Streetable Cam for 94 Firebird

[60dgrzbelow0]

Not to put too fine a point on it, but...you have some fundamental issues to consider before attempting all these upgrades. Your engine has been essentially purring along for almost a quarter of a million miles now...and here come some very significant changes that will alter and perhaps increase some stress levels while developing more horsepower...perhaps to the point of creating unintended difficulties once the performance mods are added. If you decide to go with the 260H camshaft and bump to the 1.6 rocker arms (stamped? or Roller Tipped flavor?) Then you might have to consider changing over to more robust valve springs, and hardened keepers. etc. that CompCam offers to compliment the new camshaft, lifters and push rods, too.

I'm curious as to how you are going to be able to change the cam bearings with the engine still in the car. If not, then while the engine is out and on the stand and in sync with the swap-in of the new performance cam and timing set (True Roller?), maybe you would consider replacing the main and con-rod bearings, too. If your heads are sealing well with valves in good condition and your oil isn't Midnight Black when you change it, then your rings are probably still in pretty good shape, as well. But it would be a shame to go to all this trouble, only to have the motor knocking two weeks after you've been driving the car and trying out its brand new 'muscles' because the mods then revealed the hidden weaknesses that time and wear pile on all engines, mile for mile.

If you are curious about what the car will sound like with the above suggested set up, have look/listen to this YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J_uf9hyv_Y

If you are interested in the CompCam 260H cam and the other supporting CompCam players, please visit my site on Photo Bucket to see the parts, the part numbers, the grind data...and further back on the site are photos of the cam actually being installed along with a Cloyes "True Roller" Timing Set. I've added information about the tools and procedures to help get the job done right. If you go to the root menu there, you'll find a whole list of albums that are related to this project as well.

http://s557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/60dgrzbelow0/PERFORMANCECAMSHAFT/?start=20

And finally... I would highly recommend that you save yourself a bundle of money by taking John (Forced Firebird) up on his offer before somebody else reads this post and grabs the goods out from under you. You'll not find anybody on any V6 Forum with as much respect and honest dealings as you are likely to get from him.

[Firehawk94]

Very, Very good info 60dgrzbelow0 I am saving your photobucket page to my favorites and I am going to use it as a shopping list. You know I partially agree with your opinion on my mileage issue and I definetly have considered the mileage to be too great on this car, but I think Im going to give it a shot, I mean the worse thing that could happen is my keepers could fail on a valve spring or two thereby causing the valves to drop straight down into my cylinders causing cracked and/or pitted pistons along with bent valves and a mandatory rebuild. If that is the case then I do have a spare 3.4L that I previously had in my camaro and Ill have that engine rebuilt, which it needs it anyway. But this is all just theory, who knows i may swap the cam and everything will go fine and well we shall see.

I have commended John on his efforts and his sincerity is much appreciated and to this moment I must say that I am contemplating on purchasing the cam from him. I will let him know.

[ForcedFirebird]

Well, the cam I am selling IS the same price as if you buy it from comp

Not only that, when you DO decide to buy, give me a shout and I might be able to match or beat prices of competitors on the whole kit and kabootle. I sell Comp's timing set (cam, lifters, single roller, springs, locks retainers etc for $325 plus shipping).

On the subject of the thread, I find it is a common occurrence for a bottom end to go bad even after a stock head rebuild when it has a lot of miles. Many mechanics will NOT warranty work when o top end is rebuilt and the engine has high mileage. My bud with a repair shop WILL not do it at all for engines over 100k miles.

[IsaacHayes]

Then maybe I shouldn't have continued upgrading my 200,000+ mile motor... bah it likes it!

[ForcedFirebird]

Then maybe I shouldn't have continued upgrading my 200,000+ mile motor... bah it likes it!

200k miles BEFORE upgrades?

[IsaacHayes]

The intake swap happened at 180,000. Before that not much mods other than beating on it all the time. I ran a 16.0 with just a muffler and K&N drop in, that was well over 100k cause I got the car with 104 on it.. Most 3100 Beretta's run high 16's or even in the 17's. That run was on original O2 sensor too and I believe original intake gaskets. It was a lot faster afterwards with a tune up I know that.

[Fierasco]

So how much hp gain do you get running 1.6 rockers and a 260H cam on a healthy 3.4? This is considering supporting mods are present (headers, exhaust, and intake).