dbs96gt

I'm getting ready to do a pi swap and was just wondering if there are any true benefits to port and polishing the heads. I plan on running vt stage 1 cams.

Dsmfighter

Port them out.Having a decent set of cams+better heads+ more compression will make some decent #'s.

Stangatic

Yup! There are benefits. If I had the extra money I would do it. You could probably see an extra 10 - 15 HP. I hope you also plan on running shorty headers or LTs because there is no point and making the top end breathe better if you don't let it exhale better.

You might want to look into the stage 2 cams too. I think i have seen a couple of posting saying that the stage 2 were a little bit better than the stage 1.

dbs96gt

I already have shorties on it. I was thinking of doing the stage 2, but wasn't real sure about any ptv issues.

rmr1923

it really depends on your whole setup, the stage 2 cams will operate at a higher rpm range than the stage 1s, but if you're running the stock rotating assembly (especially the stock rods) you can't really turn the rpm up very high and expect the connecting rods to last. if you have a stock bottom end, go with the stage 1s, they will operate in a better rpm range for your engine. but if you have a forged bottom end, then go for the stage 2s.

and a port/polish is definitely a good idea if you can afford to have it done. i'm not sure how much you're spending on the PI swap, but you can get a set of Patriot Performance Stage II PI heads for about $1300 from Brothers Performance (with no exchange required, i know that some places require a core exchange). if you've already got your heads then just get them ported and polished, but if you haven't bought them yet (i've seen the PI heads go for about $700-$800 for a pair), it might be best to just buy ported heads and then bolt on your VT (or CMS) cams.

rmr1923

i was concerned about the same thing when choosing cams for my car, and CMS told me that their stage 2 cams should be fine for ptv clearance as long as you upgrade your valve springs. they recommend the Comp Cams springs, but you can get similar springs from any of a number of companies. the stock springs may not be enough to prevent valve float, and if that happens then eventually you'll have a piston and valve collide. i ended up going with the stage 1s anyway though, because my bottom end can't really turn up high enough to take full advantage of the stage 2s.

dbs96gt

The patriot performance heads are what I was thinking about going with. Will I need a tune right away if i go with stage 1 or will it sufice till i get the extra cash?

Hey dsm you know of any tuners in the area? I'm only half an hour from you

rmr1923

i can't really tell whether or not you'll need a tune, because it depends on a lot of variables. i think that CMS advertises that their stage 1 cams can be used with the stock computer, but if you're going to get ported/polished heads then i would definitely get a dyno tune pretty soon because the combination of the hotter cams and better-flowing heads will definitely throw things off with your current tune (you'll probably be running lean). do you already have a tuner or are you running the stock tune? i know it's tempting to just go ahead and do the PI swap and be done with it and then save up for a tune later, but you'd hate to spend all that money and have something bad happen, so even if you go ahead and order all the parts, i'd wait until you know you have enough cash for a dyno tune before you put it all together.

fruhdaddy

+1