Few questions on headwork, cams, headers and the MSD optispark

[DierDesire824]

First i have a 1997 LT1 Camaro I'm pulling the engine for a rebuild since it seems to have blown up the other week we are still fully dissecting it and either sending it to the machine shop to get worked on buy a family friend or buying a long block.

Headers:

What headers are at a low price for a 1997 Camaro Z28 and can still make it through Maryland emissions in Maryland we just have the quick computer scan then they send you on your way. So i was looking at long tubes but most of that come up to around 800 Bucks with the y/pipe and cats : (

Head work:

Will head work be of any good to my car the machine shop said that it's not even really worth getting the heads worked on unless i plan on see above 5,000 rpm quite frequently. When it comes out it will be completely rebuilt hopefully full exhaust and full intake work

Cam:

What cam would you guys recommend for a 1997 LT1 Camaro in most of the threads i did find not many people where raving about the hotcam and the LE1 package might be a little bit out of my price range after the whole rebuild.

MSD Opti-spark: Just looking for a simple yes or no answer to this question

Lastly, besides the boosted dependability are there any performance benefits to the MSD version of the Cap & Rotor.



and if anyone else has any suggestions on what else i should upgrade while I'm tearing it apart and rebuilding please say it I'd love to hear some more opinions.

[strkt_&_blwn]

it depends on what kind of head work you plan on doing and what you plan on doing with your car. atleast porting your heads probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

as for a cam personaly i would call up comp cams and talk to a tech tell them what you have and what you are looking forand they'll get you a good cam set up they'll also give you a recommendation on what springs, rockers, lifters, etc. to use. that's just an idea there's lots of options that you could go with there.

while you have it apart i would stud the mains with an ARP stud kit i think that's only like $35 but it's recommended to line hone the mains when you do that. you should also either stud the heads or get good bolts. of course the studs are a better choice but you won't be able to remove the heads with the engine in the car. so you might wanna go with some good bolts instead. just another idea. as for the MSD i'm not familar with it. well good luck with it and let us know what you go with.

[Joe 1320]

First i have a 1997 LT1 Camaro I'm pulling the engine for a rebuild since it seems to have blown up the other week we are still fully dissecting it and either sending it to the machine shop to get worked on buy a family friend or buying a long block.

Headers:

What headers are at a low price for a 1997 Camaro Z28 and can still make it through Maryland emissions in Maryland we just have the quick computer scan then they send you on your way. So i was looking at long tubes but most of that come up to around 800 Bucks with the y/pipe and cats

You need 50 state legal headers with smog fittings. I chose SLP shorties to remain emissions legal.

Head work:

Will head work be of any good to my car the machine shop said that it's not even really worth getting the heads worked on unless i plan on see above 5,000 rpm quite frequently. When it comes out it will be completely rebuilt hopefully full exhaust and full intake work

Not exactly true. While most of the benefit comes from high rpms, there are gains to be had in the lower range too. It's all about increasing the engine's ability to breathe, regardless of cam choice. That being said, the type of porting that you would choose does depend on the intended useage and the combination of other parts.

Cam:

What cam would you guys recommend for a 1997 LT1 Camaro in most of the threads i did find not many people where raving about the hotcam and the LE1 package might be a little bit out of my price range after the whole rebuild.

Contrary to many people's opinion, the hot cam is old and dated. There are other grinds that have more bite instead of just more bark. Comp Cams for example has a nice LT-1 grind, better than the "hot" cam.

MSD Opti-spark: Just looking for a simple yes or no answer to this question

Lastly, besides the boosted dependability are there any performance benefits to the MSD version of the Cap & Rotor.

I haven't heard anything bad about the MSD cap and rotor. It certainly appears to be a heavy duty part. Are there any performance benefits? Doubtful you would see any unless the current part were malfunctioning. I still use a stock AC Delco opti with an MSD 6A multispark unit, I get better performance and better mileage.

and if anyone else has any suggestions on what else i should upgrade while I'm tearing it apart and rebuilding please say it I'd love to hear some more opinions

I would look into the 1.6 ratio LT-4 roller rockers, extreme duty timing chain, a larger Throttle Body (provided you do the head and cam work), upgraded fuel pump, new injectors, followed by a good dyno tune.