Is a Cam worth it without a Converter?

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Aug 3, 2012 | 04:48 PM

jpee

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From: Somers NY

Is a Cam worth it without a Converter?

I have an 05 (C6) it has KOOKS Headers, and a Vararam CAI, + a Tune by Cartek.. The car is automatic (A4) with 3.15 gears...

It has run a best ET of 11.98 @ 117 mph... I know the 05's are known for weak rear ends, so I'm hesitant about putting in a 3200 converter... but would I see an "Meaningful" gains in ET if I just go for a good cam... I know I cant go to big because of my stock converter, if I did go for a cam any suggestions ... keeping in mind I'm using a stock converter and drag radials (best 60' is 1.84)

Thanks

Aug 3, 2012 | 04:51 PM

retired cop

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If my car ran 11.98 I would be dancing in the street !!

Aug 3, 2012 | 04:52 PM

thunderstruck507

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Not for me. Cam isn't worth the cost and trouble unless your going to make best use of it with a bigger cam than will work with the stock converter.

Aug 3, 2012 | 05:01 PM

jpee

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From: Somers NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderstruck507

Not for me. Cam isn't worth the cost and trouble unless your going to make best use of it with a bigger cam than will work with the stock converter.

YES I am willing to go to a big cam, but just want to keep the stock converter...I know if I go TOO big, I'll have to put it in Neutral at stop lights, & it will "bang" when I put it in gear...

Aug 3, 2012 | 05:14 PM

Sales1@Texas-speed

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A converter is one of the best mods you can do for an auto car. Especially for someone looking to do a cam swap.

Aug 3, 2012 | 05:20 PM

Whiteaw57

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Okay im gonna get flamed for this because I have an m6 camaro lol but my general knowledge makes me think with some driving sense you won't hurt the rear putting a stall in. And you dont have to go to a 3200 right off the bat. Maybe put in just enough to install a small cam in as well. In my head Im thinking 2500-2800 and something like a 228/232 112-114lsa or maybe even 224/230 112-114 lsa. Just think about it. I have a feeling if you install a converter you may not even need a cam to blow your goals out of the water and keep you happy until you need more.....then youre set for a cam! see what I did there?

Aug 3, 2012 | 05:33 PM

usnfenix

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if it were me and i was looking for gains, but wanted piece of mind, i would bite the bullet and upgrade the rear end first. then put in you choice of stall and cam.

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Aug 3, 2012 | 10:49 PM

Fbodyjunkie06

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You have to get a converter for any type of cam that is worth even spending the money and time to swap to an aftermarket cam.

Do it right.

Aug 4, 2012 | 12:24 AM

#10

wildcamaro

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yes and no...yes you pick up bc of cam but you don't get the full potential either

Aug 4, 2012 | 12:35 AM

#11

Detoxx03

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From: Woodward Avenue

If you can't do a converter then don't do a cam

Aug 4, 2012 | 12:41 AM

#12

BriancWS6

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I'd do just a converter before just a cam.

Aug 4, 2012 | 12:46 AM

#13

sepsis

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BriancWS6

I'd do just a converter before just a cam.

Yep.

That'll be my next mod before a cam.

Aug 4, 2012 | 12:59 AM

#14

sukebe

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Converter first...

Aug 4, 2012 | 01:13 PM

#15

NVR_SPDS

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From: Virginia

Get a converter and skip the cam for now. I'm running a heads/cam/SS3600/built trans in my 01 WS.6, with the stock POS 10bolt, and I beat the hell out of my car. I doubt your rear is as weak as my crap rear.

In my personal opinion, I'd go stall and leave the engine stock. I feel that a stall is one of, if not the best mod you can do to an auto! You can stay on the smaller side, around a 3000-3200 and have your rear end survive.

Aug 4, 2012 | 03:58 PM

#16

mjs1012

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i have just a converter without a cam and it drives fine. youll get much more use out of just having a converter than just a cam. the car will want to push through the brakes and will be an absolute dog in the lower rpms.

Aug 4, 2012 | 05:37 PM

#17

kinglt-1

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From: Ft. Wayne, IN

Running a FTI 3800 here with boltons only...meaning stock heads/cam/intake. Best mod I have ever done to my car next to the kooks 1 7/8 race headers and true dual exhaust. The converter should be the first mod done!! I thought about doing a cam with stock stall, but Im GLAD I didnt!!

Aug 4, 2012 | 06:00 PM

#18

Fbodyjunkie06

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Quote:

Originally Posted by kinglt-1

FTI makes a great converter.

Greg does all of his stalls to order and none of them are off the shelf.

Although I think he did make a deal with Jegs to sell some pre-made off the shelf stuff, but 90% of his stuff is made to order. Can't go wrong with FTI.