So i have been doing some research about adjustable cam gears at a few different MPG websites and it seems to me that if i were to get an adjustable cam gear for 95 SL1 SOHC i would be able to advance the cam timing a few degrees and shift the powerband down the rpm range hopefully to something like peak torque at 1400-700rpm. I know that it would reduce the top end of the car (the SOHC only revs to 5500rpm anyway but i stay below 2500rpm - 2600rpm max) The peak torque on the Saturn SOHC engine comes on right around 2450rpm. I know that is low but since i shift between 1600-2000rpm i figured it would drastically help to be able to have peak torque available at those rpm for acceleration and cruising (60mph at about 2100rpm) i know that diamondlarry had a small cam advance (2-4 degrees) when he had his head shaved and it supposedly helped out alot. The adjustable cam gear for the Saturn also is only about $75 so i think that is a reasonable enough price to have torque available at such a low rpm. Anyways let me know what you guys think.
Your engine characteristics are similar to my Ford 2.3L truck. I put in an adjustable cam gear and advanced about 9*. This was to offset taller gearing and still get up my steep driveway fully loaded and towing. The result of the 9* advance was significantly more torque from 1500 rpm to about 2500 or so where more horsepower makes it hard to feel the difference. The MPG benefit is unnoticeable due to the bigger wheels and tires that were fitted about the same time.
I think it's worth experimenting for fun though you'll not see a financial payback. Keep in mind that the intake and exhaust are likely tuned to the current 2450 rpm torque peak so you may not see as much benefit as if these were tuned to match.
I got adjustable cam gears for mine that I haven't put in yet. I have a V6, and the weight savings is almost a pound per gear, so that alone may make a difference. I'm looking forward to playing with it, and will post results.
I'm looking forward to your results.
adjustable cam gears?
Linear Mode
