Adjustable cam sprockets for 550whp??

[11sec_GSX]

Are adjustable cam sprockets neccesary for 550whp? I'm in the middle of a motor build with a 550whp goal and was wondering what peoples opinions where on adjustable cam sprockets? I have done some research and some think cam sprockets are a waste and not worth the money and others say you can make 30-50 extra horsepower if they are dialed in correctly? But I am sure their opinions very depending on how much power they are making so would you spend the extra cash if you where at my power numbers? Basically, would I be selling myself short if I decided to use the stock sprockets? I have HKS 272/272 cams if anyone is interested. Thanks for your time.

 

[bryanwheat]

You are running 272's and stock cam gears. You can do that, but the cams are not going to be anywhere near there full potential. It would be a really good idea to buy a set of adjustables, and set them to what ever the specs the cams come with, you will notice quite a bit of difference, there have been occasions where guys will actually loose hp uptop because of not dialing in the cams. So if you want to know the truth, buy them. or just run stock cams.

 

[11sec_GSX]

You are running 272's and stock cam gears.

I have not run the car with the 272's and stock cam gears, I just haven't purchased adjustable sprockets yet. This year is a whole new setup from last years. Thanks for your input though, I will probably pick up some adjustable sprockets.

 

[bryanwheat]

No problem bro, good luck on the car.

 

[Mike 99GSX]

You are running 272's and stock cam gears. You can do that, but the cams are not going to be anywhere near there full potential. It would be a really good idea to buy a set of adjustables, and set them to what ever the specs the cams come with, you will notice quite a bit of difference, there have been occasions where guys will actually loose hp uptop because of not dialing in the cams. So if you want to know the truth, buy them. or just run stock cams.

Weird. My car made 647awhp last year with 272s and stock cam gears. Something must be wrong

 

[11sec_GSX]

Weird. My car made 647awhp last year with 272s and stock cam gears. Something must be wrong

See this is what I am saying. Besides you, I know quite a few others that are making big power with 272's and stock cam gears. To be honest, I'm just trying to cut costs where ever I can and if I can get away without adjustable cam gears and not lose much in terms of potential I would like to do it. More suggestions please.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

well.. that statement in itself should not belong. Cutting corners will get you to your HP goal, but how long do you think it will last? but then again, that's a topic on its own.

bottom line is if you want to degree the cams (best way of doing it, but many of gone without) you should. but you can also make good power on stock cam gears. IMO the money could be spent better elsewhere

 

[11sec_GSX]

well.. that statement in itself should not belong. Cutting corners will get you to your HP goal, but how long do you think it will last? but then again, that's a topic on its own.

bottom line is if you want to degree the cams (best way of doing it, but many of gone without) you should. but you can also make good power on stock cam gears. IMO the money could be spent better elsewhere

I agree. Bad statement and it sounded worse than it is. I have not corners on anything else and never would. It's just I'm finally finishing things up and would rather spend the money somewhere else if possible. I'm just trying to figure out if I need to spend the money on cam gears or not.

 

[GVR4592]

I was under the impression that you need adjustable cam gears to properly degree the cams. Especially if you have aftermarket cams, or you've had the head/block resurfaced.

http://www.teamnabr.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?page=archives.pl&action=view&topic=2277

 

[biglady112]

636awhp with stock gears. After we had a set of four bolt cam gears spin on us, we like the stockers. Crower Stage 4 cams here.

Another car of ours makes 480whp with stock gears on 272's.

Steven

 

[GVR4592]

How do you degree your cams?

 

[biglady112]

We have a degreeing wheel. We are going to try using it when we pull out the 7 bolt and put in the aluminum rod 6 bolt. Not a big deal. After you spin a gear you might understand why we stick with the stock gears. Bending all 8 intake valves will make you think of a better way to keep it from happening again. The four bolt just stripped and spun the cam 180*.

Steven

 

[11sec_GSX]

I just talked with AMS (Automotsports) and we all know they are respectable in the DSM world. They told me cam gears can help but are not required to run HKS 272's. They also said big power can be had without them. Plus the thought of possibly spinning a cam gear doesn't sound too good either, so I think stock cam gears will do for me. Thanks everyone.

 

[dnhieu]

all i got to say is look at this picture of sbr's race car.

 

[bryanwheat]

all i got to say is look at this picture of sbr's race car.

Well all i am going to say is do what ever you want, but to get the full potential out of those cams, you are gonna want to go with a good set, i repeat a high quality set of cam gears to degree the cams. I have been building car motors for years (not just dsm's) sbc's, sbf's, bbc's, bbf's, hondas, dsm's, and you do need to dial in the cams to get their fill potential out of them. I have seen 500 hp out of stock cams before, but to make the motor more efficient, and run that much better off of less boost, you should definetly fine tune them.

 

[GVR4592]

all i got to say is look at this picture of sbr's race car.

Just because SBR doesn't use cam gears doesn't mean that is the correct way to do it. Adjustable cam gears (properly adjusted) can give you a lot more power than non-adjustable cam gears.

I can dig up a few threads from people on this site and other dsm sites, that were absolutely amazed at the amount of power they picked up with properly adjusted cam gears. Some people see as much as 50whp.

Not to mention the beneifts of properly degreeing the cams at installation, if they aren't degreed properly then you aren't using them to their full potential. That's why you see so many cam threads on here about how people's cars run like crap after they install their cams.

As for the bolts slipping, it does happen. I have never had one slip, but that is probably just luck.

 

[bryanwheat]

Just because SBR doesn't use cam gears doesn't mean that is the correct way to do it. Adjustable cam gears (properly adjusted) can give you a lot more power than non-adjustable cam gears.

I can dig up a few threads from people on this site and other dsm sites, that were absolutely amazed at the amount of power they picked up with properly adjusted cam gears. Some people see as much as 50whp.

Not to mention the beneifts of properly degreeing the cams at installation, if they aren't degreed properly then you aren't using them to their full potential. That's why you see so many cam threads on here about how people's cars run like crap after they install their cams.

As for the bolts slipping, it does happen. I have never had one slip, but that is probably just luck.

i have such a great idea for the people with the slipping bolt problem, why don't you just dial them in, get them where you want them, them weld those bitches in place, 3 or 4 different spots to keep them somewhat balanced. Than you get correct cam timing, plus it will never fail you. So being able to so this, there is no possible reason to not get even the cheepie timing gears, if you are just going to weld them together. Try it it will work perfectly. Maybe i should buy some sets and weld them to so many degrees and sell sets that are already for 272's or 264's . Might be a decent market there.

 

[blue1]

If anyone is worried about them moving, after you have set your gears (cam timing) remove them and drill a 1/8 hole in the outer edge where the inner and outer bolt together and tap a roll pin in it. These wont come out and you haven't destoyed a set of gears by welding for future ajustments. there was a thread ages ago showing the gains of adv' and retarding cams on a dyno mainly in the exhaust side to get power where you want it most.

 

[GVR4592]

You can also decrease spool up time by tweaking your gears.