What plug gap would you guys recommend with this setup?

Edelbrock LT1 Performer Heads
Edelbrock LT1 Performer Air Gap Intake
Edelbrock 52mm Throttle body
Edelbrock Ceramic Shorty Headers (must pass NJ emissions)
Crane Cam 272/286, Lift .479/.518
Trick Flow Chromemoly Push Rods (+ .100)
Comp Cams 1.6 Roller Rockers & lifters
Bored .030 over with Sealed Power pistons
MSD OptiSPark
Taylor 8mm wires

I am using NGK RC9YC plugs. NGK specs say .039 Should I follow plug manufacturer's recommendation or Camaro spec of .050?

Also, do I need to reset the PCM for initial start-up with this new cam and if so, what is the procedure?

Thanks, Jeff

 

Plug gaps were widened for emissions purposes. Since passing emissions is part of your criteria, I would stick with the stock .050".

You can reset your PCM all you want (pull PCM BAT fuse for 30 seconds), but you really need a tune when you change cams and make mods like you have.

 

Thanks Shoebox.

I had some long conversations with Edelbrock and they indicated I wouldn't need a tune for it to run OK but I suspect if I want to maximize the potential of my mods, I should get one. Do you think this is an accurate assessment?

I am hoping to get the car back on the road this week (if the intake manifold ever shows up) and then find a good local dyno tune shop. Do you think it will run OK until I get the tune?

Thanks, Jeff

 

Every car is a little different. I would say to get a tune as soon as you can.

 

Thanks. I live about 1.5 hours from SLP and about 5 hours from PCMforLess. I am also looking for local (South Western Jersey) dyno tuning shops. I guess I'll wait to see how it runs when I fire it up and then I'll make an appointment to take it in.

Thanks for the advice.

Jeff

 

Are you doing all this on 300,000 miles?

 

It finally wore out the cam so I am just finishing rebuilding it with the mods listed at the top of this thread. Basically everything is all new including painting the engine compartment. I rebuilt everything from the windshield forward. A lot of hours with qtips and toothbrushes. It was worth it as the engine looks better than new.

Edelbrock told me that the car will run fine without a tune. I planned to eventually get one but I am wondering if I need to do it now or in a few months so I can enjoy the car for the summer. I guess I'll have to see how it runs when I start it in the next week or so.

Based on SHoebox's advice I am starting to look for a local tuner so I can be ready when needed.

Jeff

 

A mail order tune would get you by,until you can get it dyno tuned.

 

I am wondering if it will be driveable and just go for the dyno tune when I find a good local show in the next month or so... No sense in paying twice if the car will run in the mean time. What do you think? As Shoebox said, every car is different so I probably have to start it and see.