cam vs rocker, springs, pushrods combo
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Hey Shawn thanks for your input. The cam is more work and it would probably be better. One concern of mine is all the supporting mods I would have to do, timing chain, pushrods, etc... The main reason I was looking at rocker, etc.. is cost effectiveness. My wife and I are about to have our first baby
so I need to do what I'm gonna do know what I mean?? Even in that light would the cam still be cheaper??
Thank again,
Tim
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Thank again,
Tim
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The cam isn't cheaper, its just not THAT MUCH more. With rockers you basically need to get stronger springs. So on top of that all you would need is a timing chain, tensioner, and sprockets, then the labor. There is nothing wrong with the stock pushrods and I would leave them stock unless you are looking to get really serious with the engine. A cam is the same price as the non-roller 1.9'*, and cheaper than roller 1.9'*, so the only difference is the timing chain/tensioner/gears, and gaskets. So you're basically looking at twice the power gain for $100-$200 more. Its all up to you to decide, but I think I would get the cam if I were you. If it were a boosted car then I would definately recommend rockers instead, however I just don't feel that you would be satisfied with the gain.
Shawn
Shawn
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Hey Shawn, Yeah I'm thinking of going with the cam. So I would pretty much need a new timing chain, tensioner, and gaskets right?? Maybe a really killer Christmas gift huh...Better start sucking up to the little woman. haha. Now I'm gonna ask the universal question... how much power gain am I looking to gain with the cam??
Thanks for all your help,
Tim
Thanks for all your help,
Tim
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With an aftermarket cam in an N/A you may want to think about a higher stall converter. Aftermarket cams will typically make their power in the upper rpms and so lower rpms may suffer from a "loss" of horsepower. A higher stall converter will get you into the upper rpm faster as well as keep you there on the shifts.
SC vehicles don't suffer from this because we have so much low end torque.
SC vehicles don't suffer from this because we have so much low end torque.
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You would probably gain ~20-25hp with the cam depending on your other mods. As Rogue said, a high stall convertor is going to help due to the low-end torque loss you will have, however if your worried about cost for now I'd stray away from it just because it would be pretty costly, but for the future its definately something to think about.
Shawn
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