What cam is the one for me?
03-19-2017, 05:03 PM
#1
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What cam is the one for me? Ok, Ok, I know I'm beating a dead horse here but just wanted some thoughts and opinions on a cam for my setup. I've searched and gathered as much info as I possibly can but just thought it wouldn't hurt to make a thread to call out the experienced guys.
I'm doing a complete H/C/I build on my 98 Fbody A4. The car is a weekend cruiser and occasionally I want to bring to the strip. Looking for big hp numbers and fast times.
I called TSP and they said that my heads could fit a MS4 or MS4 if I wanted a big cam.
I planned on ordering a MS3 from TSP....
what I got:
TSP 2.5 5.3 Heads milled to 64cc
fast 92 intake/ PTM 92 TB
fast fuel rails & fuel line
SLP lid
ls2 timing chain
Melling HP oil pump
Head, headers, water pump, timing cover, front seal gaskets
what I need yet
42lb injectors
ARP head bolts
Dual springs and retainers
pushrods
yank 4000ss
transmission cooler
CAM?
I'm also planning on going to SD to make the intake flow better than having a MAF in it.
I also noticed a lot of people get a new under drive pully. What's the reason behind this?
I appreciate any info and input.
Thank you
I'm doing a complete H/C/I build on my 98 Fbody A4. The car is a weekend cruiser and occasionally I want to bring to the strip. Looking for big hp numbers and fast times.
I called TSP and they said that my heads could fit a MS4 or MS4 if I wanted a big cam.
I planned on ordering a MS3 from TSP....
what I got:
TSP 2.5 5.3 Heads milled to 64cc
fast 92 intake/ PTM 92 TB
fast fuel rails & fuel line
SLP lid
ls2 timing chain
Melling HP oil pump
Head, headers, water pump, timing cover, front seal gaskets
what I need yet
42lb injectors
ARP head bolts
Dual springs and retainers
pushrods
yank 4000ss
transmission cooler
CAM?
I'm also planning on going to SD to make the intake flow better than having a MAF in it.
I also noticed a lot of people get a new under drive pully. What's the reason behind this?
I appreciate any info and input.
Thank you
Last edited by Road_House; 03-20-2017 at 09:51 AM.
03-19-2017, 07:12 PM
#3
Staging Lane
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yes, ls1 engine. So a vote for the ms3! Thanks for your reply
03-20-2017, 08:43 AM
#4
You have a good combo coming together. This is one of the rarer times I can say a MS3/MS4 type cam wouldn't be a bad option.
The only hangup would be seeing you have a 98 block. The old wisdom is that the rod bolts are weaker in the earlier engines and might not like RPM. That said I spun mine to 6,800 rpm every time I ever drove the car and never showed any signs of issues.
With a MS3 or MS4 you will want your shifts set high (think 7,000rpm+) to achieve its full potential. If that causes concern for you, step down just a little. A good mid-high 230s duration grind might get you everything you need and be able to shift a bit lower.
The only hangup would be seeing you have a 98 block. The old wisdom is that the rod bolts are weaker in the earlier engines and might not like RPM. That said I spun mine to 6,800 rpm every time I ever drove the car and never showed any signs of issues.
With a MS3 or MS4 you will want your shifts set high (think 7,000rpm+) to achieve its full potential. If that causes concern for you, step down just a little. A good mid-high 230s duration grind might get you everything you need and be able to shift a bit lower.
03-20-2017, 09:58 AM
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You have a good combo coming together. This is one of the rarer times I can say a MS3/MS4 type cam wouldn't be a bad option.
The only hangup would be seeing you have a 98 block. The old wisdom is that the rod bolts are weaker in the earlier engines and might not like RPM. That said I spun mine to 6,800 rpm every time I ever drove the car and never showed any signs of issues.
With a MS3 or MS4 you will want your shifts set high (think 7,000rpm+) to achieve its full potential. If that causes concern for you, step down just a little. A good mid-high 230s duration grind might get you everything you need and be able to shift a bit lower.
The only hangup would be seeing you have a 98 block. The old wisdom is that the rod bolts are weaker in the earlier engines and might not like RPM. That said I spun mine to 6,800 rpm every time I ever drove the car and never showed any signs of issues.
With a MS3 or MS4 you will want your shifts set high (think 7,000rpm+) to achieve its full potential. If that causes concern for you, step down just a little. A good mid-high 230s duration grind might get you everything you need and be able to shift a bit lower.
we have a good speed shop an hour away that I'm are can set me up with a great tune. So I'm not to worried about the 7k+ rpm limit.
thank you for your reply.
subframe connectors and suspension are all going to be upgraded as well.
as far as the tsunami, that might be to much lift for my heads and need a fly cut. But I am not stuck on TSP and have considered SNS Stage 3 from Tick (235/243), the BTR Stage IV (235/242) from Brian Tooley, or something like an EPS 234/242.
thanks for the comment!
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03-20-2017, 11:51 AM
#8
I've had the EPS 234/242 111... it was a monstrous cam. Your stall is probably too tight to really use it like it should be used.
I would look at the BTR Stage 3... 230/242 112. It's slightly less rowdy and has pretty much identical valve events to the 234/242 111. So it will make similar power, but drive better, and work with the SS4000 a bit better. And should also fit a little easier with your heads.
Or call EPS and have Geoff grind you that cam on his lobes. Doing the 230/242 on the .620/.605 112+3. The EPS lobes seemed to idle better than even the LSL lobes I have now (EPS lobes are more aggressive off the seat but softer on the close).
I would look at the BTR Stage 3... 230/242 112. It's slightly less rowdy and has pretty much identical valve events to the 234/242 111. So it will make similar power, but drive better, and work with the SS4000 a bit better. And should also fit a little easier with your heads.
Or call EPS and have Geoff grind you that cam on his lobes. Doing the 230/242 on the .620/.605 112+3. The EPS lobes seemed to idle better than even the LSL lobes I have now (EPS lobes are more aggressive off the seat but softer on the close).
03-20-2017, 10:08 PM
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No matter which cam you go with I'd recommend milling to 61cc. Compression will help with power and all around driving.