Stage 1 or Stage 2 hotcam

[0101]

Im trying to decide between a stage 1 and stage 2 hotcam.

I will not be running a high compression piston for a while, if at all.

I want mid to top power for hill climbs and things of that sort.

Should I go with stage 1 or stage 2?

Im afraid of the lost compression with the stage 2, but dont need the low end power of the stage 1, i would like it more in the middle to the top.

Does the stage 1 still pull hard in the middle and top compared to the stage 2?

What do you guys think i should get?

the stage 1 pulls real nice in the middle. still does have a topend gain over stock but not as much of a hit. I was reading an article last night they compared the 400x to the z400 and rated just about everything. We have more bottom end, about equal mid and we slack up top by a good amount. Here is where they need to incorporate VTEC into them. I dont think it is a slug up top mine pulls nicely but it doesnt have that hit in the powerbad where you feel it really moving its just kind of the same starts to flatten out. I just like the more all around of the stage 1 but if your looking for mostly mid to upper go with the stage 2.

[0101]

Thats what i'm thinking, Im dropping a tooth up front, so i should have plenty low end.

Do you guys think that top end is needed more for climbing hills (dunes) or low end? I think I would need more mid/top end...

[hondaking52]

stage 2 cams are geared more towards a high comp and bigger bore setups, i'd just go with the stage 1

[rob_990]

get a stage 2 if you plan on doing any motor work in the future

[Honda#4]

Go with a stg 1 for now untill you finally decide to bore yours its easy enough to swap out cams.

[honda400ex2003]

stage 1 would be great. steve

[0101]

So the stage 1 would be best for my setup?

My setup:
2002 400ex
FMF Powercore 4
K&N Filter W/airbox
14t Front sprocket

Thats about it engine wise.

Remember, I just need the extra help going up the hills. For some reason, she's having trouble pulling through to the top of the dunes.

[honda400ex2003]

yeah you will like it. the stage 2 is not good for a stock motor anyways. a cam takes away a bit of compression and so a stage 2 should only be used with a higher comp piston. The stage 1 works really well with the stock comp. and will be a great addition to your exhaust and the 14 tooth. steve

[iownatoyota]

but if you plan a rebuilin a year go with the stage 2 cam because u will probably be bumping up compression is you are going to put a new piston and rings in :)

[honda400ex2003]

although it still depends on where you want your power to be. steve