Re: cam upgrade for 85' 4ksq (long)

[Dylan Jenkins <dylan@vt.edu>]

>Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 23:20:38 -0500
>From: "Cory Meyer" <cmeyer@jumpgate.net>
>Subject: cam upgrade for 85' 4ksq
>
>I am planning on upgrading my cam in my all stock 4ksq.  Since $500 seems a
>little high I am trying to find a cam out of a 5cyl turbo.  I have heard
>that this works.  The hp gain is only about 10 - 15.  Will my hp gain be
>affected with a new cam since I have not yet put the larger exhaust on it
>yet?  Is there anyone else who has tried this sort of thing?  Anything I
>should really watch out for?
>Cory Meyer
>cmeyer@jumpgate.net
>85' 4ksq
>------------------------------

I recently purchased an '85 4ksq and immediately installed a sport cam from
Blaufergnugen! ($550). A few - it turns out 6! lifters were dead or on the
way out and I figured, well, while I'm in there.... Blau claims 10-15% hp
gain - even gain across the curve, but I did not experience this. In Blau's
defense, I did not do the work necessary to experience the gain from a sport
cam prior to installation. That is, before going with this mod (or while
installing the cam) you should count on checking and/or replacing (if
needed) the following:  

1) lifters. Some lifter noise is normal at start-up as the lifters are
filling with oil, however, this should go away after +/- 30 seconds, and the
engine should sound very smooth, no clatter, when you drive - any rpm, any
gear. If not, you probably have one or more dead lifters - these are cheap
($10 per) and may be worth replacing all for peace of mind. COST = $100

2) plugs, leads, rotor cap, and button (duh!) - seems too simple, but I was
going on the words of my mechanic, "the plugs look clean." They were, but
Autolites and after-market leads don't cut it in a quattro. If you haven't
already, do yourself and your car a big favor and spend the $80-90 for a
tune up kit - the three prong Beru's, Bosch cap and button do the job (this
I also bought from Blau). I experienced a dramatic gain in bottom end power
from changing out plugs, etc. COST = $90.00

3) how's your fuel filter and pre-filter? My fuel filter was filled with
crap (which is exactly why it's there), but the 4kqs also has a prefilter
(between the filter and muffler) which should also be replaced. I'm sure my
fuel system was restricted. COST = $30.00

3) air filter. Different opinions here - I went with a K&N because that's
what I use on my Guzzi and I've had success. Regardless, your system needs
an unrestricted supply of clean air. Some say remove the intake boot coming
from the front rear fender. Maybe if you live in the city, but I live on a
country gravel road and like the extra protection the duct offers from dust,
etc.. 
COST = $45.00

4) exhaust. Many ways to go here - the key is finding the right balance of
flow while keeing some back pressure on the system (within the ever-present
budget constraints). Exhaust system prices vary widely. I am still looking
into what system I want, but if you have a reputable muffler shop in your
area and you don't want to spend a bunch of $$, I recommend the following
from the cat back: 2.5" pipe, resonator (optional - I believe this is for
acoustics only), and non-turbo muffler - lots of choices here also. The key
is using at least 2.5" pipe. COST = $200+ (varies a bunch)

5) ISV and O2 sensor. Not much detail here: they need to work properly,
otherwise rough idle and improper fuel/air mixture due to faulty sensor.
Again, this will negate gains possible from cam modification. COST = $110
(sensor); ISV?

The bottom line with all this is to make the air and fuel flow freely in and
exhaust freely out. Any weak link in this system will cause you to be
disappointed with a cam upgrade. After you've checked/replaced the above,
then think about the cam. For approx. $600-$700 + labor (all above replaced)
you can have your 4kqs running in proper sort without the cam; for $1200 you
can have it all. My 2 cents.

Dylan Jenkins
'85 4kqs
'71 Guzzi Ambassador

Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry
228-A Cheatham Hall (0324)
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061	       
(o)540/231.6391
(f)540/231.3330
dylan@vt.edu