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Changing my cam

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Old 03-13-2004, 04:38 PM
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Default Changing my cam

After 5500 miles and 3 sets of valve stem seals, I'm taking the thrasher cam out. I decided to go with an Intense stage 1X. It should idle alot better. So I guess I'll have to get my computer redone again. Now I just have to wait untill I can get my hands on one of those new gen 5 M90 blowers to go with my ported heads I have sitting here. I finally rebuilt my transmission with some upgrades, I just couldn't spring for that hardened input shaft. So hopefully with the shift kit on the #2 setting it should last awhile. I'll keep you posted on the results.
Old 03-13-2004, 07:54 PM
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What were the symptoms like when the valve seals went, clicking sound?
I thought the thrasher cam needed a head upgrade? are you using stock heads?
Thanks for the update, I hope the intense 1x works out. That gen 5 m90 blower is spendy why not run the M112? Not a comment just curious.
Old 03-13-2004, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by PontiacDad
That gen 5 m90 blower is spendy why not run the M112? Not a comment just curious.
Not only is it spendy, but from what I've read of tests being done between the Gen III & Gen IV m90 is that there isn't THAT much difference. Yeah, it is definately better, but not huge amounts. Not enough for me to spend the amount of cash they want for it anyways. I would do a more beneficial mod for that amount of money.

Why not go with a little bit bigger cam if you've got P&P'ed heads that will be going on? The Stage 1X is a nice cam, but why not run the Intense S2 cam, or the ZZP XP cam or something. It just seems to me like ported heads are kind of a waste with that little cam. Don't get me wrong, they will make a difference, but I think the difference would be much more with a larger cam. I know of quite a few people that have gone from the Thrasher (which most of them grew to hate) to the XP cam, and LOVE it. It has significantly lower lift, so it won't be so hard on the valve stem seals, but its supposed to be similar in power, and it is designed for M90'ed cars, whereas the Thrasher cam isn't. (it was geared more towards the blowzilla) Not only that, but you should be able to keep the same programming in the computer. Thats what I would do in your position, I understand if you want to do different, I'm just making a suggesting.

If you try to make much more power than you are already making, you are going to regret not putting in the input shaft, but I can understand your decision there.

That sounds like a very quick SSEi. Any times???

Shawn
Old 03-14-2004, 10:45 PM
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I've never had it to the track yet. I had it dynoed before the DHP and made a disapointing 232.6 hp and 278.1 tq. Hp was still climbing at 5800, but we shut it down. I'm looking to make it a nice driver. I knew the valve stem seals were gone due to the amount of oil being consumed by the engine. About a quart every 500 miles, and the deposits on the spark plugs. I figured with only 20k on the engine the rings should be fine. Pull the rocker covers and springs, and sure enough the back cut retainers were hitting the tops of the seals ovaling them out and causing the intake to suck in oil. Those were the first set of teflon seals. Lasted for about 2500 miles and started again. So much for their stock head install kit. Called Thrasher for advise and was told they would get an "engineer" to talk with me an help out. So after calling them 10 times and waiting 3 weeks, I decided to get the vitron seals fro PRJ. So far those seal have been OK. But since this car is going to be my main ride, I'm going with the small cam. Then I can put stock seals back on easier to deal with the emission test, and more reliable. And it still will suprise a few of the wannabe GTP race cars around here.
Old 03-14-2004, 11:23 PM
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Sounds like a good plan Bob. We should get to gether sometime and you can maybe give me a ride? Being 15min from Cicero.

Whos doing your work? You should hit the track with me, Planing on several GreatlakesDragway trips, By Great America.
Old 03-15-2004, 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Bob 86
I've never had it to the track yet. I had it dynoed before the DHP and made a disapointing 232.6 hp and 278.1 tq. Hp was still climbing at 5800, but we shut it down. I'm looking to make it a nice driver. I knew the valve stem seals were gone due to the amount of oil being consumed by the engine. About a quart every 500 miles, and the deposits on the spark plugs. I figured with only 20k on the engine the rings should be fine. Pull the rocker covers and springs, and sure enough the back cut retainers were hitting the tops of the seals ovaling them out and causing the intake to suck in oil. Those were the first set of teflon seals. Lasted for about 2500 miles and started again. So much for their stock head install kit. Called Thrasher for advise and was told they would get an "engineer" to talk with me an help out. So after calling them 10 times and waiting 3 weeks, I decided to get the vitron seals fro PRJ. So far those seal have been OK. But since this car is going to be my main ride, I'm going with the small cam. Then I can put stock seals back on easier to deal with the emission test, and more reliable. And it still will suprise a few of the wannabe GTP race cars around here.
Did you do any scanning while on the dyno? How much KR were you seeing? How has the DHP changed the car (if any) Do you have plans to dyno again now that you have the DHP?

Inquiring minds want to know!
Old 03-15-2004, 10:46 PM
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We tried to a-tap the car and could only get O2 readings. They were .970-.999 through the whole run, fuel mixture was around 10.5-11.5. The car would start laying down around 4500 when the mixture went rich. Also kept throwing a code for lean mixture at idle due to the ZZP stage 2 TB. Then Charles hooked me up the night before thanksgiving. The skip shift option was the best. The 40mph bog is a thing of the past. Now it will smoke the tires on the down shift. Took out the speed limiter, holds 3rd to 132mph. Pulls hard to 6400 no bog. With the stock exhaust, converter, headers, 3.25, 3.29 gears, cam, and TB the car had minimal knock 3* was the most at 2-3 shift. Didn't have time to check total timing, but the car felt alot better. Wanted to dyno again, but haven't had any time and Charles is a busy man. I plan on doing a dyno tune with the new cam. Not looking to be the fastest, just something quick and reliable, like my mustangs. I hope on getting some track time this year, if I can pry the car away from the wife.
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