Well, FINALLY got around to getting cams installed on the Z.
Definaetely a
'hybrid' swap. Will get to that in a minute.
Shouts to Craig and Jason for the installation. (my pocket thanks you too)
About the car 1st thing its an AUTOMATIC....AUTO...NON stick.......Automatic Tranny
I don't street race, drag, or autox. But since I can't leave well enough alone, and I'm a guy so...........Ok....
Performance mods adding about 30hp:
Filled in 'Z24' on the sides
Y2K tails
Matrix Projector headlights w/ clear covers
painted High Output IDI cover
Buttonless shift knob
Fizzy Dice
Mods that do nothing for hp:
AEM alt pulley
Unortho Crank
HO manifold w/ adapter flanges
Free flowing el cheapo thrush muffler
FACTORY EXHAUST.....(not good)
Being installed:
"Mystery" intake cam w/ .375 lift. Assumed 260 duration stock 33mm cam tower.
LO cam swap exhaust cam. 200 @ .375 and LO/HO 35mm cam tower.
There is a story behind the 'mystery' intake cam. Because it did buy it with a 'mystery' exhaust cam. Both sold to me as jbp stage 2 cams. Jbp said otherwise......email for story if interested.
Process/Observations:
Installtion goes as any other cam swap. Couldn't use the 35mm intake cam tower because the power steering pump didn't match up.
Also, there is a sensor that plugs on right siderear of the intake tower (installer facing the car). For the 35mm tower set, the sensor is on the right side of the exaust tower.
So basically we put the original factory senser that was in the intake tower on the exhaust tower since we knew it worked. (obviously since I've been driving the dang car), And had a spare lying around to plug up the new sensor hole. Thank goodness for spare pmisc. parts.
So everything goes in, timing gets done, and we fire up everything good to go.
Road test:
Ok, so I'm a wussy. I didn't push the thing any different than my normal driving.
So no high reving past 4k rpm. Don't wanna kill things before they settle.
On the road
(spoiler warning):
Now I have a factory exhaust set up.
So once on the road butt dyno says..............................
NO CHANGE FROM STOCK!!!
That's right folks. Don't get it twisted. For those poor saps like myself riding on factory exhaust system....all those faint of heart be sitting down.......butt dyno........again.....
cam swap does NOTHING!!!
Ok, not absolutely nothing.
First of all, the low end is still there.
Second, it is easier to get going uphill.
Thrid, the engine bay/ overall tone is a little more ballsy sounding
But, that said, everything else feels the same. And I can fell the restriction coming from
the factory system. Them gasses simply can't get the heck out fast enough. But I can feel it wants too. Maybe some auto exlax needed.
Conclusion worth it or not:
ABSOLUTELY!!!....
1. Education. I got to see how the cams are installed. Saw the inners of the cylinderhead, side of the engine, engine components, and understand why working on our cars is a BIOTCHY!!.
2. Furture potential. I know the gitty up is there. Just get a nice custom exhaust and its on boyiee. Thinking about 2" inner diam exhuast. Yeah, I'm a wuss.
3.Little bragging. I got to post up on here. And I got something about my ride to talk about around the nuclear camp fire.
Tips, general to keep things running smooth:
1. Have an extra set of hands. There were three of us.
2. Have plenty of lighting. Flickering flourescents suck.
3. Have plenty of rags, Q-tips, clean up stuff.
4. Have lots of engine oil handy. For real. Esp with them 35mm lifters.
5. Take your time, be anal if you have to, but still enjoy yourself.
Thanks for reading.
Anyone else with hints or tips for me to look out for let me know.
-M
Remember....syringes go in the RED waste basket.
