I have a 1997 Camaro SS LT1 M6 with 4.10 gears - current mods are CC502 cam, SLP shorties, ARE stage 1 cylinder head (stock valves), 52mm t/b, 1.6 roller rockers, and the car has been dyno tuned. It made 321rwhp/324rwtq on the dyno and I want to get another 50rwhp out of it. I was wondering what is a sure way of getting this without sacraficing driveablity (I do alot of city driving and don't want any cam surge), has to pass emissions testing, and I only want to rev the motor to approx 6200rpms max. I was thinking of stepping up to LE2 cylinder heads and 30lb injectors and having the car retuned but I don't know if that is enough to get me 50rwhp. Does it make sense to have a great flowing set of heads like the LE2's and have a small camshaft in the car like the CC502. Thanks.

 

Typically the "more" efficient the engine the less cam shaft thats needed and vice versa to make moderate power ... I would try having the intake ported first, meaning inside the plenum area not just port matching.... see what that gives you then go from there.....since you have a set of somewhat ported heads already maybe a small cam to help it out some as well, atleast before shucking out funds for another set of heads.That may not be much of a gain over what you have already...

 

If you are gonna do a set of stage 2 or 3 heads, you might acually lose power if you dont have a good cam to match. Because you have emissions issues, it's gonna be hard to maintain within standards. You might want to think of a power adder.

Z

 

So if I was to stick with the heads I already have and move to a larger camshaft that will still be emissions legal and maintain excellent street manners what camshaft would you recommend. Its not going to be worth the cam swap if I am not going to see at least 20rwhp so I'm not sure if there is a cam that will suit my power needs and my streetablity needs. With the money I would be saving from not buying new heads I could purchase an electric water pump, larger injectors, and a high flow y-pipe with high flow cats. Do you think I could still get to my goal of around 365rwhp? Thanks.

 

I know what you are saying aout the work/hp ratio. I run the hot cam with home ported heads/ stock size valves. 357 rwhp. I don't have to do emissions, so I cant say as if I'd pass, I'd guess I wouldn't.

Z