BlkZMD

I was looking for some advice in regards to a 2002 Camaro Z28 I purchased about 6 months ago.

The following has already been done to it:

Strano Custom Springs
Strano Sway Bars 35/22
UMI panhard
Koni 4/4s
SLP lid
SLP CAI
Texas Speed Catback
NGK iridium plugs
MSD 8.5 wires



The camaro has 160K miles on it, and I recently did a compression test to see what state the engine was in. See the results here:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1362354254

The compression test showed all cylinders were within 5 LB's of eachother and all at 125 LB's or above.

Based on these results, does this mean the engine is in good shape if I was considering throwing a cam/springs/lifters in? Or do I really need to do a rebuild? I was hoping to hold off on a rebuild until I hit 200K.

Thoughts?

justin hover

A4 or M6? Your going to want some headers in their before a cam. Whats your budget?

BlkZMD

It's an A4. I had the transmission rebuilt after i purchased it as well.


My budget is around $2800.

One of the local shops quoted me $2400 for the new cam/springs/lifters, parts and labor.

BlkZMD

I have the Lid, CAI, and Cat back exhuast.

I would ideally like to just got cam/springs/rods if I could get away with it without doing headers as well...

camarochvy21

iTrader: (4)

Without headers, look into the gm hot cam, nice little cam that will work with the stock manifolds

camarochvy21

iTrader: (4)

Or if you can an do the cam install your self, could could save a lot and also buy headers

BlkZMD

Thanks for the advice.

If I do consider headers, what could I get away with without breaking the bank?

I keep running across the MS cams as the "best." I know there's no "best."

conan

iTrader: (5)

With the A4 trans you'll need to change the converter out for a higher stall unless that was done when the transmission was rebuild. If its a stock converter you cam choices are limited and not worth the time and money, IMO.

Headers and a stall get my vote for your $2,800, then a cam.

justin hover

^^Yeah this...you have to run a higher than stock stall or your car will buck, serge, power through the brakes, stall at a stop, run like a pig down down. You really should do it right and get some headers. Cams need to breath...so a full exhaust setup is a must. I know you don't like these answers... but simple enough..read the cam sticky.

BlkZMD

I'll take your advice and go with headers first. It looks like I should go with long tube headers that are at least coated so they don't rust out. I'm thinking pace setter long tube headers.

I already have a stall thats +500 over stock. Does that cut it?

02CamZ28

iTrader: (30)

I would get TSP SS 1 7/8 headers a Yank 3600SS stall, and a tranny cooler and tune, then go from there

camarochvy21

iTrader: (4)

If your on a budget, you might want to look at a site that auctions stuff, you know, that big auction site. I have had the pacesetters from TSP, great header for the money

justin hover

Pacesetters are great..If you want stainless for for TSPs. 500 over stock means you have a 2300 converter. That's not going to cut it. Atleast a 3200 at the bare minimum, Though I prefer 36-4000 stall
So yeah...LTs, 3600 stall cooler, tune. Sucks, but your gonna need these for a cam swap.

BlkZMD

Based on your recomendations, I will be going with:

TSP 1 7/8 inch long tube headers: 529$
Optional Y-pipe? Optional O2 sensors? Optional Gasket?

Yank 3600 stall: 729$

Tune: 300$?


Labor for both: ?


I'll start with these, then move to the cam/springers/lifters.

camarochvy21

iTrader: (4)

Don't forget tranny cooler