Cam or Headers?
10-10-2006, 12:58 PM
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Cam or Headers? I cant decide what I want. Headers sound nice and that would complete my exhaust setup since I already have a catback, but I also love the sound of a cam and I want to get the biggest one but I know for that I will need new heads which will cost a lot more than headers. Will a not so large cam be worth buying without heads? Will it sound nice or should I just save up for the biggest one with heads? What is worth more, getting a cam or headers? I am looking at around 700 dollars to spend. I really need an advice here.
10-10-2006, 01:31 PM
#2
Couple things here:
1a) Use the search function.
1b) You need to do headers first (longtubes preferably). Stock manifolds will choke the potential the cam gives the motor, netting you less than stellar gains.
2) You don't need to change the heads to add a cam. Once you get your headers on, do some research in the internal engine section for what cam suits your goals the best. Tons of guys here run cam only setups (bigger cam on stock heads), myself included.
1a) Use the search function.
1b) You need to do headers first (longtubes preferably). Stock manifolds will choke the potential the cam gives the motor, netting you less than stellar gains.
2) You don't need to change the heads to add a cam. Once you get your headers on, do some research in the internal engine section for what cam suits your goals the best. Tons of guys here run cam only setups (bigger cam on stock heads), myself included.
:agree: 
10-10-2006, 03:04 PM
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1. Get the headers. Building a good running car is all about the proper steps.
2. You're not going to get a cam kit + install + tune for $700. The kit with the springs will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1200 for everything. Add another $400 for a tune.
2. You're not going to get a cam kit + install + tune for $700. The kit with the springs will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1200 for everything. Add another $400 for a tune.
yup. 
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10-10-2006, 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by craz28
I cant decide what I want. Headers sound nice and that would complete my exhaust setup since I already have a catback, but I also love the sound of a cam and I want to get the biggest one but I know for that I will need new heads which will cost a lot more than headers. Will a not so large cam be worth buying without heads? Will it sound nice or should I just save up for the biggest one with heads? What is worth more, getting a cam or headers? I am looking at around 700 dollars to spend. I really need an advice here.
you'll gain something, but you will seriously choke any real cam with the stock manifolds. You don't need new heads with a new cam. Also, most sponsers should be able to do a cam install without even removing your heads.
10-10-2006, 05:05 PM
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Like it has been mentioned, a large cam is pointless without headers.
I also see you're an auto. Do you have a torque converter? Im surprised nobody has mentioned this but you'll need a TC before a cam also.
I also see you're an auto. Do you have a torque converter? Im surprised nobody has mentioned this but you'll need a TC before a cam also.
10-10-2006, 08:46 PM
#14
Originally Posted by craz28
why would i need a torque converter with a cam?
Another reason is a bigger cam is going to have to idle at a higher rpm than the stock cam. Once you raise your idle speed a couple hundred rpm, the stock converter will really want to move the car forward idling in gear making you have to put extra pressure on the brakes to keep the car stopped. Compound this to the fact that you're producing less vaccuum at idle for your power brakes with the bigger cam and you really end up having a car that's a pain in the *** to drive. You need to have supporting mods like full exhaust & converter before you think about a cam. Start out by doing some research in the internal engine sections....there's answers to all your questions there.
10-10-2006, 08:53 PM
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Well...You dont NEED one but it comes highly recommended. Ever try driving a cammed auto with a TC? It will pull the brakes because you will need to raise the idle speed. Makes it a PITA to drive. Not to mention a TC helps you get into the RPMs where the cam is beneficial. You want a big cam so lets say the power won't really come on until 3500rpms. With a stock TC it will take awhile and be a turd off the line, a TC will flash the RPMs into the cams power range (IE: 3500 stall will flash at 3500rpm's). You can get away using the stock TC if you're willing to run a small cam, but like you said you want a big cam.
When it comes to A4s, headers, cams, and TC's all play a major role and go hand in hand with each other.
Your money will be better spent if you get headers or a TC. You'll need/want everything sooner or later so I would choose between those two before anything.
Looks like jmm98ls1 beat me to it.
When it comes to A4s, headers, cams, and TC's all play a major role and go hand in hand with each other.
Your money will be better spent if you get headers or a TC. You'll need/want everything sooner or later so I would choose between those two before anything.
Looks like jmm98ls1 beat me to it.
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