Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cam Benefits?

[snidley1]

I had never even considered going this far with my truck but!! I recentley discovered I have a leaking cam seal! It's not leaking terrible but enough to mark it's territory on every drive way. One of my buddies mentioned that if I was going to pull the cam anyway to fix the seal that I might want to look at

putting a performance cam back in. I know that they make diffrent cams for diffrent things. Towing power would be what I would want out of it. What affects does a cam have? Does it change the idle like a gasser with a cam in it? does it lower egt's?? what are the benefits? and the draw backs? And in doing this am I just opening a whole other can of worms. Meaning would I have to replace other things to keep up the benefits of the cam (turbo??)

Sorry for the novel hear but I just don't know a whole lot about this and would like some feed back from those using them. Thanks alot!!!

 

[paulb]

Quicker spool and lower egts are the usual benefits from a cam. I have not seen anything negative with mine.



Paul

 

[NoSeeUm]

Quicker spool and lower egts are the usual benefits from a cam. I have not seen anything negative with mine.



Paul

Ditto, what Paul said.



No noticeable extra power.



No change in idle.



Lower boost for same engine power level, effectively makes the turbo bigger.



If you rev high, you will likely need valve return springs as well. Keep it below 2700 RPM was what was told to me for using the OEM springs.



A cam is the gift that keeps on giving IMO.



Jim

 

[Jed]

Cam gave me better heat control (faster spool) and dyno proven 50 or so hp but cam needs to be matched with your other mods ( injectors and turbo) for you to see the benefit. Due to the nature of the diesel engine a cam does not give any lope at idle.

There are a few options out there choose carefully. I do like my shied street cam but I would not do business with them again. Do not be concerned with the naysayers, look in the competition forum for manufacturors and ideas. Valve springs are a good idea if you push your truck a lot. I very seldom see above 2500rpm for very long and I have had no problems 35,000 miles or so since install.

jed

 

[mediccummin]

Problem is finding a cam to purchase, I have been trying all the vendors for the Helix 2 this past month and no one seems to have one. Been offered to be put on a list if I give the money up front, ha ha my butt. Been there before and you never see your product. PDR no longer makes a new comp cam just regrinds, at least that is what I was recently told on the phone, Looking for new blanks. I wont mention names but the vendors with the bolt on Helix are jacking the prices up from what the website states. Anyone know where to get a H2 within the stated price range on there site, in stock.

Anyway I want to do the change while I do my block replacement but time is running out, I need one now, not pay me now and well see.

 

[paulb]

Problem is finding a cam to purchase, I have been trying all the vendors for the Helix 2 this past month and no one seems to have one. Been offered to be put on a list if I give the money up front, ha ha my butt. Been there before and you never see your product. PDR no longer makes a new comp cam just regrinds, at least that is what I was recently told on the phone, Looking for new blanks. I wont mention names but the vendors with the bolt on Helix are jacking the prices up from what the website states. Anyone know where to get a H2 within the stated price range on there site, in stock.

Anyway I want to do the change while I do my block replacement but time is running out, I need one now, not pay me now and well see.

I talked to Rip at Source Automotive, just a few minutes ago, and he has Helix 2's with the bolt on gear in stock. And the prices are within the stated price range on F1's web site.



Paul

 

[snidley1]

Ditto, what Paul said.



If you rev high, you will likely need valve return springs as well. Keep it below 2700 RPM was what was told to me for using the OEM springs.





Jim

With a smarty to me it is very easy to get over 2500 rpms in a hurry!

What would be the problem with a reground cam verus a new one?