pi cam?

[mexis97gt]

ok this winter im installing the pi intake and ive rread thaat the pi cam is good for about 13hp, for $100 or less thats not bad at all,but my question is is it worth it or should i spend 500+ for the vt stage 2's at 20+hp. are the install's any different from eachother, i read somewhere that the pi cam install is a breeze , i have not a clue

 

[CanadaStang]

With the VT 2's you would also need to get springs. The VT1's you don't.

 

[billfisher]

if you have the skill to release the tensioner and hold it open, you can change pi cams without removing the front cover. i used a 3/4 wood block 22" long to wedge the tensioner to full open, then simply slid the gear off and put the pi cam in. don't but the pi adapter plates, just use PI gaskets and silicone generously at the water ports. you can make as much power as 99-04. as far as bigger cams, you will have to change springs. not a lot of fun. i haven't tried it in the car, but on my workbench it was a pain. pi intake and cams will get you to 260hp. if you do the better thing, you will put pi heads on. they give you killer compression, and more power than stock headed pi guys.

 

[mexis97gt]

well i was planning on having my stock npi heads ported and polished, as opposed to doing the pi head swap

 

[streetstang03]

i have some cam installs here:

http://www.stangette.com/community/showthread.php?t=120

you do know you need two cams right?? if it were me, since i had the motor apart, i would upgrade to aftermarket cams, like the stage IIs if i didnt have to worry about emissions. w/ stage II cams, you're going to need new valve springs, so keep that in mind. you'll be ok w/ stock valve springs and stage I cams.

 

[CanadaStang]

Try to find the newer intake that has the aluminum cross-over, as the older, all plastic ones have been known to crack.
Also check to see if the intake on your 97' has the aluminum cross-over, [if it does, then at some time the factory "all plastic" one, has been replaced] if it does, you can reuse the cross-over on the PI intake, instead of having to get it tapped for the second sensor. The intake should be good for an extra 15 Hp, and the PI cams will bump you up another 13Hp or so, for a total gain of about 28Hp.

 

[mustanggt3685]

I just did the PI intake install, its not bad at all. Just make sure you get the right parts so you don't have to make the stuff yourself, i.e. the 90 degree elbow off of the water pump.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

well i was planning on having my stock npi heads ported and polished, as opposed to doing the pi head swap

Thats a good option. It keeps the compression ratio at normal levels, in case you ever want to add forced induction later on down the road. What you really want to do while you've got the heads off, is add the rest of the PI valve train along with the PI cams and intake. The PI valves are far better flowing, and will aid to the over all performance.