Hello I have a 1989 ford 7.3 idi n/a with a zf5. Been reading some forums on here and I'm just looking where to buy them now. Pulling my motor to clean it up paint it up and fix some issues wanting to put a cam in it while I'm there. Any info would help.

 

There are two cams available that I'm aware of. Both are regrinds as nobody makes blanks for the IDI and there isn't enough demand to start making blanks cost effectively. You'll need a core to provide.

One cam is from R&D IDI Performance, Justin the owner is a member here and has pushed the limits of the IDI platform and got some impressive power out of these engines. Camshafts

The other cam is a regrind that a member Typ4 and a cam grinder collaborated to keep offering. Nobody will publish numbers on this cam and nobody who has one has degreed it and published numbers so it's a bit of a mystery but certainly better than stock. Supposedly used in a lot of logging trucks that were naturally aspirated. PM Typ4 for info.

The typ4 cam might be a better choice if you plan to stay naturally aspirated, the R&D cam if you plan to turbo. Just guessing as I've not used either thus far, though when I get to that point I will order the R&D cam.

Also, hello from NJ...

 

Ah another New Jerseyian! Thanks for the help! I've heard about typ4 and r&d idi. Will the r&d idi help a n/a truck at all. I can't really send my cam out looking just to replace I have another truck I'm looking to put the stock cam into that had a cam issue. Was hoping to replace mine with a performance one.

 

Depends if either source has cores. You'd have to contact each and see, if they have a few cores on hand they'll probably just charge you more, if not you'll need a core. I have a "spare" core from an engine I parted out that I intend to use when I get the R&D cam (mine has a turbo). If you're in a pinch and really need a core to use we may be able to figure something out. I need my truck for towing to the river until it gets colder but once it gets colder I need to replace my rad support and water pump, been thinking that may be the time to do the cam. At that point I'll really have a spare.

Personally I'm more inclined to go with R&D since Justin publishes cam specs. I don't care for secret sauce, but the typ4 grind is a performance improvement. You'd have to talk to Justin at R&D and see what he says about using his grind on a NA engine. It's a 178/190 at .050" on a 108 LSA with .410"/.412" lift. Tight LSA and my understanding is the idea is bleed some compression to allow more boost and also spool faster with the bit of overlap that surely entails. Also plan on valve springs, Comp 910 are commonly used for the IDI shimmed .030" gets in the ballpark but really should be checked for installed height and set to spec. on each valve. More of a concern with a turbo (backpressure on exhaust valve).

Maybe someone who has run one or the other cam on a NA engine will offer some input.

 

Well for those asking heres the update. I did send out specs on the cam but as it turns out Delta ****ed up the grind so bad as of late that it doesnt match the specs.
So now im working with Oregon cams to bring a drop in to market. It will be a while yet.
Ive held my tongue as long as possible.
Russ

 

Definetely interested in a drop in in the future ��. Does that mean you aren't doing anymore regrinds typefour? I'm looking to have a coma within the next month.

 

1989 FORD F-350 7.3L 445cid V8 DIESEL Camshaft | RockAuto

 

While it's a good link, I'm pretty sure the OP wanted a performance grind, not a stock one.
Stock cams aren't particularly prone to wear, and will last just about forever.



I'm going to chime in here with having seen first hand(I believe) what Delta can't seem to do right, at least for Russ.

Justin @R&D is also using Delta cams, but he claims to not be having issues with them screwing the cam up.

Either way, though, I'm not going to trust any cam out of Delta without verifying it myself or having someone verify it for me.

I believe Oregon cams can inspect a cam for a nominal fee, though I haven't had them do one yet.

 

The stage 1 does help NA, but i would go the torque cam if youre for sure staying NA

 

Alright thank you for all the replys guys! I do plan on staying N/A at least with this truck. Good to know the stage 1 will work and give me some power but I'll wait around till type 4 has another cam option.

 

The stage 1 will lose some of the low end, but pick it up in the mid / top end. The torque cam will pick up low to midrange without falling off on top.