transam0486

iTrader: (2)

I'm going install to the FM14 cam and headers and was just wondering if this was stupid to do w/out also swapping or at least porting and polishing the heads? I'm making the engine exhale better w/ the headers and cam, but what about inhaling?

Cost is an issue for me... sooo i'm looking at $400 for cam + $500 for long-tubes and ory + $450 for dyno tune + springs + push-rods.

Black_95_Z28

iTrader: (8)

I dunno if I would call it stupid... Heads would definately help power wise but there are plenty of people running cam only cars such as myself.

Gun5

iTrader: (37)

depends tons of cars with cam only making 400-430 hp but heads help under the curve and give that extra edge its worth it from everyone iv heard

MadIceV8

iTrader: (12)

Well if your planning on running your motor N/A then heads do offer good gains. Heads aren't as important if you are going FI or nitrous. Springs/pushrods should be upgraded regardless.

COD02SS

LS2 heads and a custom 210/230 112LSA cam numbers in sig

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Yes, IMO cam only gains are worth the effort. Of course you will see much better results once you do the heads but don't hold up installing a cam because you cant do them right away.

Fb0dy0nly

iTrader: (10)

agreed, just make sure you are going with a cam that will go with the heads you want to put on down the road so that you do not have to change the cam again as well. Also, most reputable shops will retune your car again with the heads for free or for very little compensation.

transam0486

iTrader: (2)

i'll probably just go w/ ls2 heads. will the FM14 work w/ them? ...anybody have an opinion on the new FM14 'high lift' cam?

Bill Bowling

iTrader: (6)

I ran a cam only for many years and made 401hp (unlocked).

Good luck.
Bill

eamador11

I agree! combination is key to any h/c setup

transam0486

iTrader: (2)

anyone know if the fm14 and ls2 heads would be a good combo? ...and has anyone heard anything about the new 'high lift' fm14?

TransAmcoupe98

iTrader: (10)

check out the 5.3L heads...be a good mate for that cam

Daryn

iTrader: (19)

make sure they have the large valves in them though, dont get just regular 5.3 heads

LS1C5Vette

iTrader: (11)

I am still on stock heads with mods and numbers in sig

Midnight02

iTrader: (8)

There's nothing wrong with going with a cam only setup. I'm putting down 390 rwhp and 388 rwtq with my cam and bolt ons.

That being said, after the cam, the heads are logically my next mod and will be arriving shortly!

SOM 02

iTrader: (10)

i say install the cam. i had longtubes and a cam and made 400rwhp. i still had allot left in it. stock tb, maf, stock intake manifold, there was allot more power to gain still just did what i could at the time. its all about what u can afford

schultzsj

iTrader: (1)

Cam-only (with springs/retainers/pushrods) is one of the best performance improvements for the money. $700 for 30-40 HP and 4 tenths!

Follow with the heads when you get the money - that's what I am doing.

Steve

Bill Bowling

iTrader: (6)

That is what I did. I did the LT's, cam a few years ago and made 401hp. I just finished installing new heads.

Bill

xBROKEx

iTrader: (7)

cam only isnt a bad idea, youll just make more power once you do get heads.

joblo1978

iTrader: (14)

I think instead of installing new springs, retainers, and pushrods for a cam-only setup, just go H/C in one fell swoop. You'll save time and money just going for it all at once. You figure whether you do it yourself, or pay someone else to do it, it's going to take time and money, for parts, tools, and labor. Buy right the first time, or buy again.

Like me, when I get out of this shithole called Iraq, I'm installing a H/C package, injectors, fuel pump, some other things all at once. This will save time and money and have me in the shop one time. I was thinking of doing it myself, but just don't want that much down time, and things can go south in a hurry.

A buddy of mine went with a mild cam only on his GTO with a few bolt-ons and only put down 366. I just don't think it's really worth it. I tried to tell him but he didn't listen. He seems happy with the setup, but I'm sure he'll get bored. I think alot of it has to do with his wife though. Hmph.

It takes patience to hold off on the car for more go fast parts, but in the end, the waiting will pay off when I show about 425 RWHP on the dyno.

Just get some assembled heads, new valvetrain and beef it all up at once, consider it done, and enjoy the new upper half.