Doing some cam shopping for my '85 F150 4x4. I've finally narrowed it down to the comp cams 252h. The truck never sees any action above 3000 rpm so I really don't need anything crazy. I'm running into a lot of info on the comp 260h on here, but not much on the 252. I do a lot of slow speed trails and a little towing as well. It's basically my weekend offroader
and it sees some camping trips too. The truck has a 300 that was originally on an irrigation pump thanks to the PO, so I'm not sure if it has a different cam or not. I had and '84 with a 300 and the power band felt totally different.

Here's my setup...
85 F150 4x4
300 / C6 / NP208 / 3.08
Cruises at 2500 rpm at 65 mph with 30" tires.

Am I going down the right road here or is there another cam that would work better?

 

The Comp 252 or Iskenderian Mil-A-Mor would both be good bets. Is your engine stock now? Any plans for a new intake/carb or exhaust?

 

I'm planning on running EFI manifolds with 2.5 single exhaust...and maybe a DP intake later on down the road. I'm just looking for some torque right of idle with out a change in idle quality. I've noticed the comp 252 doesn't require swapping out valve springs...is this correct?

 

But yes...engine is all stock with 2" single exhaust.

 

I know some cams don't require new springs but, IMO it's still something you should do. It's just cheap insurance.

 

x2 on the switching out of valve springs. The current ones are old and worn out, so change them just to be safe. The 252 is perfect for your current setup.

Jim

 

And new lifters too.

 

Yep.......

 

Thanks for the heads up on the springs! What do I need to do about the timing set? Do I trust the comp cams one or go with another vender. How loud is the all metal set compared to the metal/fiber combo? Is the comp cams kit the way to go,or should I just get the cam and pick and choose from other venders when it come to the lifters, springs...etc? Thanks for the info!

 

I think that if I were doing it and changing the springs, I'd def. install new locks and retainers too. Like the springs, those items have been holding pressure for many a mile. And Harte was absolutely correct: Cam and lifters are a married couple. Never separate. If one is changed, the other goes with it.

One other note, and I don't mean to tack items onto your bill, but I think you'd be foolish not to change the timing gears (replace with metal/metal gears. Cloyes makes a nice aluminum/steel set that is quieter) since you'll have one out anyways. And b/c you'll be putting a bit more strain on the v.train. "I'll bet that's why cam co's make cam kits."

 

Understood. I'm just questioning the quality of the comp cams components. Thanks for all the input I really appreciate it!

 

You mean vs. the quality of their cams? No worries. Their K-kits are a good value. Isky's kits are ~$100 more but come with new pushrods to boot.

 

I'm running all Comp...nary a problem.

 

Awesome! That's what I was looking for!

 

Reading the previous posts, I'd say to stay away from the Isky kits. Although Isky is top of the line, for some reason they want to put dual springs on the 300, with, IIRC about 140 lbs @ the seat. I removed the inner spring and still got 120 lbs @ the seat! For reference, Clifford requires 110 lbs @ the seat. I think the comp springs are about 80 lbs @ the seat.