Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cam Options for Performance 24 Valve??

[AFarmer]

Just wanted to see what you guys were running for a cam in the hotter 24 valves. I know that most are running a Helix and probably the Helix 2 but I wanted to see what other options are and what's working for you guys. Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[BILLVO]

I would like more info also. I was considering a cam in the future but in other threads there were a lot of people who did not feel they got any benefit from the cam installs. They thought it would of been money spent elsewhere. From what I see there are a lot of high power levels and no problems with the stock ones. I would like to see dyno charts of before and after with all other info also like egts temps pressures boost benefits ect.

 

[johncameron]

There is a HELIX 2 cam give-away here: http://www.powerbypoole.com/Helix 2 give away.html



John

 

[NDaniels]

I'm interested too. I know that the 3gen really respond well, but is it worth the money for the 2gen?

 

[Jed]

Schied street cam dropped my egt by at least 100 deg. probably more



climbing the same hill same gear same rpm 125deg. cooler egt.



much faster spool up



you have to have turbo and injectors for the cam to work right



also you get no idle change with a diesel so if that is what you think you are getting you will not



if your drive pressure is high a cam will lower to a safer level



YMMV

jed

 

[NoSeeUm]

I saw a significant drop in EGT, maybe like 150-200F at WOT. Boost dropped maybe 3-5 psi and EGT dropped 100-150F under moderate throttle conditions. I never dyno'd before or after, but I am going to say very little if any noticeable power gain. Same with spool up, its very hard to measure before or after.



If you are going to revving consistantly higher than 2700 RPM or installing a cam too much more aggressive than the Helix 2 take a serious look at upgrading the valve return springs as part of the package.



Jim

 

[AFarmer]

I guess guys that are running really good cams are scared to speak up and say what they're running. I'm running a Helix 2 currently but was just wondering if there was anything else out there that is being run successfully that is doing a 'better' or different job than the Helix.

 

[zstroken]

I have had several builders tell me, that the only cam worth putting in is one that requires flycutting of the pistons.

 

[AFarmer]

That's all I've ever heard to but correct me if I'm wrong - doesn't that change the entire RPM effective range of the truck. Like the Helix 2 is from Idle to 4000 and the 3 is from 1500 to 5000. What happens to the way the truck behaves at lower RPM's?? I'm just trying to figure out which direction I'm going with my situation.

 

[zstroken]

It doesn't have to, but unfornately I found about 2 people who were interested in making a high lift cam designed to run with a power band lower than 4500. I think everyone else probably has the same truck puller cam grind.

 

[boydo]

I run a custom cam by PDR and it's great, increased spool up and it made the truck much more drivable.



my $0. 02

 

[NoSeeUm]

Sorry did not read your sig well enough.



Jim

 

[Jetpilot]

There are some good cams and some not so good cams out there..... I attribute the H3 cam to allowing us to make almost 850 RWHP with a VP truck. The truck was setup from the begining to run increased rpm ouyt to 4100 and the truck was still increasing power @ 3850 rpm. Normally the VP trucks really start falling off on HP around 3300.



Flycutting pistons causes other issues that are almost impossible to fix..... The best solution would be the ability to make the HP without flycutting. It all comes down to how you use your truck, if you only sledpull or race then setting up an engine to perform in increased rpm my be of advantage. But is its a street ride the best solution would be limiting peak rpm to 4k and below.



Doug

 

[AFarmer]

Doug - What did that truck ET that made 850??

 

[Jetpilot]

Never got a good run at the track, electronic issues..... We did do right at 100 MPH in the 1/8. though.

 

[zstroken]

Doug what are the other issues you are referring too? Low compression related, or other??? I wouldn't suggest someone in alaska running fly cut pistons on their work truck, but I know a local guy that runs them in his work truck. No issues, well he has no grid heaters and his truck requires a ether to get it going about 20 or so. I have actually seen him give it a shot if the engine is cold and around the 50 mark. I think he is running flycuts but also wanted a lower compression for the high boost application. Personally I would not fly cut the stockers, I would go with one of the industrial pistons that have the top ring fairly low on the skirt so you can keep the ring low on the piston.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Mine runs milled Industrial Pistons and the compression is around 15. 5 with a . 010 over gasket. I may run a . 020 this time! Last year I had starting issues but changed out the relays and all is well since then. Granted it doesn't get really cold here but it's been in the 20's.



Jim

 

[LUnderwood]

I'm Just Hoping To win a cam! :-laf
If i dont im not worried about it, its not like paying for one and just not getting it! Not Like im talking about any Shade tree parts people or anything..... I sure am glad we've got good dealers like PBP and PDW! The world would be a sad place!

 

[AFarmer]

Well if you don't win one I'll send you a tissue :{



Jim - Who's cam are you running??

 

[BILLVO]

From what I have read. Correct me if I am wrong. The only ones to benefit from a cam change would be people running really big turbos or twins and or people running 4k rpm or greater or people with egt issues due to large sticks and chargers trying to use as a daily driver?I have seen several stock cams running 650 hp range just fine in 24 valves.