cam question

[jaackal]

speed density cam question

i have an 88 LX 5.0 5 speed speed density, has any one have any problems running a B or E cam...such as idle problems or anything? i read in summit racing it says to use mass air, in the 5.0 resto magazine it says 5 speed recomended and gear change. thanks

 

[Michael Yount]

The SD system is particularly sensitive to anything that significantly changes the amount of vacuum at idle or low rpm. Both those cams usually have that effect - they lower vacuum levels at idle. Most folks will tell you to stay very mild with the cam on an SD system - and will steer you away from those two. But there are other reasons to look at other cams if you're gonna make a change - they both are designed to work with significant other changes too - heads, intake, exhaust, gear. They both really need different heads to get the most out of them.

Get the speed density guys to chime in and tell you the cams that work well. Also, consider staying with the stock cam. There are many SD combos out there with aftermarket or P heads and the stock cam that are making 270-290 rwhp. Probably no reason to change the cam if you're gonna stick with SD.

 

[jaackal]

the only thing dont have is different heads...off road x pipe, 2 chamber flows, and gears are on the way..also got cobra intake..what do you think? still stay away from B or E cam

 

[nmcgrawj]

With no aftermarket heads...a cam is not going to do much for you at all if anything. Like what was said earlier, stick with the stock cam with some 1.7 roller rockers or something maybe. Hopefully some guys with experience will chime in, but i dont see the point of getting a cam with stock heads....the heads are the power restriction because plenty of guys make power with the stock cam.

 

[Michael Yount]

Even if you had mass air - I'd encourage you to look at other cams besides those two; but the speed density guys will tell you those two are likely gonna give you problems on a street car. I wouldn't use them on any car of mine -- there are simply better choices available.

If I were you, I'd revise the title of your thread to read "Speed density cam question" to get some of the speed density guys in to coach you.

 

[jaackal]

h