Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cams

[Wyomingcowboy]

While I am doing my rebuild I thought I would take a look at cams. I do not want, nor need radical power and smoke is one thing I want to avoid. (I heard some cams make excessive smoke. ) Any ideas? How about cost. I am already into this thing about 1500-2000$ and want to keep prices down, but if I can get some goodies at decent prices I figure why not? There's no better time than the present.

 

[PC12Driver]

I haven't heard about cams causing smoke... Mine made noticibly less smoke after the cam install. You won't get radical power from a cam. Actually, you won't get any power from a cam. Basically, it'll just shift your powerband down 100-200 rpm or so and drop egts across the board. Figure $500 or less.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

drop egt's????



I LOVE the sound of that!Oo.



how much are we talking?



got any tips for which cam is the best to get?

 

[PC12Driver]

I dropped about 50* on the highway and probably 150-200* on the top at full-throttle. Not a huge amount, but it does help.



I bought mine (a Haisley) because it was priced right (about $400) and I just happened to be there getting my fire rings cut. Van did show me the numbers of the various cams on the market at the time, and his was one of the more aggressive ones that you could fit before having to cut the pistons. So far I'm happy with it. But it is a regrind, which gives some folks concern about durability. I've been running it for a few years now and haven't seen much change in my valve adjustment, so I suppose it's hanging in there.



If I were to do it again, I'd probably try the F1 Helix 2. Folks have been happy with them, they're not regrinds, and they're priced right. I think they can be had for around $500.

 

[SAndreasen]

I dropped about 50* on the highway and probably 150-200* on the top at full-throttle. Not a huge amount, but it does help.



I bought mine (a Haisley) because it was priced right (about $400) and I just happened to be there getting my fire rings cut. Van did show me the numbers of the various cams on the market at the time, and his was one of the more aggressive ones that you could fit before having to cut the pistons. So far I'm happy with it. But it is a regrind, which gives some folks concern about durability. I've been running it for a few years now and haven't seen much change in my valve adjustment, so I suppose it's hanging in there.



If I were to do it again, I'd probably try the F1 Helix 2. Folks have been happy with them, they're not regrinds, and they're priced right. I think they can be had for around $500.

did you see any fuel mpg increase ?

 

[darkhorse]

PC12 has his facts right. Theoretically you can get about a mile per gallon but your not likely to notice it as driving style has so much more to do with milage. I too have the Haisly street cam. They are for more air which does allow more fuel which gives the power. Adding a cam is like stepping up a size or two in turbo but with less turbo lag instead of more.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Where can i find a haisley cam?

 

[PC12Driver]

Haisley Machine

Their Street Puller cam appears to be hidden on the site. The only place I could find it is on the Parts and Services page. Looks like the price went up a bit from when I got mine.

Scheid also sells the same cam.



As far as milage, I really couldn't say exactly. I threw most of my engine mods on in a short time a couple years back and really didn't track my mpg as I was going along. I did progressivly get more miles out of a tank as I went along though, so I'm sure the cam didn't hurt.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

What are the specs for head studs? How do I check them and where can I get replacements?

 

[aircop]

I like my Helix 2, spools turbo quicker, lower egt, less smoke, about 1 mpg increase. Motor feels stronger I think because of the quicker turbo spool.

 

[darkhorse]

I just checked Rip's site & he's selling the Helix 2 for less than the Haisly cam!? The Helix also had a fuel pump lobe for a mechanical pump which is a good idea for reliable pressure. Source Automotive Performance Diesel - Helix 2 Bolt On Camshaft

 

[aircop]

I will be going to the mechanical pump set up in the spring.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I really like the sounds of that helix 2 cam. Pair that with a smarty and I should be rockin and rollin! My mild hypertech tuner gave me all the power I needed but the egt's just got too dang high to maintain cruise speeds up hills.



I just wish I could buy a used one or something to help with that price tag...

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I went ahead and bought that helix cam from source automotive. I need to use the same gear, correct? How do I go about getting the old one off? I have a puller on it now but it's way tight. don't want to bust the gear... or my puller!

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

nevermind..... I called them and they said to press it off.



Great to deal with by the way!

 

[darkhorse]

nevermind..... I called them and they said to press it off.



Great to deal with by the way!

Rip is one of the best!