So I'm new..

[Blizzard242]

So I'm new here.. And pretty new to modifying an engine. I've done little things here and there and I love it. Everything done myself which feels awesome. And I hope to keep it that way.. well maybe some assistance.. but anyways. I'm looking to get a cam and I really dont know much about lift and what's better where for my car. I've got a 2002 3.8 Camaro with 3.08 gears.. a flowmaster exhaust, im adding pacesetter headers and an electric cut out here soon.. whisper airlid, hallowed cat. i plan on getting an msd-dis 4 with coils and such. Basically, I want to get this thing fast without having to drop my engine out of it. Or any part of my transmission. I don't have any emissions testing and I drive it on a daily basis. So with everything I've listed being the only modified parts.. What would be a good Cam to get? I was told by ZZP that the GT1 was recommended but why not a GT2? I'm assuming it has to do with my gears, but I definitely want it to sound like it has a cam. Will the GT1 do that anyways? Oh and yeah I will be getting it dyno tuned but the closest shop which is like an hour away from where I live, but only after I've done all the modifications I can. I don't want to pay for a tune twice. And I do realize the kind of time and mechanical skill it takes to install a cam and im prepared :banana: Sorry about the no paragraphs thing.. Grammar wasn't really exciting to me in school. Now I wish I paid attention.

[Smoke Panther]

Re: So I'm new..

stickies exist for a reason.

http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=46236

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Re: So I'm new..

First of all, welcome!
Second of all, please read through the stickies and information.
I WON'T lock this thread at this time. When you are done reading, post which cam you might want, or heads, or both and what supporting parts you will add.
We will then critique your choice.

[josh98bird]

Re: So I'm new..

welcome... there is ton of info that you can find and search for... just read alot.

[Blizzard242]

Re: So I'm new..

Bare with me, i'm what you call a hands on learner.. yeah completely. So I want to stick with the stock heads because of costs as of right now, unless I hit the lottery. But I still think I should get either a GT1 or GT2 cam.. I've read alot about how cams work and such but I don't have any frame of reference as to what exactly each different cam would do to my engine. (Yeah, my girlfriend is telling me right now I'm a perfectionist with an OCD disorder.. Which is why I'm asking and asking.) ok so, stock everything except the mods I've already posted. And if this cam install is easy enough, I'll probably really want to change everything else I can in the valve train. Yeah a GT1 or GT2.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Re: So I'm new..

gt1 a little more tame, a little less power than the gt2.
gt2 a little more lopy, a little more power up top than the gt1.

Check the exhaust sound clips sticky to hear them...

[Pewter02Camaro]

Re: So I'm new..

I have a GT1 in my '02 and i get people telling me the cam sounds great all the time. It still has a lope but not nearly as much lope as the GT2. If you plan on Doing the whole top end eventually, then i would go GT2. When i get P&P heads, P&P upper and lower intake manifolds i will probobly upgrade to the GT2. I should have gotten it in the first place but no big deal.
My advice is to make out a plan based on what your final goal for the car is and find out what your gonna need to do to get there. Planning is everything. Your on the right track so keep it up and you will get there.

[Blizzard242]

Re: So I'm new..

I really appreciate all of the help guys. Heh and I have one more question. Will a GT2 cam be drivable until I get a tune? And like I said, I really appreciate the help. You guys have helped me with other mods I've done in the past before I started posting. Heh there is hope for my 3800 :)

[Pewter02Camaro]

Re: So I'm new..

Will a GT2 cam be drivable until I get a tune?

Yes it should be drivable, but your power will suck and you will eat gas and set a P0300 code Random Multi Cylinder Misfire. But once it is tuned you will be all good. I would suggest a Dyno tune after you are done that way you get the most bang for your buck. I had mine Dyno tuned and i got 40 more RWHP out of the cam(GT1), Flowmaster catback, K&N FIPK, 160* stat
Went from 154 rwhp to 194 rwhp.

[FuryCharger]

Re: So I'm new..

OK....1st step in modifying car - exhaust, headers, cold air intake.
2nd step - posi with 3.42 gears (axle swap)
3rd step - heads, cam, ported intake.

I would do a full exhaust job first along with a rear end upgrade cause eventually you are going to need them to compliment a cam and the powercurve alterations it creates. Good luck bro

[FuryCharger]

Re: So I'm new..

Ok, sorry I didnt read the whole post.

I would def reccommend the GT2 cam. its a waste of time and money to just do the GT1. U will find the GT2 an excellent cam but you will need a tune, bigger injectors, at least a 3.42 gear, comp 105# springs to get the most out of it; when you install it you will need about $150 worth of gaskets

[Blizzard242]

Re: So I'm new..

alright so my plan is as follows.. Finish the exhaust with headers, heh did the whole exhaust *** backwards.. but yeah then the cam, a tune, a new rear end+lsd, then the rest of the valve train and heads. And ending with another tune of course. After I get the cam and get the tune done it's gonna be quite awhile before I do anything else cause before I start into the rear end I hope I'll be a little closer to my financial goals.. And also because I know nothing yet about gears and such. But I'm havin a blast learnin and doin this stuff. Again, thank you guys. Heh, and my addiction all started with just a whisper airlid.

[Blizzard242]

Re: So I'm new..

oh oh, btw! Another mechanic I work with said I could get a book from a GM dealership that is like a haynes manual but way better because its all specifically for one engine and not a general type of car. I've yet to check and he isn't really reliable but does anyone know if this book would be worth to buy if it even exists?