stock springs and timing gear/chain???

[Dr. Jeckel]

I am either going to sell my car or do some performance mods in the future and wanted some opinions or experience. If it doesn't sell i plan to add a hooker exhaust, TE-44, 50# injectors, smc alky kit, and a turbotweak chip.
My question is about the stock plastic timing gear and weak springs along with the cam and lifters. Should I replace all of these as well? Is anyone running an upgraded combo with these stock internals? The engine has about 60,000 on it and runs great although the turbo oil seals are starting to leak a bit.
I would probably go with the 208/208 cam if I replaced it.
I have done alot of reading and feel this is the combo for me because this is an everyday driver and I am not looking for an all out race car, just something that can beat most LS1's. I plan to add a 3000 stall and some e.t. streets fairly soon after these mods are complete and I plan to run a max of 25psi of boost with pump gas/alky mix.
Anybody have any other advice. Keep in mind that I am budget minded even though this is some expensive stuff.
Thanks, James.

 

[XLR8]

If you do the work yourself, new valve springs are cheap - around $35.00 - and you will probably feel the difference at rpm above 4000 if you currently have stock springs. Unless they are damaged, the cam and lifters shold be good to go. Replacing the timing set is always a good idea if your going to be pushing more power.

 

[2QUIK6]

Replacing the valve springs and plastic timing gear are a must on a 60k car before any serious problem arise from running it hard.
Both of these are very easy on the pocket book if you do the work yourself, and its not that hard to do yourself.
Springs are about $100 and get the $20 tool from Kirban. Stock replacement steel gear and chain are about $25 from Autozone.
No need for a new cam, check the lift on each valve when the covers are off before changing the springs, but most likely the cam is ok if the car has been cared for during those 60k miles.
No need for new lifters if no new cam.
The stock springs are very weak even if the car had no miles just from setting up and being compressed for 17 years. Replace with a good pair of Comps with about 80-85# of seat pressure at the installed height. You'll find the stockers only have about 60-65# of seat pressure after 17 years.
*
With that and a good tune with the TE-44, 50#ers, maybe an IC upgrade, and a good down pipe, you'll beat most any stock LS1.

 

[Dr. Jeckel]

Thanks for the words of advice. I guess I will leave the cam and lifters alone. I'm just one of those "since I've got it all apart" kinda people. But maybe "leave well enough alone" would work better this time.