Why cam only?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Why cam only? Maybe a stupid question. Why dont more people do head swaps? Seems like a sotck casting ported head would be easier and less expensive. I know little about internal engine mods like this, so im trying to learn.
Can a mod move to newbie tech. Sorry
Can a mod move to newbie tech. Sorry
Last edited by SlwBirdy; Aug 11, 2008 at 03:57 AM.
Cam swaps are fairly easy and cheap and give you a significant power gain. Heads are more expensive and are done with an aftermarket cam. The cam is like the brain of the engine controlling the airflow into the cylinder by opening and closing the valves. A ported cylinder head will just increase the effects of the cam swap by increasing the airflow that enter the cylinder when the valves open.
Cams are:
- Usually cheaper
- Yield better gains
- Make your car sound bad ***
Plus, stock LS1 heads flow pretty damn good for what they are IMO. I made 395 corrected (it was 404 uncorrected) with a pretty mild 232/234 112, budget bolt ons, shitty 806 heads.
- Usually cheaper
- Yield better gains
- Make your car sound bad ***
Plus, stock LS1 heads flow pretty damn good for what they are IMO. I made 395 corrected (it was 404 uncorrected) with a pretty mild 232/234 112, budget bolt ons, shitty 806 heads.
because....
a head swap is another $1300 for budget heads PLUS head gaskets, ARP bolts (why not if you are already spending thousands), the labor to install if you arent doing yourself. for good heads, expect to pay $2000 or more.
considering you can get any cam/kit plus install (if you choose to not do it yourself) and tune for around $1500, people that dont have enough to blow $3000 or more choose to go cam only.
no one wants to stick with stock heads (except a few crazies...) but different people are at different points in their financial lives which leads to cam onlys....
a head swap is another $1300 for budget heads PLUS head gaskets, ARP bolts (why not if you are already spending thousands), the labor to install if you arent doing yourself. for good heads, expect to pay $2000 or more.
considering you can get any cam/kit plus install (if you choose to not do it yourself) and tune for around $1500, people that dont have enough to blow $3000 or more choose to go cam only.
no one wants to stick with stock heads (except a few crazies...) but different people are at different points in their financial lives which leads to cam onlys....
Thread Starter
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I think 3000 Would be way high on the spectrum. I think the heads we would consider would be a fair amount cheaper. For people going cam only obviously money is an issue or they would go H/C. I dont really want the sound of a cam yet. I scare off enough races as is. The root to the question I guess is if I can pick up a good set of Ported/milled heads would it be a bad idea on the stock cam? I did try a search but couldnt really find the answer i was looking for.
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11 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Charleston, SC
this is a trend that it getting worse and worse! yes donkey dick cams sound great but have more cons than pros on street cars
Cam done yourself $700 add a tune for $500
Heads worth getting >$2,000
Add in head studs, gaskets, lifters, pushrods if you mill the heads, easily another $500
Head swap is about $3K
Heads worth getting >$2,000
Add in head studs, gaskets, lifters, pushrods if you mill the heads, easily another $500
Head swap is about $3K
BOSS APPROVED! 11 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Charleston, SC
11 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 868
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From: Charleston, SC
11 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 868
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
depending on the cam and mods you have you could be anywhere from 420-440rwhp....all depends on the setup!
and i went with a mild cam and it is perfect for around town driving, no dying at redlights, hardly any surging, and performs amazing at WOT
and i went with a mild cam and it is perfect for around town driving, no dying at redlights, hardly any surging, and performs amazing at WOT
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
i did mine for about 900 and i have three tools i could sell if i wanted. all parts were brand new, i hunted for the best deals. tr224 on 114 cam bought off here for 250 shipped. comp cams pushrods 92 shipped, melling 295 oil pump 108 local, pac 1218 valve springs 135 shipped, all needed gaskets 70 local, msd wires and tr55 plugs 65 shipped, kent moore flywheel tool 60 shipped, tims valve spring tool 32 shipped, hawk balancer tool 55 shipped. pay my tuner for his gas money to come down and tune my car 50 delivered, ls2 timing set including sprockets 70 shipped.
I wouldnt do heads without a cam...it will gain but not much. Go for the cam, you can get a 116 LSA that sounds even quieter than stock. Then later on find some heads, work out your compression by either milling the heads or using thinner gaskets.