I have a '88 engine that I'm transplanting in my '85 F150; I will convert it to carb. Not sure how deep I'll get into this engine but I was thinking of doing a stage 1 type cam that is a little healthier but still uses stock springs and other componants. I already have a couple in mind so think I got a grip on that.

I've read numerous threads including this one from 2012:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-question.html

My question is about the thrust plate and spacer. I know about cylinder head bolts and engine fasteners and they do show in stock the thrust plate, so that isn't the issue.

The spacer is part of their finishing kit:

Engine finishing kit Ford 240 /300 4.9 liter #fkf-4

but it shows not in stock and doesn't appear like it will be anytime soon. From a search online, it seems this is a hard bugger to find. I do not have the original Ford part number.

So, from someone who has more experience changing this cam out; is it likely that I can use the old spacer? Is there an alternative part that would work in there? I didn't see sizes (thickness) and my understanding is this sets the endplay for the cam - correct?

I'd hate to get this all apart, find I do need the spacer & my old one won't work. I have not touched anything in the short block yet as I'm still doing research.

TIA

 

Well, no response but thought I'd add a bit of information in case anyone wants to know.

The finishing kit which includes the cam spacer I found in an identical kit on ebay. I'd give the ref link, but I know this crowd expects any poster to do the homework, so feel free to do that.

And, Headbolts.com now has the the kit in full back in stock. I didn't get theirs of course because they weren't in stock when I needed.

I did order a "stage 1" cam that I'm assured will work with stock valve springs. It should be here tomorrow and I'll go ahead and set everything up with my Comp Cams gear drive and all new parts to make it slip right in. This should give me a bit more performance along with my efi exhaust, offy C, and a 2100 carb (1.14 iirc w/o looking).

I'm also waiting for my new cam bearing tool; should be here tomorrow too. I got a set of Clevite cam bearings, so all should be fresh in that regard.

Alot more to this engine refresh, but the title says it all.

 

If I were you I would ck though posts 1-2-3 pages back. There was a member posting about a peculiar issue with cam bearings and how to align the oil hole, etc, some bearings not being correct. Good luck. It is a lot of work.

 

I have and even posted on it. I asked a question and got it answered along with some other good info. I now have the correct, grooved w/2 differents OD cam bearings from Clevite.

That thread didn't answer a particular Q I had on cam installation and didn't want to hijack it, so started the new one here.

 

I got a thrust plate off of evil-Bay.
I got the rest at Rock Auto => ENGINETECH Part # HK112 Small parts hardware kit.

 

The thrust plate I was able to get off of headbolts.com.

The kit like yours I also got off of fee-bay, but they are now again in stock @ headbolts.com.

I now have all the parts including a new cam to assemble it all and slide it in the block once that's prepped. I still need to change cam bearings and do a good general cleanup, but it's coming along nicely.

This cheap used engine has turned into a nearly full rebuild. I would have been better off getting at least a shortblock re-man. But, so it goes I guess...