Trying to pick a cam out but there are way to many choices. I have a question about the blocks from year to year. My decision is greatly narrowed down at summit racing when I select a 1996 engine. Is there a difference in cams from year to year. Before 1996 I have a lot more choices. I know in 96 the 302 went to roller lifters so would this be the reason or is there something else I am missing. What is everyone else using for cams in there 302's. I am running the GT 40 heads and don't want to have to make many changes to the valves/springs.

 

I suspect it's not a roller lifter issue, but the fact that Ford stopped using the 5.0 in everything except trucks(including SUV's) in 96. Everything else started using the 4.6 modular motor.

 

I have a roller cam block in my Mustang. Either the B303 or E303 will work without any problems. I have the E303 in mine with GT40P heads. ALWAYS check piston-to-valve clearance, but you should not have any problems... It would be a good idea to upgrade your valve springs also. Trick Flow makes a good set for around $150. The stock springs on the GT40 heads cannot handle the lift of any cam other than stock.

 

Yep. The mustang stopped using the 5.0 in 96. The explorer motors after that had a weak spring package and the standard 5.0 cam was about the largest upgrade that worked without a valve train upgrade.

 

302 had roller lifters WAYYY before '96

 

Yeah, 302 roller cam was introduced in '85 in the HO Mustang. A few years later they were all roller.

 

Thanks for all the replies. From all the post I have read now it seems I was incorrect in the year they went to roller lifters. Summit racing is also saying that the B303 and E303 is only compatible with engines before 1996. In saying this Tire Dood is running these in a 1996 engine with no issues. Could this just be a glitch in there website or is there something I need to look out for in the 96 engine that has changed since 95?

Looks like I will be changing the springs out though to accommodate a new cam no matter which one I choose. For the low price that they are (and finally something that ships cheap to Canada) I think it will be a must have upgrade.

 

My engine is an 88 or 89, but the only problem would be piston-to-valve clearance. The 96 model 302 should be the same as all the others. Make sure that your PTV clearance is good and you won't have any problems. A 302 is a 302, the only differences are in the internal parts. Pistons, gaskets, etc. probably just a glitch in their website.

 

If I remember correctly, if your engine is pre 85, then you can still use the 85 up roller cam, but you will need the retro fit style roller lifters with the link bars on the rollers. Much the same way a Chevy block before 86 would.