Got Cams, need som advice/help

[NJGSX96]

I took the plunge yesterday and installed a nice new set of 264/264 in the 1G yesterday. 272s are on backorder so I said screw it and went with the 264s. Upon installation, the car felt faster, power was much more linear and the car got real squirrely in 1st and 2nd too. No real time to tune but I hit the track anyway, bad 2nd gear and all. I was kind of disappointed. I did run 12.8@110 with some horrible shifting since my tranny hates me right now, but I was expecting more. Then, on the end of my 3rd run, car got crazy. Wouldn't idle and didn't seem like it wanted to accelerate from a stop. I logged the ride home and my Low fuel trim was 138!!! Way lean. So I richened her up... just got worse. Leaned it out and it got better. Ended up going ful lean on the VPC and -25 on the AFC 1K LO setting. Is this normal? Anyway, I know I need to tune, but what should I really expect out of the cams? Should I add more fuel or lean it out for WOT? Any help cam owners can give would be awesome.

Thanks.

 

[GSTBoostin]

i didnt know u could even run hk$ cams and vpc, something to do with vaccum something its on roadrace i believe

 

[larryd]

yeah i heard the same thing that VPC and HKS cams dont mix.. I could be wrong though

 

[swordfish]

Yes you can run HKS cams with and HKS VPC. The 272's give a very low vacuum signal that the VPC doesnt really like, but this is mostly due to not having the cams degreed dead on. I've done and know of many cars running 272's w/ a vpc and there are no problems when the cams are dead nuts perfect. The 264's that you are running will have no ill effects at all IE low vacuum signal....... unless they are way out.

You need to go through and check all your piping connections and vacuum lines. Also make sure you havent skipped a tooth.

jeff

 

[NJGSX96]

Timing marks line up perfect and timing belt is perfect, no skipped teeth. Timing is set to 5 degrees BTDC, set with a timing light before the cams and verified 5 minutes ago again when I checked it. Cams are installed as good as it is gonna get since I do not have adjustable cam gears, but as far as I can tell, all is good. Car is sound as far as running condition, leaks, spark, etc... I maintain the car very well. Vacuum at idle is 14-15 (was 18-20 with the stock cams). VPC idle is at full lean, AFC LO 1K setting is -25. Starting the car cold, the idle hunts for maybe a minute, slowly and eventually settling to 750rpms. Idle has a little lope to it. You definitely can tell the car has cams if you were a passerby.

So far, does all this sound normal? I have heard similar stories about cold starts and VPC/aftermarket cam cars. Just double checking here which is why I ask.

Acceleration is very nice... VERY NICE... and the exhaust note is a little louder at WOT with the car just pulling forever. Redline comes much quicker. Part throttle is also much crisper than before. Power gain is excellent, IMO, and seems to go with what I have read, although I didn't expect as much as I have noticed since I went with the 264/264 setup and not the 264/272 combo.

I think I was just so used to the stock cams (sound, idle, etc), that the 264s took me a little by surprise. However, I still ask the question to those with cams whether or not my experience is similar to others. I am just making sure as I like to double check and triple check and get 2nd and 3rd opinions.

Thnkas again.

 

[NDgsx]

Check for boost/vacuum leaks. They shouldn't have that much effect the low fuel trim that much. At least mine didn't.
Other than that it sounds pretty normal.

 

[NJGSX96]

NDgsx, thanks for the reply. I am going to do another leak test today, just to be sure. I did a lot of reading on the cams and some said it took some fuel to get them to idle smooth, but at the expense of unburnt fuel. I have it leaned out that much so I don't burn everyone's eyes within a 20 foot radius with the fumes frm my exhaust. Adding fuel did smooth them out a touch... I mean very very little. Is it better to run that extra fuel at idle or is it more of a matter of idle preference?

Anyone else with opinions or advice, I am all ears. Like I said, I like to triple check everything and am all for learning new information.

One other question, not related but made a little worse since the addition of the cams... what can I do to stop my... ehhem... cat *cough* heat shield from vibrating? I have it welded in many places but it still vibrates. Can I stuff anything in there to expand it and prevent the vibration? Should I clamp it down more? I'd prefer to keep it on.

Thanks again guys.

 

[NDgsx]

I think it's just personal preferance. I'd rather keep my engine clean and eliminate carbon deposits.