08VistablueGT

Any good write-ups you guys have anywhere? I'm thinking about doing this myself. I'm pretty good with installs, and have everything (tool wise) needed to install them.

Thanks!

TacoBill

I'd leave it up to an experienced shop Brandon. I'm pretty decent at wrenching, yet I wouldn't feel up to a cam swap.

Also would probably want a dyno tune done at the same time.

97svtgoin05gt

Cam swaps (especially on OHC motors) aren't for the shadetree or backyard mechanic. Mistakes in these kinds of operations cost big $ to correct.

classix_stang289

even with filling the cylinders with compressed air, the valved can still be pushed down if you dont know what you are doing. the only time i would recommend doing it your self is if your building your motor and putting a new set of heads on then you can practice on the heads before you drop them in the car other than that, find a good shop without getting raped with a high price

classix_stang289

i will be doing my own cam swap and head swap when i make my purchase only cause im a experienced technician and i've done a few on other vehicles so far including fords and non ford products. i myself have the know how with these swaps. Can be very expensive for you if some thing goes wrong

08VistablueGT

I agree for sure. The only reason I thought about it was because a friend of mine has done three now on the 2V 4.6.

anthony05gt

I think a cam install on these mod motors is quite simple. I'd rather do my mod motor cams than a pushrod motor any day. Even cams with springs aren't bad at all. Here's a couple of links:

http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=165&viewfil...t%20-%20LH.pdf

http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=165&viewfil...%20Springs.pdf

metroplex

I did a camswap on my 4.6L 2V V8. It was intensive with the engine in the car, it takes a lot of good project management to get things right. The only thing you have to really worry about is camshaft degreeing to get the most power out of the cams. I am not familiar with the 3V engines, but if it is anything like the 2V, it is feasible for a shadetree/backyard mechanic with good planning and patience. For the more aggressive cam profiles, you must take into account potential piston to valve clearance. FWIW, the more aggressive cam profiles just push the powerband up higher, give more horsepower but sacrifices low end torque. E.g. A XE262AH/H on a 4.6L 2V is probably the most ideal for a street engine that is used as a daily driver, keeps the powerband close to stock but gives about a 40 hp boost in power - noticeable loss in low end torque. XE270 and XE278 would push the powerband close towards the maximum safe RPMs for stock internals (6k+ RPM) and you will lose even more low end torque.

anthony05gt

Its' not a bad job at all. You need the proper tools and patience is right. It's tedious and time consuming, but it's not a major modification and requires no real tech training. You only need to follow procedures exactly, but then again, I know a lot of people that can't do the most simple of tasks. You really shouldn't do anything without educating and familiarizing yourself with the process thoroughly. It's always good to ask questions when in doubt.

officespace56

The links don't work for me

metroplex

They even have these newfangled (well, they were introduced in 2003) camshaft swap tools that hold the chains in place for a painless install. I didn't use them and had to remove the front cover.

anthony05gt

I just tried and they are working for me. I don't know what's up with that.

Metroplex, I have tools and the sore **** too. They screw you on the pricing big time. The timing chain wedge was almost $100 with fleet pricing. All it consists of is a piece of plastic with a thin steel rod. It may have costed $5-$10 to manufacture.

classix_stang289

atleast if you leave it up to a shop and something goes wrong, you have them to blame and they have no choice but to fix, now if you do it on the other hand and something goes wrong your S**t out of luck.

70MACH1OWNER

Brenspeed installed my cams for 4 hrs. labor. $280 isn't worth taking the risk in my book.

wallace

man!! wish i could get to brenspeed, install price is nice compared to some places.

metroplex

That is a **** good price.

don_w

That's a nonissue if you aren't removing the springs.

anthony05gt

And even if you are changing springs just make sure that particular cylinder's piston is on top dead center and the valve can only fall several millimeters and can be easily pulled right back up.

karman

At that price, I wouldn't bother to do it myself.

metroplex

+1

If you want the cams swapped, you might as well consider a road trip to Indiana and have Brenspeed take care of it.