One of the risks of doing a cam install on a higher mileage motor is doing a dirty install where a foreign material is brought into the motor and gets into the bearings. With headers, you don't have to worry about that.

 

It all really depends on what you want from the car. You still have a few bolts ons you can do that'll really wake the car up. I'd start by adding headers, electric waterpump, and then maybe roller rockers with new valve springs. Those mods should add about 35-40rwhp. Then if you still want a cam you'll already have the rockers and the springs on the car waiting for you.

 

This is the best advice you will get in this thread. Figure out what you want from the car before you start buying mods. Otherwise you'll be broke with a car that won't do what you want.

 

With 173,000 miles, if you really enjoy driving your car, only cam it if you have the money to do a rebuild if it breaks.

Nothing lasts for ever... your car probably does run well for a car with such milage, but the engine's components are definately aged and nothing should come as a suprise when you push the car beyond the limits for which it was designed.

 

Amen brother, well said.

 

IMO, spinning a bearing shortly after a cam install has nothing to do with the mileage on your car, at has to do with a bad/unclean install job.

Obviously the engine has some wear, but if the install is done correctly, the likelyhood of spinning a bearing would be the same as no cam.

I had the hotcam for years, it sounded GREAT with my setup. Performance.... well,... my car did have a lot of issues so I don't want to bad mouth the hotcam, as it is great "entry level" cam upgrade. Not to radical, streetable, passes emissions, and is still a lot of fun.

The kit is nice because it includes some supporting pieces. I was never a huge fan of the springs it came with, but you should probably invest in some better pushrods as well (not included in the kit, springs would be your call)

 

definatly buy hardened pushrods.

 

just remeber to let it BREATH!!!