OEM wires and spark plugs?

[jlugo]

I'm in the process of getting a cam for my LS3 Camaro (Camshaft specifications: 227/239 duration @ .050 .629/.623 with 1.7 ratio rocker arms 114.0 CL.)
and I got a few questions;

1. Should I keep my OEM wires and spark plugs?
2. Do I really need a 160 Degree Thermostat?
3. Are the NGK TR55 V-Power 'Solid-Copper Core' the best plugs for my mods?
4. What's the proper Gap,... is .059" fine?
5. Wich wires are better, MSD or Taylor?

"and finally"

6. How much Gain can I expect with my mods after the Cam and Re-Tune?


I currently have; Doug Thorley 1 3/4" Tri-Y Long Tube headers ("no cats"), Muffler delete, SLP UD Pulley, Airaid CAI and Custom Tuned by 21st century muscle cars. Current dyno was 403.7RWHP and 402.5RWTQ (Before the UD Pulley)

I need some advice...

>
>
>
>
>

[Sack Rat 2SS]

Stay with your factory plugs and wires for NA.
A 160 stat in Texas is a good thing, especially during Summers.
NGK TR 55's are a good replacement for factory plugs.
Gap at .045ish for NA and .035 for FI.
I would not change plug wires at all with what you are doing. Save $$.
You should be around 435-440 ish with tune. I assume you are LS-3.

You will need another tune with the cam change. Also, I have seen engines over 1,000 HP using factory wires and coils. They are more than good enough. Good Luck

[jlugo]

Originally Posted by Sack Rat 2SS

Stay with your factory plugs and wires for NA.
A 160 stat in Texas is a good thing, especially during Summers.
NGK TR 55's are a good replacement for factory plugs.
Gap at .045ish for NA and .035 for FI.
I would not change plug wires at all with what you are doing. Save $$.
"You should be around 435-440 ish with tune. I assume you are LS-3".
You will need another tune with the cam change. Also, I have seen engines over 1,000 HP using factory wires and coils. They are more than good enough. Good Luck

Why some 'shops' around here claim gains of 40 to 80HP with just cam and Tune?

Thanks for your reply.

[CC Performance]

1. Should I keep my OEM wires and spark plugs? Yes if you can remove them trouble free. Sometimes they are a bear to get off and you seperate one or two
2. Do I really need a 160 Degree Thermostat? No
3. Are the NGK TR55 V-Power 'Solid-Copper Core' the best plugs for my mods? They are a good choice. There are more expensive versions of if the iridium and platinum and the AC delco 41-110
4. What's the proper Gap,... is .059" fine? gm say .051 I think NGK says they are pregapped for optimum performance
5. Wich wires are better, MSD or Taylor? MSD by far, we offer the best deal on the planet for them and plugs.

"and finally"

6. How much Gain can I expect with my mods after the Cam and Re-Tune? subjective to who tunes

[jlugo]

"MSD 8.5mm Superconductor wires w/ NGK $68 delivered"

Wow!
That's the best deal I've seen so far.

[jlugo]

I was hoping to gain 50-60HP more.

There's a 'LS3' here in this forum with Cam / 1 7/8" headers / CAI / 3" exhaust & Custom Tune making '481'RWHP.

What do I need to do to get there?

A bigger Cam?

[Huggerorange73]

Do NOT change the factory plugs!!!

You'll regret it....I had NGKs in mine and pulled em back out.

[jlugo]

Originally Posted by Huggerorange73

Do NOT change the factory plugs!!!

You'll regret it....I had NGKs in mine and pulled em back out.

What about 160 Degree Thermostat? I don't see one in you signature...

[Tallboy]

Originally Posted by Sack Rat 2SS

Stay with your factory plugs and wires for NA.
A 160 stat in Texas is a good thing, especially during Summers.
NGK TR 55's are a good replacement for factory plugs.
Gap at .045ish for NA and .035 for FI.
I would not change plug wires at all with what you are doing. Save $$.
You should be around 435-440 ish with tune. I assume you are LS-3.

You will need another tune with the cam change. Also, I have seen engines over 1,000 HP using factory wires and coils. They are more than good enough. Good Luck

^^^Solid advice.

[CC Performance]

Wire are not a performance mod. The MSD's come in handy when doing a header swap because they are multiangle and better heat resistant. GM wires are fine like I said but sometimes after they have been on there for a while they tend to get stuck and then broken sometimes during removal.

There is nothing wrong with NGK plugs about a billion people use them and have been using them with no issues at all in an LSx engine.

[jlugo]

Typically you go colder on a plug with the more power you make. I understand that the NGK55 is gapped at .55 from the box. 'NGK parts finder' recommend the tr55 be gapped at .040 when using in a stock application.

"Although the NGK factory will set the gap to a pre-selected setting, this may not be the right gap for your particular engine. The incorrect plug gap for your engine can contribute to a high rate of misfires, loss of power, plug fouling, poor fuel economy, and accelerated plug wear"

from 'NGK Sparkplugs Tech Staff'

[Jekyll-N-Hyde]

Originally Posted by jlugo

Typically you go colder on a plug with the more power you make. I understand that the NGK55 is gapped at .55 from the box. 'NGK parts finder' recommend the tr55 be gapped at .040 when using in a stock application.

"Although the NGK factory will set the gap to a pre-selected setting, this may not be the right gap for your particular engine. The incorrect plug gap for your engine can contribute to a high rate of misfires, loss of power, plug fouling, poor fuel economy, and accelerated plug wear"

from 'NGK Sparkplugs Tech Staff'

SAK RAT 2SS knows what he is talking about. As you can see he has had quite a bit of work done from Andy at ADMperformance. If you want to get around 481 rwhp ( thats if you are a Ls3 ) then give ADM a call or PM him on here. Im guessing you already have the exhaust and the Cai if thats the case get with ADM and have them install there Stage 2 cam. By installing the stage 2 Cam and a tune you will get where you want to be if not more just depends on the vehicle some are stronger than others. Keep your plugs and wires as Sak Rat 2SS said with the kind of build you are wanting you will only be throwing money away into something thats not needed if you change the OE wires and plugs. Save your money and install a Cam

if you want to know more about ADM check out youtube and look up ADMperformance. Or just use the search on here and see how everyone who goes with them walk away happy and always Return.

Hell check out This months issue of Camaro performers if im not mistaking ADM once again helped out with another Great build.

Come be a part of the Family.... you wont regret it

[jlugo]

TXS everyone for your input!

Guess I'll be keeping my factory Plugs and wires for now.
Certainly I'll be calling Andy to see what kind of deal I can get for the Stage II Cam.






<
<<<
<<<<
<<<<<

[1up5dn]

Who has this price????

Originally Posted by jlugo

"MSD 8.5mm Superconductor wires w/ NGK $68 delivered"

Wow!
That's the best deal I've seen so far.