Ok, this spring I plan on putting VT cams in my 97 GT. I hear the VT stage 2 cams may be too much for a daily driver? Is that true? Also, it recommends a stall converter and i dont have one of them so im thinking of just going with the stage 1's...Are stage 1's worth the money? I want the cams for the power and that sound at idle? Do stage 1's give you that sound at idle like the stage 2's do? While doing the cam i am also going to get the pi head/intake swap from parkway performance. How much do you think installation of all of this would cost?? Finally, how much rwhp you think i will gain from the complete pi swap and the stage 1 cam?? thanks guys

 

A simple answer is to call Parkway Performance and see what cams they recommend for their porting package.They should be able to tell you within a few HP what their heads have been doing with the mods you have.The Stage 2 cams don't make power untill the RPM's reach a certain level.This is fine for a daily driver but it will kill you at the track.Cams do not magically create HP,it's more like they move it around by changing air flow characteristics.Big cams won't help poorly flowing heads.The air flow at low RPM is slowed down by the larger opening caused by the bigger cam and untill the engine gets the RPM's up,can't make good power.This is why you need a higher stall convertor.

 

I would say stick with the stage ones if you are just keeping stock PI heads. In reality, the stage twos are only worth about 5 more rwhp on our cars, and they tend to have a really radical idle and such. Also, I would buy a torque converter before I bought cams in your case, I just think youll notice a much more impressive gain. There is a video around here of the stage one cams, I think youll find them plenty radical for what you have.

 

what stall converter do you recommend?? Where can i get a stall converter from??

 

I don't agree with that. More power in the upper RPM's will help on the track -- at least in a drag race. You'll stay in the upper RPM's in this type of race.

That said, I'd recommend the stage 1's to 97stanger.

Stage 2's would work better in a car with at least gears and an upgraded converter.

You could always ask the guys at VT. They'll gladly recommend a cam for your situation.

 

I am a VT Dealer, and agree, VT1's are a great all around cam, streetable with a 4r70w (from experience) and LOVE Spray if you ever go that route. I don't think you'll get VT2's to run with an auto w/o a 2800 stall

and they sound just wicked! but you'll need a proper tune to get it to run right.

call jim or scott... www.vtengines.com

 

Id go with a PI converter with a 3200 stall personally.

 

quite a few people on modular depot have had there break or crap out. i hear the materials they use for the clutchs in there ant very good. i know a local guy here who is on his 3rd Pi convertor......just a thought.

 

WOOOOPS.I should have read my original reply before I let it go.bsheik is very correct and my reply was very incomplete.The part about a high stall convertor should have come in sooner.The high stall convertor allows the engine to rev higher before you take off and this allows the cams to be in their most efficient operating range.

 

listen to these guys they are smart and know there stuff. i agree completely with them. the stage ones and a convertor with a stall around 3,200rpms seems to work well with that lift cam.

 

Cheers.

Now stanger, go get those cams, get 'em installed, and post some clips!

 

Wow, I did not know that, thanks man. Hmm, what are the good converters now a days?