LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Heads or Cam?

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Old Jan 7, 2004 | 09:14 AM
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TransAmG2's Avatar
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Question Heads or Cam?

I can't afford both, but would like to buy something to make my car reasonably faster. Should I go with heads or a cam or something else? I don't want to run NO2. Where would I see the most HP gain from? Which heads should I get or which cam? How much am I looking to spend? How much HP will my car be making with the mod? There is a list of the mods I already on my webpage in my sig. TIA.

Last edited by TransAmG2; Jan 7, 2004 at 09:18 AM.
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 09:34 AM
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If it's either or, I'd go for the cam. You'll see more of a performance with a cam and stock heads vs. ported heads and a stock cam.

The choice is up to you. How high do you want to spin, how much driveability do you want to sacrifice down low, ect.

Personally, I'd recommend the Comp XE 218/224 as it's put down VERY respectable numbers (343/343 at the wheels corrected) and you don't have to rev it to 6500 like a lot of others.
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 09:37 AM
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Originally posted by Fastbird93
If it's either or, I'd go for the cam. You'll see more of a performance with a cam and stock heads vs. ported heads and a stock cam.

The choice is up to you. How high do you want to spin, how much driveability do you want to sacrifice down low, ect.

Personally, I'd recommend the Comp XE 218/224 as it's put down VERY respectable numbers (343/343 at the wheels corrected) and you don't have to rev it to 6500 like a lot of others.
My car is my daily driver, so I don't want anything TOO rough. Plus it has 4.10's and it's a 6 speed. I've never driven a car that had a cam in it. How different is it going to feel? I know it will be a lot louder. How hard is it on the engine and all that good stuff? I don't want to end up blowing my engine. Keep in mind, I'm a girl, and I don't know much about cars.

Last edited by TransAmG2; Jan 7, 2004 at 09:41 AM.
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 09:46 AM
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Well, by the current standards, the 218/224 isn't a big cam at all. It's going to be a little more rough on the valvetrain due to the steep lobe ramps on the cam, but nothing that would kill a daily driver. That cam with 4.10's and a six speed would be a nice combination in my opinion, but don't just take my word. Do some searching on here for the various cams, and see what you come up with.

If you want driveability and street manners, then I'd highly recommend staying away from the 230/236, CC306, GM847, and the like. The Hotcam, 218/224, 224/230, and CC305 would all be a good choice. There's a ton more out there though, so do your research.
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 10:14 AM
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Originally posted by Fastbird93
Well, by the current standards, the 218/224 isn't a big cam at all. It's going to be a little more rough on the valvetrain due to the steep lobe ramps on the cam, but nothing that would kill a daily driver. That cam with 4.10's and a six speed would be a nice combination in my opinion, but don't just take my word. Do some searching on here for the various cams, and see what you come up with.

If you want driveability and street manners, then I'd highly recommend staying away from the 230/236, CC306, GM847, and the like. The Hotcam, 218/224, 224/230, and CC305 would all be a good choice. There's a ton more out there though, so do your research.
Thanks for your help.
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 11:00 AM
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I think the hotcam wouldnt be a badchoice at all! its such a popular stock bottom end stock headed car upgrade its almost to hard NOT to do it It comes with everything youll need basically even has 1.6rr's and will net some nice gains. The other cams arent bad choices at all 224/230 is somewhat similar to what im going with put im porting my heads at the same time...

Id personally recomend the Hotcam because ive seen it on a number of cars and it maintains 100% driveability and still gives you that extra SOTP feel

And i agree with staying away from the big cams, people like to over cam there motors and end up not happy with it in the end, go hotcam and never look back
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 11:18 AM
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If it were me, I would wait until I had the money to do both at the same time. Not only will you see a far greater gain but it sucks having to tear your engine apart twice. If you never intend on doing heads, go with the cam, but if there is the slighest doubt in your mind that you will do the heads in the future, try to hold off and do both at the same time.
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 11:30 AM
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Originally posted by 1fast95Z
If it were me, I would wait until I had the money to do both at the same time. Not only will you see a far greater gain but it sucks having to tear your engine apart twice. If you never intend on doing heads, go with the cam, but if there is the slighest doubt in your mind that you will do the heads in the future, try to hold off and do both at the same time.
also a very good call,tends to cost alot more but well worth it in the end.. youll usually end up doing lifters and things like that when u have it all apart...
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 12:20 PM
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Do the cam,218/224 is an excellent choice.I recommend it for you.Great torque,sound and manners.I am telling you from experience,you wont regret it.
Old Jan 7, 2004 | 03:19 PM
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Originally posted by joeSS97
Do the cam,218/224 is an excellent choice.I recommend it for you.Great torque,sound and manners.I am telling you from experience,you wont regret it.
Hotcam or 218/224.... which one should I get? What's the difference? Where would I see more power?
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