I want at least 130 rwhp

I'm pretty sure that's what he's referring to yes...it does give gains, but not enough apparently if you want big power...
 
But they'd at least be good for improving some power, right? I'm not looking to make huge power but would like to spice things up without going turbo.
 
There's a zillion threads talking about those cams...search it up and you can find dozens of people's thoughts/experience with them.
 
The JDM/J-Spec cams will give you some sort of gain, but they won't support what you want for your goal. Bigger custom cams will make getting some numbers out a lot easier (spend a lot in that department, you have to spend less everywhere else....as opposed to cheaping out on the cams, and then having to spend masses of cash everywhere else to make cams that are not up to scratch work for you).

In answer to grinding making the cams smaller, yes, grinding does...but it changes the profile, and lowers the base circle. To compensate for the smaller base circle, you shim up to the new cams, which gives you the increased lift the new profile offers. Doing this, however, will likely put undue strain on the valve train, due to the increased weight being pushed down on the valve springs by the shims.

Best bet for cheapness is to get blanks from mazda, and have them ground. As for specs, go to a cam shop and discuss your requirements - they have DECADES of experience with cams, and will be able to offer you the best solution for your needs.
 
2. How much more can I gain with a full EMS over a good piggyback?
3. Is there a BIG difference between a piggyback which only controls VS one who also controls timing (please remember I do have the MP3 ECU (which of course came with the car) which is better then the stock one))?

Depending on the piggy back, you should THEORETICALLY get the same gains between a piggy back and a stand alone. Stand alone will give you other options, and increased flexibility though. I believe that some piggy backs are limited in what they can enable the stock ecu to do.

Fuel vs Fuel and timing....massive difference. Huge. FSDE responds very well to increased timing advance.
 
Do you know of/have any contacts to get blanks from Mazda? I figure getting them through a stealership would get rather expensive. Also, what should I have in mind budget wise to get a set custom ground? I'd rather not get over my head if possible. The biggest thing for me - as you have stated - is that I don't want to play around with my valve train...which is why I'd rather have a longer duration then higher lift. Also, I'll have to really start talking to people who KNOW about engine stuff (like Brian MP5T who keeps preaching to me that I can't just drop cams in the car without thinking about the shims in there) to see what I have to look out for.
On the 2nd subject, do you have any idea of what the best piggyback is for the money? I've heard good stuff about the MPI...It seems pretty good for what it is, especially bang for your buck...
 
Do you know of/have any contacts to get blanks from Mazda? I figure getting them through a stealership would get rather expensive. Also, what should I have in mind budget wise to get a set custom ground? I'd rather not get over my head if possible. The biggest thing for me - as you have stated - is that I don't want to play around with my valve train...which is why I'd rather have a longer duration then higher lift. Also, I'll have to really start talking to people who KNOW about engine stuff (like Brian MP5T who keeps preaching to me that I can't just drop cams in the car without thinking about the shims in there) to see what I have to look out for.
On the 2nd subject, do you have any idea of what the best piggyback is for the money? I've heard good stuff about the MPI...It seems pretty good for what it is, especially bang for your buck...

AWR used to stock blanks..not sure about these days though.

You could also ask some of the AVs, protege garage i believe sells OEM parts so they can get into the Mazda supply chain.

Cost..no idea what it'll cost in america. In oz, to machine a blank cam you'd be looking at about $300 AUD.... then the cost of the shims. Full blown custom billet blank you'd be up for $900 AUD....give or take.

Best piggy back? i have never played with a piggy back on these motors. Go with what is known to work, and what has the best support out there (be that by the community or hte manufacturer). Or get a stand alone Microtech and don't look back :)
 
So roughly the same price as getting a set of JDMs, except that they will be to MY specs...that's not that bad at all. Not sure I can get that kind of a deal up here in Canada, but I'll definitely look around this winter...I won't have the cash for sticks or a piggy-back until next year...
 
So roughly the same price as getting a set of JDMs, except that they will be to MY specs...that's not that bad at all. Not sure I can get that kind of a deal up here in Canada, but I'll definitely look around this winter...I won't have the cash for sticks or a piggy-back until next year...

Yeah find a cam place that has lots of experience in DOHC 4 bangers and talk to them... you really need to be comfortable with their knowledge....
 
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