i may get flamed for this but...
i have a 99 SH, and so far have only installed a cold air intake. what all would be involved in going with higher compression pistons OR bigger cams AND keeping the engine in good shape?
also, i dont want to change from the stock exhaust because i dont want the car to look anything but stock on the outside. im sure it would hurt some power gains from the pistons or cams but any ideas of how much?
my main question is of the pistons or cams and keeping my engine happy.
thanks

 

I say cams just because you can get to them easier and labor should be cheaper. I'd consider Crower Stage II's, pistons don't seem to be worth it unless you boosting or going all out on a NA build up.

 

cams all the way!

 

Go with Type-S cams.

 

wow, thanks guys! but if i do cams, is there be anything that i need to reinforce or replace with a stronger part to handle the added power? like crower reccomends new springs and whatnot...are these neccesary?

also you mentioned type s cams...which type s? (cl2, rsx, or prelude) im pretty sure you meant prelude type s, but just making sure.

i am planning on going all motor (after i decided that i wouldnt be able to afford the supercharger for my car) but im not going to go crazy with it...i just want a little more power ;c )
thanks!

 

if u race a lot u should get the valve springs and retainers even if u don't change ur cams. The H22 rocker arm assembly is heavy with the big VTEC arm and will cause valve float at higher rpm, which will bend valves. The cam profile will also have a great effect on valve float aswell. cams with high ramp speed will definately need spring and retainer upgrades.

 

ok, i looked at the type s cams and it seems the crower stage two get better reviews. so crower stg 2 and springs and retainers.. thanks guys!

 

to take advanage of the new cams you should increase the compression also...since you prob. can afford new pistons after the cams, use a thinner head gasket it will raise it about a half a point depending on size, also get high compression valves from skunk2, they are good for .3 raise in compression... on their site it says to not use hc valves w/stage 2 and 3, well i contacted the tech support there and you can w/h22 only, plus the crowers are not quite as aggressive as the skunk2's are.

 

wow, thats great info, ill look into those as well!
thanks!

 

Make sure you call crower and find out which bactch of Stage 2 cams you are getting. The reason is there was a few instances where the cams would snap. Crower found out that they were taken out of the oven too soon and did a recal on them so be sure to call them up.

Also try to get everything from the same manufacturer. I would defently stick with crower cams springs and retainers. Also do what someone else said ...lower the gasket a few layers to increase compression. I dont think getting pistons is worth all that labor and money..granted they will work better together. still unless you going all out NA then there is no point. Just make sure to get other mods with those came like header and exhaust and the rest of the basic bolt ons. If you still have money to spare then do port and polish this would give better gains.