Mistake using 88 gt cam?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 193
Likes: 34
From: Upstate, SC
Mistake using 88 gt cam?
Ive used the search option and havnt found the info to make up my mind yet.
I had a core engine from a 88 gt that I rebuilt for my 94 150 (s.cab, auto, 3.73). I did some port and polish work on the heads, used the gt cam with 1.7 rockers, and truck manifolds. Ive been happy with the set up for years but now have a new camper and the truck feels weak on the hwy. My gross weight with camper and gear is 12,300lbs. I know Im at the factory limits but new truck is out.
Did I make a mistake using the gt cam? Would I feel a drastic change swapping cam with the stock truck cam or an aftermarket one? Would headers make a big change? I am swapping the 3.73 for a 4.10. Should I just be happy with the gear swap and ride on?
Thanks for any input I can get.
I had a core engine from a 88 gt that I rebuilt for my 94 150 (s.cab, auto, 3.73). I did some port and polish work on the heads, used the gt cam with 1.7 rockers, and truck manifolds. Ive been happy with the set up for years but now have a new camper and the truck feels weak on the hwy. My gross weight with camper and gear is 12,300lbs. I know Im at the factory limits but new truck is out.
Did I make a mistake using the gt cam? Would I feel a drastic change swapping cam with the stock truck cam or an aftermarket one? Would headers make a big change? I am swapping the 3.73 for a 4.10. Should I just be happy with the gear swap and ride on?
Thanks for any input I can get.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
Consider this: 12300 lbs is about 4x the weight of an 88 Mustang. The 5.0 HO engine is not exactly ideal for such a heavy vehicle, no matter what cam you use. The GT cam is actually pretty good for a stocker; the real restrictions are in the stock heads. What level of porting did you do? In any case, to significantly increase power from the engine usually means increasing torque in the higher rpm ranges, so the 4.1 axle will definitely help, as will headers. The next low cost upgrade should be a high flow cat-back exhaust system.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 193
Likes: 34
From: Upstate, SC
I built the motor 9 years ago and dont remember the extent of the port job. I did open all ports to the diameter of the gaskets and worked the cambers around the valves. I know its a 302 and not a torqued up 5.8. I dont want to spend the money and time for new cam, headers, exhaust, t. body ect. ect. and get done to realize its still just a 302 and all that work makes it a little better. If the gt cam is killing me, I would change it. Ive got the 4.10 gear coming and thinking about headers. The exhaust is stock with no converters. thanks
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
For pulling that much weight you have two options, swap in 4.56 gears and let the little 5.0 operate where it makes usefull power... 3000+ rpm, or swap in a 5.8 with similar mods and keep the gearing you have now. With the 5.0 RV cams don't really make more TQ they just restrict higher RPM HP so it feels like the motor is stronger down low, IMO this motor isn't big enough for heavy hauling unless you gear it to the moon or throw some boost at it.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 193
Likes: 34
From: Upstate, SC
Thanks Conanski, thats the info I was searching for. I know I need more truck. Just wanted to make sure others agreed without me spending all the time and money to mod this engine to the max, and get done and see that I still need more truck. Im going with the 4.10 gear cause I can swap a 3.73 and L/S diff I have laying around for the 4.10. I might do full length headers and exhaust, but I dont want to hear it while Im towing the camper for several hours.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Just out of curiosity did you put 3.73 gears in the truck, that ratio isn't a factory option and if you didn't swap them in that means you probably have 3.55s, so 4.10s would be a noticable improvement.
Headers and exhaust don't have to be loud, select a larger(24"+ body) non-chambered muffler(no Dronemasters), include a cat in the system and keep the tubing at 2.5" diameter max and you'll have pleasant muted rumble.
Headers and exhaust don't have to be loud, select a larger(24"+ body) non-chambered muffler(no Dronemasters), include a cat in the system and keep the tubing at 2.5" diameter max and you'll have pleasant muted rumble.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 193
Likes: 34
From: Upstate, SC
I bought the truck needing trans rebuilt and oil pump screen replaced. I put the 3.73 and oil pump/screen in while trans was out, then put the rebuilt engine in it about 6000 miles later. Also gutted the cats. Lowered the back to get nuetral rake and installed Airlift bags on back.
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