[NYblack1le]

Originally Posted by lDejavul

Yea, I ended up going with the btr225 cam. Still waiting for parts, and the install will probably take a few weeks. I'm incredibly nervous. I'm not the most trusting person and this is literally the first time I haven't been the one turning wrenches myself. I wish I had the time and help to do the work myself but the oil pump died at the worst possible time.

My next concern is testing/replacing valve springs without pulling the heads. I know this is going to become a new mtx item so I gotta wrap my head around the smartest procedure and tools to make the job easier.

I do springs every 20k. Rope or air method. I recommend getting the single spring compressor. The dual spring compressor makes it a little difficult to get the locks back in.

[KingLT1]

TSP revised the cam lineup after BTR did theirs, so the lobes are easier on the valvetrain components. That being said, for a streetcar I would do the BTR 220. The 225 is only worth about 5whp peak and you lose some low midrange. Might not be a big deal with a manual car, but the 225 on up is where you need to start considering an intake manifold that makes power out to 7k rpm and plan on shifting it around there. I wouldn't be surprised if the 220 cam is faster with the stock ported manifold. You have to look at power under the curve. I would do a LT2 minimum on that setup.

[GreyGhost702]

Originally Posted by NYblack1le

I do springs every 20k. Rope or air method. I recommend getting the single spring compressor. The dual spring compressor makes it a little difficult to get the locks back in.

Do you track your car? Curious about the 20k/mi mark for spring swaps. I will be in the same boat, but figured for how I drive the car, I would probably aim for 30k/mi spring change. Unless I start really winding the engine out regularly, then I could see myself changing every 20k/mi. If inflation holds steady, should be roughly ~$400 service, or call it $500 service if you want to throw on seals since you already have the springs out.

Also, can't you just put the piston at top and let the valve sit on it? Or is there really that much clearance you wouldn't be able to compress the springs far enough to set the locks back on? I've never done it with the heads on, but I'll want to know for future servicing.

[lDejavul]

I ended up changing the oil pump from the truck to the regular car version and ordered a ported MSD from pray.

While I'm waiting for those to arrive I have another question. Since I plan on keeping this car for a project car for quite a while I was wondering if getting an ATI damper was worth it and if so should I go 10 % UD or regular?

I assume my idle rpms will have to be brought up some with the cam anyways but my only concern is I also have beefed up the stereo system in the car and dont want to fry any electronics.