mph476

iTrader: (7)

I've been debating over a cam swap and i think I want to take the plunge...I have some questions for all the experts though...first...my financial situation doesn't allow me to do both heads and cam...I was looking at the hot cam but I need to know if its possible and/even a good idea aka reliable to do a cam swap without doing the heads...the car is a 02 camaro ss m6 and is driven daily...so drivability and reliability is of the up most concern...please all you cam gurus help me out

xttc2000

do a 224 cam, get a tune. 918 springs at least.

its going to cost more than you think

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

A cam w/o heads is absolutely fine. I have a cam only set-up making decent power. It is also very reliable. I am getting heads in the future though to compliment the cam and make some more power.

tonyt123blue

iTrader: (8)

ditto.I have heads and that cam.a few friends of mine have that cam and no heads good power gains good reliability

sevanseriesta

iTrader: (34)

to tell you the truth I would go with something other then 918 they are so expensive.......Go with the prc valve spring kit from TSP. They are much cheaper and very good springs. They also come with everything that you need to do the swap.

As far as cam with out heads. Yes will work. Of course heads will make more of a difference but were talking about street power so I think that you will be very happy. Think about doing a split duration cam like a 227/224 or 230/224 both very good cams and work great with stock heads.

mph476

iTrader: (7)

everyone is mentioning different brands and numbers....what about the ls6 cam or ls1 hot cam? I'm not looking to go nuts here..just to have some good reliable power gains

WS-Sick

Well a 224 cam mentioned above will get you good reliable power and drive just fine with a tune. It should feel pretty much stock except when you get on it An LS6 or Hotcam won't be bad choices, but since there are cams out there that make more power and don't sacrafice drivability why not go for it? I have a 231/237, not the largest but obviously a lot larger than the LS6, hotcam, and even the 224. I still have stock gears and drivability isn't even an issue at all for me.

God of Thunder

The F13 from Futral motorsports is an awesome cam. the guy i bought mine from put down 400 rwhp cam only with this in his 02 z28. thats my recommendation. and you already have, or are planning on getting headers, right? if you dont already have most, if not all, of the bolt ons you might want to wait until you do.

JZ'sTA

iTrader: (23)

The TR 224 cam is probally the best cam for the avarage daily driver.
Listen to the God of thunder, if the other bolton's aren't in place then get those first.
Exhaust is very important when using a cam especially if it's a split duration cam.

5POINT7

I wouldn't waste time on a hot cam, b/c you'll probably get tired of it quick. I'm w/ the others, for reliability and power go:
TR (Thunder Racing) 224 114 lsa cam.

5POINT7

Very good advice. If you're on a budget, don't plan on breaking the bank just to buy the cam, b/c something else will come up. Always unforeseen costs.

35th SS

iTrader: (2)

go with the tr224@112lsa since you have an m6.all the bolt ons .

equandt

iTrader: (2)

Here was my price list:
TR220-114 / 918 springs / TR pushrods $400
(I picked these parts up new off of the for sale forum)
Comp 772 titanium retainers (used) $75.00
(I again found these parts off of the for sale forum)
Cam install by Speed Inc. $400
Dyno tune by Speed Inc. $400
(they cut me a break since they did the cam install)

For what ever reason, 30 miles after the cam install I had both front O2 sensors go bad ($200)

The TR220-114 is an excellent daily driver. It idles near stock and has good low end and midrange power. I'm very happy with the TR220.

The only thing I wouldn't buy used are valve springs. Buy the springs that the cam manufacturer recommends. Don't go cheap on the springs. Personally, I'd stick with the Comp springs (just and opinion). Other than that, if you are on a budget, shop the for sale section. There are probably 50 cams for sale over there.

Good luck.

Lucian

iTrader: (1)

I must agree, I told my wife it woud cost ~800 for the cam install (of course i did leave out the cost of tools ), yet $2000 later, i installed my cam.

I decided that since my car would be broken apart that it would be better to go ahead and replace a few other things such as oil pump, pulley, chain, etc...

I have a custom 220/216, it has lots of torque but not near a dyno queen. I would suggest a 224 for good power and reliability.

Moral: my wife was a little mad at me, but she got over it.