[jwhit]

anybody running sniper with cam that has big cam? if so what issues if any do you have

[TransAm400]

What do you consider big? I’m running 242/248 on a 112 in a 455.

[jwhit]

Originally Posted by TransAm400

What do you consider big? I’m running 242/248 on a 112 in a 455.

231/240 with lca of 113 for ram 4 cam but i think i need to go down to
224/234 with 114 lca

what cam do you have and did you have to do special tuning to make it work

[JLMounce]

In general, these systems can often support a cam that will produce around 6" of vacuum and higher without a lot of tweaking. A cam large enough to pull that little vacuum will likely still require some trial and error idle and off-idle tuning, but shouldn't be too much of a headache for either the Sniper or FiTech systems.

If the engine produces less vacuum than that, the systems can still function, but getting them to work properly requires a lot of manual tuning, outside of what is easily achieved through the handhelds. If you're getting into that large of a cam, you would really be better served with a different offering. If it has to be a TBI system, I'd look at the holley terminator. Tuning is more involved but that system has more capability.

[jwhit]

Originally Posted by JLMounce

In general, these systems can often support a cam that will produce around 6" of vacuum and higher without a lot of tweaking. A cam large enough to pull that little vacuum will likely still require some trial and error idle and off-idle tuning, but shouldn't be too much of a headache for either the Sniper or FiTech systems.

If the engine produces less vacuum than that, the systems can still function, but getting them to work properly requires a lot of manual tuning, outside of what is easily achieved through the handhelds. If you're getting into that large of a cam, you would really be better served with a different offering. If it has to be a TBI system, I'd look at the holley terminator. Tuning is more involved but that system has more capability.

thats what i was thinking i want the sound of ram 4 cam but i nned to come to truth i aint going to get it i was advisde to go with crower 243 cam which may have little lope

[65madgoat]

You'll have no problem with that 231/240 cam with a Fitech - start out at setting 3 for cam choice on handheld.

[jwhit]

Originally Posted by 65madgoat

You'll have no problem with that 231/240 cam with a Fitech - start out at setting 3 for cam choice on handheld.

i have holley sniper but it does have selection for cams i assume if fitech works holley should also

[JLMounce]

If you want lope, you probably want to narrow up the LSA. spreading out the LSA will tame the idle on an otherwise large cam.

I run a 232/238 112+4 hydraulic roller in my 462. It idles near dead smooth with FiTech commanding my timing. The cams you are looking at will be no problem for a Sniper.

[jwhit]

Originally Posted by JLMounce

If you want lope, you probably want to narrow up the LSA. spreading out the LSA will tame the idle on an otherwise large cam.

I run a 232/238 112+4 hydraulic roller in my 462. It idles near dead smooth with FiTech commanding my timing. The cams you are looking at will be no problem for a Sniper.

so would running the ram4 (041)cam with sniper and only 9.5 comp be ok or should i stay with little smaller cam

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by jwhit

so would running the ram4 (041)cam with sniper and only 9.5 comp be ok or should i stay with little smaller cam

How big is the engine it's going in?

I ask because 9.5:1 compression in a 455 can be "doable" with a RAIV camshaft, however a 400 not so much.

[jwhit]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

How big is the engine it's going in?

I ask because 9.5:1 compression in a 455 can be "doable" with a RAIV camshaft, however a 400 not so much.

400 .030 over running 6x-4 heads with dome pistons sounds like im better off with little smaller cam my next pick was 224/234 @.050 .466/.488 lift 114 lsa summit 2802 cam
or is this still to big

[JLMounce]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

How big is the engine it's going in?

I ask because 9.5:1 compression in a 455 can be "doable" with a RAIV camshaft, however a 400 not so much.

Originally Posted by jwhit

400 .030 over running 6x-4 heads with dome pistons sounds like im better off with little smaller cam my next pick was 224/234 @.050 .466/.488 lift 114 lsa summit 2802 cam
or is this still to big

For clarification sake since this is about the Sniper specifically. The Sniper itself would be able to handle an 041 cam in a +0.030 400. That wouldn't be a problem.

The problem is sticking that cam into a 400. It'll be really soft in a 9.5:1 combination 406. Remember, when something like a RA IV Firebird was spec'd, that engine was more like 10.5:1 and required both a manual trans and a minimum 3.90 gear to be spec'd to the car.

Now an 068 in that combination would be pretty good if you wanted to stick with an OE style cam. I think you mentioned looking at the VooDoo 704 as well which I think would probably be a better pick.

[76TA462]

I am using Dave’s (SD Performance) 236/245 dur @ .050" lift .578"/.582" lift with 112 lobe sep with my Sniper. No issues at all.

[jwhit]

Originally Posted by 76TA462

I am using Dave’s (SD Performance) 236/245 dur @ .050" lift .578"/.582" lift with 112 lobe sep with my Sniper. No issues at all.

did you have to do any extra tuning to make it work or did the base program work?

[JLMounce]

Yes the Sniper and FiTech from a hardware standpoint are nearly identical. Both have some advantages or disadvantages in the software package.

While these systems are a great entry into the world of EFI, you should temper your expectations that it will be perfect from the start and that you’ll never have to touch it.

They are only ever as good as their installation, supporting systems and the inputs provided to them. Although they claim “self learning” they can never learn what your engine likes or needs, only what you tell it. If you tell the system to run on parameters that your engine doesn’t like, it’ll run poorly.

You should expect to within a short period need to make adjustments for cold start fueling and throttle tip in. Those two items are the most common areas that will need attention.

All that said, once you get the system installed and any minor issues ironed out, I can almost guarantee you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

[TransAm400]

It should idle fine on the box tune with that cam. Once you get it up and running you will always want to tweak your tune up for optimum performance no matter what cam. Are you controlling timing with the Sniper?

[jwhit]

Originally Posted by TransAm400

It should idle fine on the box tune with that cam. Once you get it up and running you will always want to tweak your tune up for optimum performance no matter what cam. Are you controlling timing with the Sniper?

no timing controll yet thats coming in future

[ID67goat]

Sniper running with a solid roller 256/264 a .050, 108 LSA.

Definitely had to tune with the laptop and did not run out of the box.

Get timing control if you can, not really worth having these systems without it in my opinion.

[JLMounce]

I agree, use timing control. You’ve got to wire the thing anyway, might as well do the ignition at the same time.

Better throttle response, better heat management, better fuel economy. In fact with the timing control you can run a larger cam and it will typically take it down over a basic advance curve with weights and springs. Allows you to make more power without sacrificing manners.

[76TA462]

At the start I had a long way to get past RF gremlins (mostly but not only ground issues - old). After that the Sniper worked with the base tune, but I did plenty of additional tuning after that and it made things even better. About a year later I added timing control. I already had a MSD billet so I only had to change to a MSD phase kit.