I am considering a new cam for my L98 350. I was wanting a cam that would give me more power/torque, but with the following conditions...

1. I would not lose any low-end torque.
2. I do not want anything that I would have to pull the heads and change the springs, etc.

In a nutshell, I guess I want one that is completely "stock compatible" but will provide a little more juice.

Is there such a cam for my application and would it be worth the money/effort?

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

Not really and no. Increased duration helps at higher RPMs but decreases low end. Increased lift helps at all RPMs but you'll have to machine the valve guides and change the valve springs with almost all performance cams. Increased overlap over stock (decreased LSA) will help but won't make a large difference by itself.

The closest cam I can think of that meets your criteria would be the Crane 2031 (208/214 @ .050, .438"/.450", 112 deg LSA) but the increase you would get over the stock cam (which really isn't that bad, 207/213, .415"/.431", 117 deg LSA) would hardly be worth the cost and effort.

Do you have headers? If not, that would be your best bang for the buck.

 

Whats you point in the cam swap? Do you want more performance out of the car for the street? Track?

Like already said the added duration will give you more up top HP wise and even possibly more torque, just not as low in the power band. That is a good thing though. The lower the torque in the powerband, the more useless it is.

 

Thanks for the info, Mark 89Formula.

No, I do not have headers. But I have recently been considering purchasing them. From what I have gathered, SLP makes the best headers for my application (according to forum posts/responses). However, I checked the price and their about $500 + $68 install kit (and I'm not sure if that includes the "Y" pipe). Also, I was debating whether to go with headers or a good aftermarket intake/runnner combo.

What are your thoughts on header brand?

Thanks again.

 

If you are not planning on getting more than about 425 hp out of the motor then the Hedman LTs would work for ya. They are $119 + shipping from Jegs or Summit.

 

Does the Hedman LTs have the A.I.R. connections?

 

Nope

 

I bought these headers and in all honesty, anything is better than stock exhaust manifolds. These also have the A.I.R. pipes for smog regulations and y-pipe. I forget if its summit or Jegs that has the ceramic coated version for $420+.

There is a discussion on the best headers, but I think it all comes down to price and your application.

 

Definitely go with the headers before the intake mods. My favorite headers, the Lingenfelter tri-Ys and SLP tri-Ys are both out of production. I haven't looked into headers recently but you want a coated set if you want them to last and look good. The Edelbrocks would be a good choice if they're coated. Check out the Exhaust board to see what they're recommending.

 

Thanks for the info everyone.

Sorry to ask a silly question, but the SLP headers are made of stainless steel. Will this last as long (or longer) than a set of headers that are ceramic coated?

 

Stainless, which is what many OEMs use, will probably outlast the mild steel coated headers. They'll last the life of the vehicle in most cases. I installed my coated headers in 1997. They still look pretty good but are starting to rust at weld seams and underneath. The ultimate is coated stainless!