about enough to get the headers taken care of and almost enough for the cam. Should i
A) wait for enough to send out the PCM at the same time as the cam
B) put the cam in without a tune asap

C) Tune and save up for a cam ( do i get so send it back a few times?)

D) work on another portion of modifications

[WickEdSix9838]

Originally posted by UsMuScL398:
Looks good, thanks for all the quick responces. I am very interested in getting this cam. I got a few more questions for ya. as of now i have about enough to get the headers taken care of and almost enough for the cam. Should i
A) wait for enough to send out the PCM at the same time as the cam
B) put the cam in without a tune asap

C) Tune and save up for a cam ( do i get so send it back a few times?)

D) work on another portion of modifications

you can install the cam and it'll probably run, but not as good as it if were tuned. My car fired right up w/heads/cam/24lb injectors. It ran better than it did stock, but after it was tuned is when it ran really good.

[99v6cam]

h/c/i and a clutch are on my list of the very next mods to do, i just have no money right now. I want a very agressive cam with loads of power. Not worried about gas mileage so I figured with my mods I could do that. What cam do you have wickedsix? I just want mid-low 13s all motor [img]smile.gif[/img] Any suggestions???