i am going to install a 230/236 cam, but i am on a budget. what kind of things can i get away with installing this cam on my 146,000 mile car?

so far i am going to buy:

opti
CM gasket set
re-tune
LS1 springs

after that i am just blank, can you guys help me out a little? any help is appreciated i am going to do a search right now then i'll post back, and see what you guys have to say.

 

Timing chain? I think a double roller and a electric water pump run about as much as the lt4 extreme duty, but if you already bought an opti for a 93 car...

BTW make a post about how your car does after the install, and also do you know the history of the engine or were you the only owner?

 

as far as i know i am the third owner, but the car was just about stock except for a borla catback when i got it last year. i have talked to other guys who knew the previous owner, and they all told me the car was never ragged on. the guy just had it for show(stereo/wheels), but kept it clean and garaged. the car has never given me problems except for changing plugs and wires, and i have always changed oil just about every 3k miles.

i just searched a little so i came up with buying

springs
pushrods
timing chain(prolly a new OE unit)
opti
rockers
gasket set from CM
re-tune from PCM4Less

what do you guys think? the cam 230/236 will be installed within the next week or two by me and a few friends. aslo how long will it take to do this install properly, and any things i should watch out for while i do it? thanks again guys!

 

Get a adjustable pushrod to check the length of pushrods you need to buy. Check for length on intake and exhaust on BOTH banks. Mine needed two different lengths so I had to buy 8 more push rods which ended up being more expensive than a length checking pushrod.

 

Why would you need anything other than stock length unless you have head or block work done?

 

I just finished my install of this cam a week ago. Here is what my set up is (other mods in sig):
Springs: Comp Cam 612's $110 (combination motorsports)
Pushrods: Hardened Stock lenth $25 (combination motorsports)
Replacement timing chain $40 (GM dealership)

Because of the high mileage, i'd recommend you get new lifters as well. The cam install should take a weekend, but can be accomplished in one day.

BTW, I am VERY impressed with this cam. I have tuned out almost all of the cam surge and I have no problem with it in stop and go traffic. It pulls hard from 2500rpms.
I just dynoed it today, too: http://www.fuelslut.net/hosting/uploads/Dyno.jpg
I'm sure I will break 350hp if I get the A/F down from 14.1 to ~12.5. The first run was only up to 5900rpms, too, and it was still pulling. The second run I added too much timing (plus lean) so it was breaking up bad up top. The torque curve (more like straight line ) is what really impressed me too, with 300tq from 2600rpms to 5800rpms.

Ryan

 

Because of the base circle being smaller than stock,production tolerences.and the checking pushrod only being $25.00 (maybe you could borrow one).This being done on a budget(as mine was) Better to know what is needed than "assuming". -Tim

 

What kind of rockers are you getting?

The Non-Self Aligning type of rockers require guideplates and hardened pushrods, and if they are 7/16 instead of 3/8 you will also need 7/16 rocker studs.

 

i was thinking of using the original rockers, till i can buy some 1.6's. i have about $600 to spend for parts and labor. my friend is going to do the install cheap, and he said to pay for the cam later. so all i have to buy is the parts.

recamaroz28-can you post up a detailed parts list for your install with prices and everything. or just PM me if you want. i saw your other post, but i just wanted to get everything together before friday night, cuz saturday morning my car is going under the "KNIFE". i should get everything running by sunday night or monday morning.

if anyone wants to add anything else, just post up. i am still searching and looking around for as much info as i can.

 

myself I'd go with a timing chain and consider getting new retainers and locks for your springs, unless it's a complete kit :-D you might want to get you some Pacesetter LT's and port the heads while your at it... just for grins

 

This is with stock heads? I'd be pretty happy with it too

 

new lifters...

 

street demon2k3- Here's what all I went with:
Springs: Comp Cam 612's $110 (combination motorsports)
Pushrods: Hardened Stock lenth $25 (combination motorsports)
Replacement timing chain $40 (GM dealership)
Gaskets: Intake $15-20 Timing cover (can't remember) Discount auto
Cam: XE 230/236 $260 shipped (Thunder Racing)

I already had 1.6 rockers as well as new lifters. (4 months ago I blew a head gasket and put these in while I was already in there ) New lifter I think cost around $220 (stock replacements are fine, but you can go with COMP R's for a little more $) and 1.6 rockers are from $160-350.

NOTE: BE CAREFULL not to rip the pan gasket around the timing cover. Take your time and have a friend help you while doing this. Unbolt all pan bolts except the two in the very back. If you rip the pan gasket, that'll be $30 (ask me how I know ). Good luck with the install and feel free to PM me if you have any questions or problems with the install.

Ryan

 

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367150

Might want to read that thread as well..... Just some things to think about.

Bret

 

REDcamaro- everything you got, i ordered yesterday from Dave at CMS. he was quite helpful too. Dave told me i should replace the lifters since my car has 145k miles on it, but i dont know if i can get away with it. also i am going to use my original rockers till i can get a deal on some used ones from a local board member. one last thing, how many miles are on your car?

SStrokerAce- didnt see your post there yesterday, but it was very intresting. good stuff too, very informative.