I finally got my secret secret cams and plan on installing them in the next few weeks. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what I should replace while I have the engine ripped apart. Obviously, I am going to replace all gaskets and seals and the tensioner, and all that. I read the suggested parts list. But I am wondering what other things I could change that would be a good idea or give me some benefit.

I plan on changing the water pump since I have just over 100,000 miles on the original. I read that it is fairly easy to change if you are doing the cams at the same time.

Any other engine internals that I could change that would be of benefit and are fairly inexpensive (in the few hundred dollar range)? I was thinking possibly valve springs??

Thanks in advance for any replies.



2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Limited
1999 Cavalier Z24 Supercharged
1999 Grand AM SE (Beater Car)
1997 GMC Sierra
2007 Honda CBR 600RR
2005 Honda TRX450R

Luke Heier wrote:I finally got my secret secret cams and plan on installing them in the next few weeks. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what I should replace while I have the engine ripped apart. Obviously, I am going to replace all gaskets and seals and the tensioner, and all that. I read the suggested parts list. But I am wondering what other things I could change that would be a good idea or give me some benefit.

I plan on changing the water pump since I have just over 100,000 miles on the original. I read that it is fairly easy to change if you are doing the cams at the same time.

Any other engine internals that I could change that would be of benefit and are fairly inexpensive (in the few hundred dollar range)? I was thinking possibly valve springs??

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Replacing the lifters is a good idea. I see your car is relatively high-mileage, so that should be a good idea no matter what. It's recommended that you do them at the same time anyway. Other than going through GM or another auto parts store, the only performance lifters I know of are made by JBP, but they are pretty expensive at $340 US, and have a REQUIRED core charge of $71 US. Plus, nowadays they won't send you your new lifters (or anything else with a core charge, for that matter) until you send them your old ones

That might be a little more than you're looking to spend though... you may be better off going through GM or another auto parts store.

Of course, anything in there that looks damaged or excessively worn should be replaced on the spot.

Lifters are very expensive. IMO, the majority of us doing a "budget" cam install don't need to do lifters. I've heard mixed things, but the majority of people say it's pointless to do your lifters. I didn't because I didn't want to spend even 3x what I did on cams to do lifters.

Anyways, you basically want to do your water pump, timing chain, guides and tensioner. If you have the cash, and can afford the downtim on your car, you might be interested in getting some headwork done. A nice Port and Polish along with a valve job can do wonders. The downside to that is that it requires extra work (you will have to pull your manifolds, and obviously do a new headgasket). Make sure when you get your water pump you get a gasket for it too.




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