Ok, I understand how they work, etc.

But what are the tradeoffs for getting a mild cam?

I know it can reduce KR and allow you to run a smaller pulley for instance. Seems like an excellent mod aside from the cost. But, seems like every mod has some form of trade off.

What is the trade off with a cam? Does it make your engine run rougher or idle louder? More strain on the tranny? More strain on other internals?

I'm new to the thought of swapping cams. I'd just like more info.

yes your engine runs rougher and is louder. yes more strain on the trans. my oppinion is get the 1.9 modified rockers they are great. im running a 3.25 pulley with 0kr. my buddy has a cam and his car isnt much faster then mine at all. just something to think about.

You'll see reduced gas milage and it's expensive to install (you have to pull the engine). If you went with something more than mild, you'd also have idle problems. Anyway, with the rockers you get something you can do yourself and get similar results.

Ok thanks guys. I was under the impression that a cam was better than rockers performance wise.

Yes a cam will net you bigger gains then rockers. But you have to ask yourself and be honest What are you really looking for? An all out race car or something you can daily drive have a little fun with and still keep some money in the bank? Bang for the buck I'd go with rockers ultimate performance then a cam is the way to go.

I thought you couold get to it by pulling the pass wheel an dropping that side of the engine a little, removing and installing from the pass wheel well. I could be wrong.

No you do'nt have to pull the engine to change cam's (although it's easier to install cam with engine out,a cam is a better option in my opnion if you want to make real power but make sure you choose your cam carefully ,the reason I say a cam is a better choice is because most guys that go to rockers end up later going to a cam.Chico.

Go both like me!!!!
I just orderd the 1.6 ratio comp rockers and comp pushrods from ZZP!!
But if your gonna do just one....I would say cam if you plan on modding more in the future...if not then get the http://zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=510
its a good little setup for a stock cam or valvespring up to 105#.

But do not do 1.9s and a cam. You will damage your heads and pistons if you do.

Yeah too much lift and theres not enough room!

Another reason to use an aftermarket cam is the timing/overlap/duration of the intake and exhaust lobes. Certain cams (zzp has alot) are better for certain configurations (supercharger, turbo, n/a,... heads, etc).

I've read a few cases of people swapping the cams by lowering a side of the engine like bobby said.
I've also read about the installs not being very easy, and a few people trashing their motors by not doing everything precisely perfect.

Personally I'm going to end up with rockers first (eventually), due to install and less risk of screwing crap up.

Hows that 3.3" pulley working out?

Was that directed at me?

I haven't put my 3.3" pulley on yet. Still scraping up money for a D/P first.

I wanted to bump this to the top.

Do 1.9 rockers reduce KR? I know they help fuel mileage and help with high end HP...just wondering if they help fight KR too. Seems like it would if the durations are longer...more time for exhaust to exit...

I guess the reason I was asking about cams before is that on zzp the cams are like $20 more but they say gains of 25-50hp for the VS cam. The rockers just say up to 25hp increase. So the cam seemed like "more bang for the buck".

I definitely understand rockers are better for a daily driver, but I'm looking for something that can help fight KR too (I'm too cheap to get an IC).

While a cam or high ratio rockers will increase HP, and reduce KR, niether will eliminate KR like an intercooler.

This is a key phrase...... High ratio rockers don't increase the duration, they only allow the valves to open farther. The cam makes contact with the lifters causing the valves to open, there is no change in how long the valves stay open when high ratio lifters are installed, only how far they open. A perfomance cam will allow for longer duration and higher lift, err go more HP.

Thanks for the clarification clint.

The VS cam seems to be more a turbo thing.