Cam question

**Lunatikgixxer** · 06-13-2011, 02:01 PM

Just wondering how much hp would i typically gain just from swapping a cam that had a higher lift. Say i have the TSP 233/239 camshaft with a lift of .595/.603 and i swapped it to a cam that was basically identical in duration but had a lift of say .640/.605. Would it be worth the trouble or what exactly is everyones opinions on this?

**mark21742** · 06-15-2011, 10:17 AM

You would really only notice gains if your heads and intake could flow more at that high a lift.....might be 20hp, might be 0 if your heads or intake are already maxing out.....but if I'm right it would give you more torque in the lower rpm range and then permit better scavaging in the higher rpms

**Knight** · 06-15-2011, 11:19 AM

^This. It would be the most beneficial to do a h/c/i swap all together. But, you can throw it in now, and support it later.

**transamtom** · 06-15-2011, 12:21 PM

The first thing you better do if your going to 600+ lift is get some new valvesprings.

You might also want to check if a cam that size will cause piston/valve interference.

Some new pushrods would be a smart choice as well.

With a cam that size you will sacrifice low end torque for high end rpm.

If its mainly a street car with ocasional track use you may want to go smaller like the first cam you listed.

That one looks like it would be a better choice.

**TXZ28LS1** · 06-15-2011, 03:19 PM

I honestly dont think it is worth the swap at all. You have a good size cam. I actually thought about stepping up to a cam that size. But to swap out a cam just for the lift i dont think is worth it.

**Lunatikgixxer** · 06-15-2011, 07:44 PM

ok it was just a hypothetical question. I understand you can only make so much power if your air intake is limited. Everything else aside that you would think of like the heads, and intake. Cam vs Cam.

**TXZ28LS1** · 06-16-2011, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by Lunatikgixxer

ok it was just a hypothetical question. I understand you can only make so much power if your air intake is limited. Everything else aside that you would think of like the heads, and intake. Cam vs Cam.

still not worth it just because of more lift. TSP awhile back had a dyno chart posted from a 224/224 cam to a 228/228 and it was only a 5-6 hp difference. So to keep the same duration cam and just change the lift, i highly doubt will make a difference.

**blackbirdbrain89** · 06-16-2011, 04:47 AM

lift on its own after 600 does not help any on my heads.. mt flow sheet is like 319 @500 lift at 600 its 320 and at open its only 322.

not thats not my numbers but that how it goes. im only running a 2.02 valve on a dart head.

other heads with bigger valves may differ but i dont think ull see much after 600 lift. not worth the wear and tear on the valve springs.

im running comp cams hr281 thats 228/230 with 571 and 573 lift and a 112 lsa.
its a high rpm can on stock heads it felt like a on off switch at like 5500

**PFM** · 06-16-2011, 06:27 AM

Well when people change their rocker arms to a 1.85 ratio thats the same thing as added lift and they say 15-20 hp gains. But alot of cams won't gain that power and the cam info will tell you not to use the 1.85 ratios. so I'd say its hit and miss.