I'm looking to do a cam install, but I'm trying to get a general opinion.

I have a '05, and I thought I was set on HKS 280 cams/cam gears, and have it flashed it again. But after talking to a few people, I get the idea that 272/272 would be a better setup. I realize the 280 have some high end pull, and that the stock turbo dies out before the cams can really be utilized, but then again if I do upgrade, it'd be nice to have them.

Also, do I need the cam gears? I've heard different reasons for having, and not having them.

I will be road racing it in the spring, and don't have any plans for an upgraded turbo...yet. Just some alky, a little more boost, and some driving skills.

Here's my questions now:

1) What cams would you suggest?

2) Do I need the cam gears?

 

For road racing I would guess either 264's or 272's for more low end. There has to be a few road racers here that can comment. As to cam gears there is a truth squad topic on cam gears that you should check out https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...quad+cam+gears
I have 280's with no cam gears, idles fine and the highway pulss are great.

 

i have a 05 evo8,i just had 280's installed last weekend.the idle sounds awesome.i was running on the stock ecu,when i picked the car up.never touched the idle screw,idles fine,never stalled,the low may lag very minor.i was leaving a parking lot.it lagged a fraction of a second,then i went sideways from the power.

 

I AutoX'd all last season on my 264/264 set up. I took out and sold my 272 combo for the 264's just for racing so i'd have a lot more down low and have noticed a big difference. The 272 made good power put i wasn't able to put it to good use when all the AutoXing up here is tight cornering and short quick pulls to the next corner. Unless your going to be AutoXing AND drag racing, i'd go with the 264's all the way. If you want to do both, try 272's. Just drag racing, 280's man!

 

cam gears are good if you want the boost to come on sooner, you can use a positive setting ie. +2, +2 to get the turbo to spool a bit sooner and for more mid-range power than without gears.

 

I wouldn't run 280's on a road course, those are primarily drag cams - designed for top end power. Personally, I run 272/264 GSC's, with stock cam gears which seem to complement the stock turbo (and my driving style) quite well.

 

Well, sounds like 272's is more like what I want/need. I love the sound of a gruff and lopey idle, but don't want to have to wait "forever" for the pull.

 

S2kStephen,

This is a setup you should seriously look into. If you plan on road racing or auto-xing then this setup is one of the best options. If offers a nice top end option and it also keeps the low to mid range power needed to get out of the corners.

Plus why go against the manufactured engineering of the EVO, keep the intake cam at a higher duration. This motor needs more airflow into the motor. Getting the air out is not a problem.

Anyway, GSC 272/264 is a great setup for track events. Straight 272's will leave you a little sluggish coming out of tight turns.

Just my opinion though.
Nathan

 

I would go for cams with slightly shorter duration (around 264ish) and more lift. Revolver cams ... Tomei Poncams or Procams ... Jun Cams ... of course with any of these cams you need to change out your springs because of the increased lift .... This way you avoid lopey idle issues and still get power all through out the rev range ... oh yeah and forget the cam gears, all they help do is move the powerband up or down and compensate of lopey idles...
Goodluck

 

I think these comments fall in line with everything I told you last night, Stephen.

 

Warrtalon: They sure do

Do need valve springs for the GSC/HKS 272/264 or 272/272 setup?

 

No you do not. If you are going to go with 272/264 then I would stick with GSC's. I believe based on various dyno graphs and what not they yield the same, if not higher HP/TQ number. They are reliable, and cost less.

With 272's you also do not need to change any additional head components. However, with straight 272's I would recommend cam gears to adjust your idle, and to adjust your power curve for the type of powerband that you desire.

The staggered setup's powerband is optimal (for the most part), hence why you rarely see anyone with the 272/264 setup run cam gears.

Warrtalon is pretty knowledgable individual. If he is a friend of yours, the stick with his suggestions. Judging from his posts on here, he seems to be on target with most things

Let us know what you decide, and after you get them installed, be sure to give some feedback.

Later,
Nathan

 

I have the HKS 272/272 in my car and mid to top end power is great. My full tq is at ~3500rpm with very min low end lost. However, if you were to do autocross...I would recommend 264/272 setup.

Thanks,
Tom

 

I don't plan on doing much auto-x...mostly road course's.

I think the GSC 272's sounds perfect for me. The 280's seem like more like drag setup(not into that), and the 272/264 seems good for autox (low end), and the 272's sounds perfect for midrange.

The GSC 272's > HKS 272's? Atlantic Motorsports has a special on HKS parts installed, that why I was leaning towards them.

 

I gave him just about this exact feedback when he IM'd me, but I also suggested that he ask some experts, since I have not yet used cams. Luckily, what I "know" falls in line with what others are saying from experience, which is good. Stephen has done a good job of not being hasty with his decision and working to make sure he gets exactly what suits his needs.