Cam help
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Cam help
Does anybody have a cam recommendation for 351w? I'm rebuilding the original engine in a 1985 F150 4X4, stock converter, as cast heads, stock compression (I'm thinking around 9 to 1) 4V and 3:50 gear. I'm not looking for anything radical but just something to give me a little more power over the stock grind.
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Stock compression on this motor was about 8.3 to 1 due mainly to the 69cc chambers in the stock heads, if you want to do a little better than that swap on some late model E7TE or GT40 heads to bring compression up to 9:1 give or take. Consider the Comp cams 35-234-3 or 35-238-3 with new lifters and springs.
Logistics Pro
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From: Algona,WA
Stock compression on this motor was about 8.3 to 1 due mainly to the 69cc chambers in the stock heads, if you want to do a little better than that swap on some late model E7TE or GT40 heads to bring compression up to 9:1 give or take. Consider the Comp cams 35-234-3 or 35-238-3 with new lifters and springs.
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Ok thanks! . I got this truck for $600 so me and my 12 year old son are going to fix it up. As a seasoned SBC guy this SBF thing is all new. How hard are those heads to come by? Does one flow better than the other? Thanks again!!
Logistics Pro
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From: Algona,WA
E7 heads will come from a 1987-1993 I believe SBF. GT40 heads usually come off of Mustangs or late model Exploders. Someone can explain the years of those as they know better than I. There is a GT40P model head as well that has the sparkplug in a different angle than the standard GT40. You will have header clearance issues with those heads, due to the sparkplugs with most headers. Just a note, 302 heads use 7/16 head bolts and 351W heads use 1/2" head bolts. So, if you use 302 heads on a 351W you'll have to drill the head bolt holes out.
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Most guys want a little more cam sound out of these builds and the slightly more aggressive cam will deliver that along with perhaps a touch more torque, but I doubt there would be enough difference in power between these two to feel from the drivers seat. If a person wanted a smoother idle the XE250H would be the better choice.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Algona,WA
Most guys want a little more cam sound out of these builds and the slightly more aggressive cam will deliver that along with perhaps a touch more torque, but I doubt there would be enough difference in power between these two to feel from the drivers seat. If a person wanted a smoother idle the XE250H would be the better choice.
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FTE Legend
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E7TE heads were found on most 5.0 and 5.8 motors from 1987 until the end of production, that includes all trucks except the Lightning and most Mustangs, T-birds and other 5.0 cars. The exceptions are.
1986-1991 Crown Vic/Town Car: E6SE head(Junk)
1996-1997.5 Explorer/Mountaineer: F1ZE GT40 head
1993-1995 Mustang Cobra: F3ZE and F4ZE GT40 heads
1993-1995 F150 Lightning: F1ZE or F3ZE GT40 heads
1997.5-2000 Explorer/Mountaineer: F7ZE GT40P head
1986-1991 Crown Vic/Town Car: E6SE head(Junk)
1996-1997.5 Explorer/Mountaineer: F1ZE GT40 head
1993-1995 Mustang Cobra: F3ZE and F4ZE GT40 heads
1993-1995 F150 Lightning: F1ZE or F3ZE GT40 heads
1997.5-2000 Explorer/Mountaineer: F7ZE GT40P head
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Conan - Reps to you for that.
Nova406 - The GT40 heads vary in combustion chamber size. Use a compression ratio calculator to check which ones will work for you. You probably shouldn't go above 9.5:1 or you will have detonation problems and will also have to run premium gas.
Nova406 - The GT40 heads vary in combustion chamber size. Use a compression ratio calculator to check which ones will work for you. You probably shouldn't go above 9.5:1 or you will have detonation problems and will also have to run premium gas.
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