the dangers of a cam?
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From: westminster MD
the dangers of a cam? i have a o1 ws6 A4 with 131 K on it, it burns a lil bit of oil but i run penzoil platnum full synthetic i wass looking to put a fairly heft cam in her like the MS4 but a lil smaller
how much risk am i taking with a cam in my high mileage motor?
how much risk am i taking with a cam in my high mileage motor?
im sure the motor will take it fine as long as its the 99+ just dont get it crazy aggressive cam. i would put in a new oil pump and chain and sprockets while im at it!
You run a little more risk being that it is a high mileage motor. But I say go for it and hope for the best. The MS4 is a pretty big cam, you can make good power with cams that are a lot smaller and end up with more torque throughout the curve IMO.
ive seen plenty of 100k+ mileage engines take large cams with no problems what so ever. I say go for the cam. Make sure you upgrade the appropriate valve train parts as well ( pushrods, vavle springs ect..). I would also throw a ported oil pump and a new timing chain on while you're at it for extra insurance.
I wouldnt really worry about the cam as much as the choice of converter you are going to need to handle it.
I wouldnt really worry about the cam as much as the choice of converter you are going to need to handle it.
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Camm'd mine at 116 it now has 123k and made the power in my sig with just a hot cam. Check your compression on all 8 cylinders first and then go from there...my car still made 170-180psi across all 8 so I knew I was golden...
done mine at 150k+ id say your oil consumption is from the shitty pcv setup on our cars....I bet the intake has oil all in it....
I say go for it...
F.Y.I. the stronger rod bolts didnt come till 01
I say go for it...
F.Y.I. the stronger rod bolts didnt come till 01
Rev is at 6800rpm and see it alot! 
Things to test:
1) Compression test
2) Leakdown test
3) Oil analysis
Those will tell you what kind of condition your engine is in. If everything checks ok, then go for it. Remember though, you'll be shifting an MS4 around 6800-7100.. do you really want to do that to your engine for a few extra HP?
You'll want to change:
1) Cam
2) Valve springs
3) Timing chain
4) Oil pump
5) Pushrods
6) Lifters
7) Torque convertor (or a big cam will run like crap on the street, and even moreso at the track)
Then shortly after, your transmission (If you plan on shifting at 6500 or more especially)
But yes, obviously it can be done if the engine has been taken care of.
edit: I forgot to add... when you're done, check your fuel system with a pressure guage, and see if you are losing pressure at 6500 WOT and your injector duty cycle is in the safe range. With 131k, you may need to address the fuel system. You may not though.
1) Compression test
2) Leakdown test
3) Oil analysis
Those will tell you what kind of condition your engine is in. If everything checks ok, then go for it. Remember though, you'll be shifting an MS4 around 6800-7100.. do you really want to do that to your engine for a few extra HP?
You'll want to change:
1) Cam
2) Valve springs
3) Timing chain
4) Oil pump
5) Pushrods
6) Lifters
7) Torque convertor (or a big cam will run like crap on the street, and even moreso at the track)
Then shortly after, your transmission (If you plan on shifting at 6500 or more especially)
But yes, obviously it can be done if the engine has been taken care of.
edit: I forgot to add... when you're done, check your fuel system with a pressure guage, and see if you are losing pressure at 6500 WOT and your injector duty cycle is in the safe range. With 131k, you may need to address the fuel system. You may not though.
Last edited by Paint_It_Black; May 29, 2008 at 07:06 PM.