Upgrading cams?

[combatmedic870]

Any HP gain to be expect from upgrading cams??

I found this.....

N/A power white paper, long, please critique. - NASIOC


Its a pretty good read....

It says a 10-20hp gain can be head from replacing the heads. But I dont know about the newer OB's!

Ive been considering going to a junk yard and removing some cams from a 2010+ legacy or outback(with low milage) and having them reground... then replacing the ones in my current OB.

Over all..... if I can get a 25-30hp gain without going turbo....that would be nice.....

Im trying to do it the cheapskate way. 1 HP at a time

[subiesailor]

10-20hp gain just with high end cams? Highly doubt it 5-10hp maybe though when the cams are changed up this can also impact timing and a few other things which translates to getting it retuned professionally or you'll probably have an engine thats not very happy in most cases.

The stock cams are designed to give you the best all around performance with the stock tune - so if you change up the cams - then you might gain some power in the top end or bottom end of the RPM range and unless the car is tuned for them chances are it won't run all that great at the other end of the RPM range etc.

[subiesailor]

There is an age old Joke with the non turbo Subaru engines - if you want more power replace it with a turbo motor. It's far easier and costs less than trying to get any additional power out of the stock non turbo engine.

[dboz]

Just get the 3.6. Best option for more power. With cams you will need to retune the car also.

[combatmedic870]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

There is an age old Joke with the non turbo Subaru engines - if you want more power replace it with a turbo motor. It's far easier and costs less than trying to get any additional power out of the stock non turbo engine.

If I new the CVT could handle the turbo I would put one on it! LOL

Well I would probably go for a supercharger....No turbo lag and better on gas.

[upflying]

A cam change will probably fail a smog check. It most definitely will throw a check engine light.
If a cam change would improve power, fuel economy and emissions, Subaru would have installed it OEM.

[combatmedic870]

All good information to know! Now i know not to waste my money!

Im probably going to end up putting a manual in the bitch and changing out the engine to a legacy GT/WRX. I absolutely LOVE my OB, I love the space....Not the seats so much any more....I cant afford to trade it in for a 3.6. Plus if I get a turbo. I can gain even more performance vs the 3.6 and maintain the same MPG(25).

I dont know. The 3.6's sell for a premium here. I would prefer the 3.6 to have a 6 speed AT if its going to have an automatic.
My wife just got a 2012 VW GTI 6MT and its a joy to drive!! It's full stage 1 right now with the ECU tuned(which is a significant upgrade in HP). It FLIES!!!

She does not let me drive very often....

I want that from my OB

Going from the GTI to Outback to GTI to Outback....MAN.....The outback is a turd LOL

[foxrider68]

^^I'm even going to vote that plan down. The engine mount and cradle is different. Unless you're up for fabrication you're looking at a lot of work. I say drive it as is and pocket spare change. Maybe get the Subaru credit card to pocket some subi bucks. Who knows maybe 2015 will get the new 2.0 Turbo 296hp CVT that Japan just got???!!!

[dboz]

Originally Posted by foxrider68

^^I'm even going to vote that plan down. The engine mount and cradle is different. Unless you're up for fabrication you're looking at a lot of work. I say drive it as is and pocket spare change. Maybe get the Subaru credit card to pocket some subi bucks. Who knows maybe 2015 will get the new 2.0 Turbo 296hp CVT that Japan just got???!!!

Doubtful. CAFE is coming again soon.

[foxrider68]

Originally Posted by dboz

Doubtful. CAFE is coming again soon.

Yes it is, this is why I'm of the belief the 3.6 will be discontinued in favor of a Turbo 4cyl CVT.