Will a high performance camshaft reduce the engine life in a GTO?

Answer 1

A high performance cam can reduce engine life the same way glass-packs reduced the life of my first truck... The ole right foot tends to be a little heavier. Other than that let's look a couple of things. Upgrading the cam by its self is not normally done. The cam change brings on the whole "weakest link "cam scenario To maximize the change you need free (er) flowing valves and ports. Possibly new aluminum performance heads, you will shed about 60-70 lbs and be able to run a bit higher compression. You will have a steeper lobe profile requiring stronger valve springs. Your higher flowing package is now being choked down by that original carb... have to swap it out for a 750 double pumper. Now the package seems to be a hair restrictive on the exhaust side... what! no headers... well we need headers and a 2" true dual exhaust all the way back. (don't forget the nice chrome tipped ends and the "X" connector) Now we are looking good. ( you did get a higher flowing fuel pump and increase the fuel line to 1/2" didn't you?) OK, now we are looking good... well we did increase our horse power from the factory 350 to 450... seems we are running a little hot... Not a problem, after all we have been through a higher flowing water pump and an aluminum radiator won't take long... Now we are done. What about the spark... points? that won't do. An electronic distributor with rev limiter should do the trick. Now we have a package that works together pretty well. Engine life... well those fancy aluminum roller rockers we put in there will have to be adjusted more often than the factory ones, they won't last as long either. But you should be happy with the engine life.... The driveshaft, rear axle and tire life? You might not be impressed with them. Upgrade when you get some extra money... GL