Trying to decide on a cam and lifter package for my 83 z28. Sbc stock internals, stock heads. Edelbrock Performer intake and matching 600 carb. Complete mallory ignition. I'm looking at cam and lifter packages but I wanted to know what you guys recommend. I'm looking for a good street cam that will wake my 83 up quite a bit. I was looking at one of the Thumpr cam and lifter packs on Summit racing. I don't remember the exact specs but it was listed to be a good street cam. I'm looking for a cam where I dont have to upgrade my converter. Along with the cam I also plan on doing a gear drive. What cam do you guys think I should go with?

Thanks, Chris

 

At the risk of being overly blunt, Thumpr cams and gear drives are for wannabes.

Keep it simple. Comp XE256 is a good step up from the stock cam, but allows you to keep the stock stall converter. Since the stock valve springs are marginal and the gear drive is unnecessary, consider this full kit instead. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-K12-234-2/

 

Just remember that everything works together, so a cam alone isn't going to give you an insane power increase. It will be more optimized than a stock cam (in most cases, some not depending on what it is). If you're wanting to "wake up" your ride, maybe invest in a set of gears as well? It won't give you a power increase, but you'll feel a difference.

If I were you, I'd also look at Lunati's lineup. I really like their shelf cams.

 

I second this.

 

I "third" it!

 

Well I guess that I have to "fourth it". That cam seems like it would be a great upgrade while retaining the stock stall. The only reason I was thinking gear drive is because it is free. Theres a few gear drive sets lying around at my go to garage and the guys a friend of mine so it would be mine for the taking. That cam also comes in a kit with just the cam and lifters so if the drive stays free when I go to buy my cam, I might just jump on the cam and lifter kit.

Has anyone used this cam;positive and negative feedback would be helpful.
Thanks everyone,
Chris

 

I've not used that particular cam, but you would definitely not want anything more aggressive if staying with the stock TC. Plus, it complements the limited flow of your stock heads pretty well. I'd stick with a new stock timing set rather than the gear drive....cheaper in the long run and less aggravation.

 

The cheap timing chains all stretch, so eventually the cam is quite a bit retarded, despite being ground 4 degrees advanced. With the gear drive, the cam timing should never change.
I had a Manley chain that didn't really stretch, but these days that set is near $100.