Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) best cam...

[DrewStory]

Ive got some stretched head bolts so decided its time to do studs and o-rings. while ive got it apart i would also like to change the cam and was wondering in everybodys experience what the best cam for me would be. as of now ive got 155hp injectors edge comp and bd twins, also got the superchips pos on there which really doesnt amount to anything. from what i gather if you change cam you need to upgrade valvesprings so i suppose ill be doing that too. now im not looking for all out big time hp here, i still tow some heavy stuff from time to time, but not real often. im trying to balance being able to tow and being as fast as possible.



input is appreciated

Drew

 

[SRadke]

F1 diesel, PDR, Diesel Dynamics, and Schied all have cam options. I sugest you contact them and ask their opions of the same questions.

 

[TravisG]

J. R. Adkins makes a couple of different cams as well. You can give him a call at 317 281 3130.

 

[Fishin Guide]

This could get good.



I don't who makes the best cam or how you would measure it. I do know that there are some options and most of the companies are making a good product.



I have an F1 cam, but have never run any others for comparison.



Dave

 

[TravisG]

Dave not tryin to start anything. Just thought I would give the guy some other options. There is more than Salmon, Sturgeon, and Steelhead in the river.

 

[Fishin Guide]

Dave not tryin to start anything. Just thought I would give the guy some other options. There is more than Salmon, Sturgeon, and Steelhead in the river.

I hear ya, but not in my rivers! :-laf



I think part of the issue with cams is that there really is no technical info to back up any of what people say.



I am happy with my cam, would I be happier with another? I have no idea. Unless I was to buy and then run one of each, I would never know. And even then, one cam may be the right choice for me at my power level and setup, but completely wrong for another guy.



I'm not trying to throw gas on the fire either. It's just hard to quantify opinions on these kinds of parts. At least with a trans, we can see, feel and hear how someone else's truck reacts. It's harder with the cam. Heck, tire height and gear ratio create huge variances in setup. Not to mention the charge air system and air density, altitude, temperature... ... It's more like, what is the best turbo? :-laf



Anyway, do as much research as you can. And if you get a chance, ride in trucks that are equipped like yours with a cam onboard. I am sure they are all better than stock!







Dave

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Cams are nice to have and do work if you have the right one but it's up to you. There allot of work to change or allot of money if you have it done. The bottom line with me is the fact that I made 793 hp with a stock cam and a stock short block, I do know if it has ever been done it wasn't made public.



Jim

 

[rivercat]

The cam is the single biggest improvement you can do to your truck for the money.

head porting is nice, and I just got to ride in a fully ported '02 ETH. Spool was good, as well as power. But, EGT relief was minimal.

I got the same or better spool, less smoke and lost around 300 degrees. It's a lot cheaper than the headwork and that includes adding the springs to the cam.

Dave, what do you mean by "Full head porting".

Far as I know the exhaust side is the only reachable area to port without cutting the intake plentum off.

 

[Bpostel]

I would also suggest J. R. Adkins, he has some different cams available. I will have an EEP street cam for sale in a month or two if you can wait that long.

 

[RacinDuallie]

rivercat,

Pull out the valves and open up the bowls for both the Intake and Exhaust, it is VERY cramped in there.

 

[TravisG]

Fishin Guide- I could not agree w/ you more. Definetely try to ride in a truck set up like yours.



FG- glad ya liked the fish in my post. I try to get up to the Columbia and the Kalama in the spring for a little salmon fishing. Right now all I can do is poke a hole in the ice and pray.

 

[Fishin Guide]

FG- glad ya liked the fish in my post. I try to get up to the Columbia and the Kalama in the spring for a little salmon fishing. Right now all I can do is poke a hole in the ice and pray.

Don't get me started on that. You guys will never get me shut up... :-laf



Dave

 

[rivercat]

rivercat,

Pull out the valves and open up the bowls for both the Intake and Exhaust, it is VERY cramped in there.

Well duh huh.
That was dumb of me on a large cam you would change springs and retainers anyway and have them off. . .

Didn't even think about that. good catch RD

 

[RacinDuallie]

rivercat,
Well technically you don't have to pull the head when you change the springs and retainers during a fat cam swap... ... ...

Although one would be wise to do so cause when you throw alot of fuel through these 24V heads the seats tend to crack. inspection inspection inspection.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Far as I know the exhaust side is the only reachable area to port without cutting the intake plentum off.



Nope, it just depends on who is doing the port work, is it easier, sure.



So here is one for you! Post the flow numbers on anyone's head and I'll post mine... ... data sheet that it!



Jim

 

[rivercat]

I would guess the HO head is worse about cracking seats right?

Also I was speaking as in mine and DREW- the threadstarter's instance of having the head off anyway to do a "marine" ? gasket Orings and studs.

 

[RacinDuallie]

They all have their issues, some crack, while others completely drop the entire seat out, wrecking havoc. . . .

Jim is correct there are ways to get around cutting the plenum off, depends upon the timeframe you have to work in and knowledge. Then there's always Extrude Hone... ... .

 

[Fishin Guide]

Far as I know the exhaust side is the only reachable area to port without cutting the intake plentum off.



Nope, it just depends on who is doing the port work, is it easier, sure.



So here is one for you! Post the flow numbers on anyone's head and I'll post mine... ... data sheet that it!



Jim

I wish I had all that info. And are those numbers to based on vacuum or pressure? :-laf



Dave

 

[Fishin Guide]

I would guess the HO head is worse about cracking seats right?



Also I was speaking as in mine and DREW- the threadstarter's instance of having the head off anyway to do a "marine" ? gasket Orings and studs.

I agree with RD. I think individual results will vary depending on how much abuse the head has seen.



I think the concensus is that the H. O. head has more issues as it naturally builds more heat.



But, that's JMO.



Dave