cams- just plug & play?
 

I'm currently at 206 whp @ 10.5 psi. I want more, but I want it to be useable - not peaky. I'm shopping currently for a water injection kit that will supplement a boost to 13-14 psi to guarantee low intake temps and protect against det.

I'm considering a nice deal available currently on a set of cams - HKS 256's to be exact. I like the idea of more power without turning the boost up, as I don't want to stress the limits of the stock internals with more than 13-ish psi.

A.) I would like to know if there is a solid benefit to be had from these cams. I am not wise in the way of cams. Seller claims he dynoed at 114 whp stock motor - which is believable I think. He also claims they are well suited to a turbo. If these are good for 20 whp they are worth it to me. Do you think this is a fair estimation of what they could offer my motor?\

B.) Do I neeeeed to get adjustable cam gears for these? I'd like to use the stock ones. Explain please.

Thanks in advance.
-Ryan

If this was on a 1.6 then 114whp with the cams was some upgrade but not a lot... if it's a 1.8 then it's basically jack, given my stock '97 dyno'd at 108.5whp.

So:
A) I'd say if you're getting the cams really cheap and want to mess around with the cam timing on a dyno then go for it.

B) You definately want adjustable gears so you can do A

If you're just going to bolt them on, I'd probably pass as they could just as easily lose you power (particularly lower rpm) as gain it.

Don't delude yourself into thinking that 230whp at 10psi is easier on the internals than 230whp at 12psi.

I believe the HKS 256 is only available for the 1.6.

The 256 cam shafts were designed to be usable straight up with no cam gears, but you can squeaze out a little more or change the power curves to suit your driving needs with the cam gears. So if budget is an issue, you can put them on without gears. Gears would be nice however. I myself have a bigger cam with stock gears, but my car is normally aspirated.

If your goal is to be easy on the internals, you are going at it the wrong way. For a bigger cam to work, the motors are usually spun faster; not exactly internals friendly.

it can be easier on the motor if it lowers the peak torque

whats harder on the engine?
2 more PSI.
or
Dramatically increased cylinder temperatures resulting from cams with more overlap and high back pressure from a small turbo.

Im gonna say the second one

Good points from all. Thanks, I'll put the $300 into a roll bar instead - been looking for one that allows the glass rear window operation for a good price for ages...

So I search for cam help and this is what I found.....
 

I have a 2001 ls with header, intake, and exhaust. I want to boost but the more its adding up, it doesnt seem worth it....

Would Web cams and the Fidanza cam gears equaling about 800 or so be worth my time??

No...QFT...Read\Think before posting on this sacred board.

To lower intake temps, simpley inject nitrous into your anus.

Dude ...
 

LoveMyMx5, you will not be treated nicely on this board if you post up questions you can answer yourself, or that you should have answered yourself, by searching before you asked.

Your mt.net thread here Want to boost....NEED HELP.... - MX-5 Miata Forum has already given you all the polite informative answers to your questions.

Now that I know you are on this board, read the "DIY FAQ all your answers in one post" thread.

Good luck with the project.