Tomei has 256 X 10.22, 264 X 10.2, 268 X 10.5.

NISMO, Esprit, JWT, and HKS also have different degree cams available.

What are the deciding factors for picking duration and lift.

Thanks,
Victor

 

good question.....how much do those things run ne way?
is there a diff between manual and auto cams?

 

Depends on where you want the power in the RPM band, it depends on the rest of your combination (head flow, etc.), it depends on how "streetable" you want it to be etc. etc. etc.

The bigger duration higher lift cams are good for ported heads, upper RPM horsepower. Yes they can be too big.

The smaller duration cams are good for a better idle, lower end torque, less horsepower, forced induction, streetability, stock top end, etc.

The middle ones are in the middle. Also, you don't want your valves opening too far and hitting the pistons which can happen with too much lift. Know you clearances.

How to choose? Know your goals and either have some experience or get the advice of someone who does. The last thing you want is too big of a cam. It can kill power and idle qualities, etc. The motor can die everytime you stop, etc. It is better to err on the side of a little too small on a camshaft or four.

 

The application is for a street driven car, some autoX.

Naturally Aspirated

 

Personally, I would port the stock heads A LITTLE (as in don't hog out the ports) and get some middle of the road sized cams with headers and a plenum etc. If you aren't doing anything to the car then just get the smaller ones. Don't take my selection advice, I don't even know the specs on the stock cams. Or take my advice, it is your choice.

 

Here's a good article I found on the subject. It's from Nissan Performance Magazine....
http://www.nissanperformancemag.com/june03/nerds/

 

I think you'll be fine with the 264s.

 

here is the thing - in order to really compare, you need to compare apples to apples. By that, you need to know the stock lift/duration, as well as what kind of scale it was measured on. From there, go onto the aftermarket ones you are considering, and also see what kind of scale they were done on - without this info, you're honestly just guessing.

 

Most cam manufacturers will work with you if you need a custom grind. Crane Cams (http://www.cranecams.com/techhelp.htm) has a line of sport compact cams for the Nissan SOHC motor so they may also have somthing in the works for the DOHC motor. I would be willing to guess that if you called them they can tell you what would work best with your current motor configuration. Keep in mind that as you adding headers, intakes, etc. the cam grind may become less than optimal.

*EDIT* I called and spoke to Dave at Crane cams and they are looking into new cams for the 350Z engine that will be offered in several stages similar to their other cam lines. They are due out early next year and he believes that they will be in the $700 - $800 dollar range. To anyone looking into geting cams I would definitley wait to see what Crane has to offer...

 

I would try to find available aftermarket cam specs for a similar engine configuration: 3-4 liter, 4-valve, short stroke V6. Unfortunately, there aren't many. An alternative would be 4-valve engines with similar cylinder displacement : 2-2.5 liter 4-bangers, and 4.2-4.7 liter V8s (aka, Cobras).

If you go into the heads, you will no doubt find inexpensive gains in the valve-seat area. I would be very cautious about taking the work to anyone without an impressive portfolio of accomplishment.

I know it's been an age since the heyday of the 240/60/80 Zs, but those heads were notorious for producing less hp when modified by mere intuition.

 

I agree and I will!

 

Good cams at almost half the cost of Tomeis? Glad I didn't dive into getting those cams yet.

Also I found this at Crane Cams; it's simply an overview of the cam grinds and the uses the grinds would be for. Granted, it's for the 300ZX, but it should still give a rough idea.