3.4 top end power

[Marty85]

I have a 95 camaro 3.4 liter which ive done minor DIY mods to such as TB bypass, and modified the factory air cleaner. My question is, is there anything I can possibly do to gain top-end power. I have crap loads of bottem end torque and pulls extremely great from idle to about 4k rpms but after that it just falls flat on its face. I desperately need something to push the power curve higher up in the band. What kind of bolt-ons am I looking at for better high rpm power.

[95Batmobile]

None really..
Only thing to help that is cam really

[96whitemaro]

headers? cat back system? but if you want to make it higher then yes a cam but i say take it easy and get the exhaust, intake done then move to the cam.

[Marty85]

I was planning on an exhaust because I know a free'er flowing exhaust and intake will smooth the power band and I was really badly wanting a cam but ive heard too many horror stories about cam swaps ending up at over 1000 dollars when a cam itself is only like 150 bux. Thats just waaaaay too much for my blood. I can afford the cam and I can do the install myself but that 1000 dollar figure scares me.

[95Batmobile]

well if you can install the cam yourself its around $400 for a mild one.

And my 3" exhaust didn't really help me a lot on the top end.. not to the extent at which I think you're looking for.

[96whitemaro]

but it's better to get free flowing parts before the cam then you will notice the difference after the cam.

[Marty85]

What else do I have to purchase with the new cam? (and I have searched this BTW but didnt find what I was looking for) I know how much a cam is but where does the rest of the expense come from?

[98 3.8]

Technically, you don't really have to purchase anything else besides the gasket. (minimal expense)
You can put in the cam, gasket and change the oil and everything should run. Do it yourself and the cost isn't really any more than those parts.

However, changing out your valvesprings (~$130) to stiffer ones is a good idea. It helps prevent valve float in the high rpms. While you're in there, it would be a good idea to change the timing chain. (~$30-50)

Then a lot of people go even further and upgrade more of the valvetrain like pushrods ($100) and lifters($100-150).

It depends on how much you want to do, really. But the bare minimum isn't too expensive.
edit: sp.

[Rob Bell]

I'm no cam expert but I would certainly suggest upgrading and replacing stuff anytime you've already got everything torn apart, then you'll know you've got good, new parts in there that won't suddenly die on you later on.

[V8 Killer]

How much do you have to spend?

I'm not too sure of this but Underdrive Pulleys might help you out.

[95Batmobile]

You don't have to put in all that other new stuff if you do a cam change as long as the stock springs are good to the lift of the cam you are using.

[V8 Killer]

Arent performance MAF's made for top end power?

[ May 16, 2005, 03:11 PM: Message edited by: V8 Killer ]

[Marty85]

The only problem with that v8 Killer is mine is speed density and not Mass Air flow. Im on OBD1 while 3.8's are OBD2. Really I dont have alot to work with and right now im just looking for ballpark figures since im fixing to graduate high school next week and will be working full time this summer. This summer was when I was thinking about doing anything if I did. Money wise, all this I can save up for so I guess money isnt really a limit, I can just save up for everything I need and then get it but im not looking to spend over 500 dollars on the motor alone, not including exhaust and intake. And before I go and put 1000 dollars into my motor, ill just wait and save for a year or so and get a turbo and have true bolt-on power. My motor has 133k on it and runs great and doesnt use a drop of oil. As an example, as of right now my current oil has about 7000 miles on it and it hasnt even hardly changed color yet. Its still translucent and light brown on regular dino oil. So its a great running motor.

[camaroman1181]

well, if you want a cheap thing to do, take off the cat. when i had mine off, i lost a bit of torque but it pulled a good bit harder from like 4 grand up. course my car sounded a lot harsher and raspy. I ended up puttin the thing back on for now. but you could try that if you want. for a cam swap, i really would look into a cam kit from comp cams. not bad specs and they come with new springs, lifters, retainers, locks, and valve seals. payed like 300 or so for mine i think. then head gasket set was like 35-50... not that you need the head gaskets, its just prolly cheaper to buy that then everything esle seperately. good luck with the build man...

[andrew.brandon]

for cam parts you could also try www.ftpp.net they have quite a decient selection of 3.4L performance stuff. you could also try a MSD ignition. a lot of 3.4 guys said they got a better track times and an increase in gas milage. sadly mine is on backorder :(