ok seriously can i just swap out the cam and put a new one in, i know which one to get, the proper sizings and what type and all that, but i want to know do i really have to get lifters and rollers and stuff, all that for a cam and it comes out to like $400!

I mean i dont mind a little wear and tear on the lifters and rollers i have now and i have a feeling it will be fine, i just wanted to know if it was imperative that i get the new lifters and such...

 

If you're talking about the original engine in your 85, then you don't have any rollers. It has a flat tappet cam and new lifters are an absolute necessity. While you're in there, it would be a good idea to replace the garbage stock nylon-toothed timing set with an aftermarket double roller replacement.

 

do you think a cam is necessary, ive upgraded almost everything but the cam and heads, will i see much more of a difference or is it only like maybe a tenth in the 1/4...

 

You could probably get a fairly significant improvement out of a new cam.

 

If you're talking about an LG4, then the cam will help, but will be limited by two other major restrictions, the exhaust and the air cleaner.

Exhaust is always first on my list, because it is needed in order for anything else to work. Although the LG4 air cleaner is such a big restriction on its own, than you could argue that it needs to be the first to go.

 

I have a k&n air filter with hedman hedders, a 3inch ypipe, straight thru 3 inch pipe, and a 3 inch borla exhaust, that beefs it up a lot, so im guessing by your guys suggestions that it will improve the performance. Thats good, Im gonna get this cam http://store.summitracing.com/partde...t=CCA-12-238-2 and these lifters http://store.summitracing.com/partde...part=SUM-HT817. Think thats good enought? Do i need anything else?

 

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...2&autoview=sku
Stock LG4 valve springs will float. The exhaust rotators need to go. Timing set is typically stretched and/or worn. Valve stem seals are usually hardened, brittle, & cracked. I've gone budget on lifters in the past and regretted it. The kit above gives you everything you need to cover those things in the swap - just add gaskets.

 

thanks bud, if i have the engine down to the bare block how hard are we talking about of replacing everything with that kit, are the springs and the retainers and stuff easy to put in, im sure my dad could do it, but if hes not around or busy would it be easy for someone who knows a little about engines and such? thanks again

 

It's pretty easy to do with the heads off the car if you have a good spring compressor.

 

i have one in my garage but its for huge springs like suspensions and stuff

 

Yeah, you need an overhead valve spring compressor... completely different animal.

 

uh oh i guess i wont be getting a cam any time soon... heh, ill just make do with my average car for now

 

Don't let the spring compressor scare you off, it doesn't have to be an expensive thing.

 

You can change springs, seals, retainers with the heads on the engine. The tool is about $15-20, just need a means of keeping the valve closed while you compress the spring and change the parts. I prefer compressed air through the spark plug hole, others are partial to rope fed through the spark plug hole into the cylinder and bring the piston up.