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Looking for just a bit more High end. Would a hot cam and header help?

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Offline fixed blade

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I finally have my sami running great, I'm loving the gas mileage, but I'm sick of towing it everywhere.   I can only get it going 60 mph, up slight inclines live in utah, so take in consideration the high elevation, and hilly terrain.   I know this is pretty good, but I want to be able to drive it in the hills from my house.   I'm only looking for it to be able to go 70, not 100 or anything.   I have severe anxiety, so holding up traffic on the highways is a killer for me.    Has anyone added these two mods, if so did they help?   Can anyone suggest anything else?   

I have the stock 88 1.3L with a glasspack muffler.   

P.s. will the Cam and Muffler effect my low end, because if so It's not worth it?

Thanks in advance.
Jason.

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Online fordem

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Re: Looking for just a bit more High end. Would a hot cam and header help?
« Reply #1 on: September 17, 2012, 03:34:50 PM »
Are you running the stock wheels or have you gone larger?  Larger wheels affect the gearing and are a common cause of this problem, the fix is to regear, usually by changing the transfer case gears.

To answer your question - a header and cam WILL increase top end power, but usually at the expense of low end power - what you're basically doing is changing the power band to a different rpm range.
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Offline fixed blade

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Re: Looking for just a bit more High end. Would a hot cam and header help?
« Reply #2 on: September 17, 2012, 03:41:41 PM »
Sorry should have stated, I am running 31's and I do have lower gears already.   

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Haptown

Re: Looking for just a bit more High end. Would a hot cam and header help?
« Reply #3 on: September 17, 2012, 09:38:30 PM »
9.5:1 pistons would help the most, especially at higher elevations. Then you will need a header and 2" exhaust. A weber or tracker efi would help some more. Then you could add the high performance cam. This is basically what the engine builders say will get you about 100hp for about $2-3k depending on who does the work.

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Offline Jonny Rash

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Re: Looking for just a bit more High end. Would a hot cam and header help?
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2012, 07:01:45 AM »
I would just swap in a 1600 16-valve.

The 1300cc engine is a good engine-economical to operate and is very reliable.  However, it just doesn't have the power for the highway like the larger, and much more powerful 1600 16-valve.
35 years of Samurai ownership, and I still have my very first one. :)

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Offline fixed blade

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Re: Looking for just a bit more High end. Would a hot cam and header help?
« Reply #5 on: September 18, 2012, 02:17:44 PM »
I just rebuilt he engine, It runs great, besides the top speed.   So I don't want to do anything to the engine.  Maybe a new carb, and header and cam.

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Offline bentparts

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Re: Looking for just a bit more High end. Would a hot cam and header help?
« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2012, 05:29:34 PM »
9.5:1 pistons would help the most, especially at higher elevations. Then you will need a header and 2" exhaust. A weber or tracker efi would help some more. Then you could add the high performance cam. This is basically what the engine builders say will get you about 100hp for about $2-3k depending on who does the work.

All good mods, about the same as an engine swap doing it right. The advantage of an engine swap is if you can find a complete donor with a known good engine you'll have almost everything you need and the reliability to go with it.
 Have you considered what it's going to be like driving   a lifted Sammy at speeds of 70 and above? My guess is it'll be more than a hand full just keeping that thing going in a straight line, never mind the turns. Once I got the turbo worked out in my Tracker It was able to accelerate up long mountain grades and easily cruise at 75. Did I want to drive it that way ? hell no. Between the noise and wind buffeting it was draining, on top of consuming about 30% more fuel, the premium flavor.
I can understand how you feel about holding up traffic, but hey, that's what the right hand lane is for. screw em.  >:D
« Last Edit: September 18, 2012, 05:34:23 PM by bentparts »
The usual stuff, and 2nd generation Air to liquid intercooled TURBOCHARGER