cam and/or rockers

[tan96ssei]

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8638

that links to the most recent cam vs. rocker thread and also the one that lead me towards cam over rockers.

Now my problem is what is exactly needed to get the cam out of the car? i know taking the motor out is the best option but is it possible to do this project inside the car? plus as of right now i dont have anything done to the PCM its running stock tables with the mods in my signature.

so i realize im into this at least 1200 dollars for a GMtuners PCM (only place i found so far with 96 compatability), cam, and install kit, etc.

plus i also question given the fact my car is rather lightly modded... i want a mild cam. what would all of you recommend for a DD with minor mods? i was thinking the VS cam from ZZP or the stage 1X from intense but i cant commit to one or the other.

So here is my desperate cry for help. i need help choosing which cam, motor-in or motor-out install, is there options for PCM burns, other cam choices, easier install i.e. not taking the top end completely off, etc. please

[00Beast]

I'd find a 97 PCM. None of the goofiness of the 96.

[2003 SSEi]

I'd find a 97 PCM. None of the goofiness of the 96.

first he cant do that. he has the 4T60 Trans NOT the 65 like the 97 up L67's

and the GMT is not $1200... also if you find someone with a DHPowertunr they can tune the car.

and here is what is needed for the install
http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... de=3800_PP

CAM-361 or CAM-671 - INTENSE™ Stage 1X Normally Aspirated 3800 Camshaft or INTENSE™ Stage 1X Blower 3800 Camshaft
3800-JPP-TCS - JP Performance Single Chain Timing Set
VSS-105 - Crow Cams 105# High Load Valvesprings
3800-MAN-VR12T Manley Titanium Valvespring Retainers
VLS-623 - CompCams High Performance Valve Locks
VLS-875 - Comp Cams "OE R Series" Hydraulic Roller Lifters
CIK-L67_32 - INTENSE™ L36/L26, L67, or L32 Cam Installation Kit
GMH-TCD - GM Timing Chain Dampener
PCM-xxxxx-xxxx - INTENSE™ Stage 1 Powertrain Control Module

now obviously you wouldnt need the PCM

[superchargedSSEi]

The 96 cars still use the 4T60 so a 97 pcm would have to be customized to use the -60 trans tables. Just stick to GMTuners for simplicity...the pcm doesn't need much done to support a cam anyways.

Yes the cam can be installed with the engine still in the car. You will have to drop the passenger side of the subframe to gain enough clearance to slide the camshaft out through the wheel well though. I've found both of my cam installs to be a breeze with the motor out of the car and would gladly take the extra time to pull the motor, just to make things easier on myself. It's really not that much more work.

Since the lifters have to come out before removing the camshaft, there's no way to avoid tearing down the top end of the motor. You can leave the heads on, but since you'll be installing stiffer valve springs (and new valve seals while you're in there) you may as well pull them off as well to save some frustration. It's also a great excuse to do some light porting.

As for the choice of cam...the VS is a bit on the small side imo. The S1X and XP cams are both very good for DD's, and have similar profiles (though the XP is a tad more aggressive and favors higher revs). You'll need 105# springs to run any of these cams, and if you go with the S1X or XP you should also run modified spring retainers just to ensure there won't be any clearance issues. To get the most out of any cam you'll need headers as well. You should also consider the fact that a high mileage trans might not like your new found power for long either....

Edit:

also if you find someone with a DHPowertunr they can tune the car.

Maybe. If the OSID isn't recognized by the software you're pretty much SOL unless that person has access to a working 96 BIN file.

[tan96ssei]

i do remember that the older suite of HPT had 96 compatibility infact i believe thats what gm tuners uses to burn their PCMs