Just some general info about using either one of the performance cams. With the perf cam installed, if the stock carb is retained then this will liimit some of the cam effect. The same with the stock header; it has a very limiting 1.3" ID and even with a good muffler it still limits the cams ultimate performance capability.
I do not have dyno specifics, but just as a general observation I would estimate the use of a stock carb and header will limit the stage 1perf cam effect by 40-50%. The stage 2 cam effect limit could be even more.
Replacing the stock carb with a performance unit and the header with a larger tube (1.5" ID is probably the best size) is needed to get the full benefit of a performance camshaft.
Remember, the whole point of changing the cam profile is to allow more fuel/air into and out of the cylinder, and the stock carb and header are primary limiting factors. The exhaust ports in the head are also an important factor and when using the stage 2 perf cam they definitely should be worked to improve flow.
The Stage 1 cam profile is designed specifically for improved torque & power in the throttle range where we ride most. This enhances all the great characteristics that we love in the Savage.
The Stage 2 cam profile is what most would consider to be a street/race cam. It jacks up the throttle range a bit where the torque & power are max. This one is for the hot rodder.
I fully understand the realities of affordability, that is exactly why and how I ended up doing these mod's myself, because I could not find what I needed in the market or could not afford to buy new retail stuff.
I found used or discounted parts from ebay mostly and some from members here. I worked to put parts/kits together from there to make it easier for others wanting to do similar mod's.
With budgeting in mind, I worked my engine mod's in this order: carb swap, perf cam, larger header, and then head porting.
The reason I did the carb before the cam was that I just happened to find an Edelbrock carb on ebay for REALLY cheap and so it just came first.
Damage to the engine case bottom, which was covered by my insurance
and required an complete engine tear down and rebuild, enabled the first perf cam from Webcam to be made and also a slight rebore, with silicone carbide treatment as well
, done by Bore-tech.
At that point I had the stock carb mounted, though it was modified a bit with a Dial-a-jet, drilled slide for quicker response and rejetted.
I later sold it and installed the Edelbrock. The Edelbrock had a needle that was too rich and so the mod'd stock carb went back on after the rebuild until I could get the correct needle.
After that I started getting requests from other forum members to rebuild Edelbrocks for them, and that started the whole parts thing.
I've gotten off topic here....... the point was that a perf cam is a part of the equation, with a perf carb & header and exhaust ports being the other primary components. There is a synergistic effect when all come together.