I was looking at some VT stage 1 cams and was wondering what kind of horsepower gain would it show on a stock motor w/ no mods? Also, what modifications best compliment a cam change? I would like to change my cams out but I'm not sure which route to take... cams first and then bolt ons or bolts ons that support a cam change and then the cams. Any help is appreciated.
VT stage 1 question
- Thread starter CoryTACP
- Start date
streetstang03
unModerator
i'd go for the cams first. **** bolt ons; you can spend thousands and only get 15rwhp in gains 
cams are good for 20-25 rwhp. all you'll need is a tune if you're a manual transmission. For an auto, you'd need at least a 2500rpm stall converter, at least 3.73s, tune, and tranny cooler to go with the cams.
If you want stage II cams or higher, you'll need new valve springs, but you'll be ok with the stockers for the stage Is.
cams are good for 20-25 rwhp. all you'll need is a tune if you're a manual transmission. For an auto, you'd need at least a 2500rpm stall converter, at least 3.73s, tune, and tranny cooler to go with the cams.
If you want stage II cams or higher, you'll need new valve springs, but you'll be ok with the stockers for the stage Is.
four six
Member
So are there certain bolt-ons that give you more power because of the cams? I know I want to change my mid-pipe out to an off-road of some sort so that's going to happen but what else could make my $600 worth of camshafts give a little more? I've read somewhere about adjustable cam sprockets and degreeing the cams. Does this produce more power than stock sprockets? I'm not even sure I completely understand degreeing but thats another thread.
Serper3
New Member
yes if u degree ur stage 1 cams, you will see slightly more hp.. stage 1's dont NEED to be degreed as long as you keep the gear and chain lined up during the install... it is recommended though.. with stage 2 and up, u do have to degree and with stage 2, the difference with no other mods is probably about 7-10 hp and depends on if the stage 1s where degreed etc, but with stage 2's like said earlier u do need springs, u will need steeper gears because the stage 2's loose power down low, but however if u do plan on doing more stuff, stage 2's will net u considerably more power than stage 1's when/ if u port ur heads..
i actually made a thread about cams probably 5 days ago.. in talk.
the problem that i am having, i am not sure if u want to do the install urself, or if u have tons of money... but i was quoted about 1500 for the install... because a shop wants to make sure the install is correct and the cams are degreed so u dont get any ptv contact...so basically i would check around in ur area if u are planning on getting them installed somewhere, and see how much the install can be because if its about 600 for the cams, 600 for the tune, and 1500 for the labor... u might as well just get a blower..
i actually made a thread about cams probably 5 days ago.. in talk.
the problem that i am having, i am not sure if u want to do the install urself, or if u have tons of money... but i was quoted about 1500 for the install... because a shop wants to make sure the install is correct and the cams are degreed so u dont get any ptv contact...so basically i would check around in ur area if u are planning on getting them installed somewhere, and see how much the install can be because if its about 600 for the cams, 600 for the tune, and 1500 for the labor... u might as well just get a blower..
