Cam selection
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 169
Likes: 9
Cam selection
Ok guys, I’m moving along in my project truck (89 351w into a 94 F150 4x4 manual trans) and had a question about cam selection as I’m rebuilding the 351. The guy at the shop told me to leave the cam stock and get an aftermarket chip. My question is, can I do a slightly upgraded cam to give her a little more get up and go without having to worry about the computer/electronics??? Without having to take it in to have it reprogrammed/adjusted? Any cam suggestions? Leaving it stock EFI and plan to add long tube headers. Deleting smog pump, EGR and A/C.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 904
Likes: 115
From: Laurel, MS
Since you've got the block at the machine shop anyway I would be tempted to have them drill and tap the two holes in the lifter valley that will allow you to install the "spider and dog bones" to run a roller cam (so you don't have to worry about ZDDP levels in your oil). Check out the roller cam that Scndsin ran in his build (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...5-8-build.html). I think he's pretty happy with it and it ran fine with the Speed Density ECU. (He has swapped to MAF, and more recently to PimpX, but that was not because of problems with the cam).
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
I do not think a 1989 vintage 5.8L engine has provisions for a roller cam. No bosses for the spider bracket and I believe the lifter bores are shorter. The OP would need a F4TE block to do that retro fit. Or use link bar lifters, which are not cheap.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,339
Likes: 293
From: Laramie, WY
Since you've got the block at the machine shop anyway I would be tempted to have them drill and tap the two holes in the lifter valley that will allow you to install the "spider and dog bones" to run a roller cam (so you don't have to worry about ZDDP levels in your oil). Check out the roller cam that Scndsin ran in his build (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...5-8-build.html). I think he's pretty happy with it and it ran fine with the Speed Density ECU. (He has swapped to MAF, and more recently to PimpX, but that was not because of problems with the cam).
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 377
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Also, If you are staying speed density, you do NOT want to go crazy with the cam. The ECM more than likely will not be able to make the correct adjustments.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
A roller cam in a non roller block like this requires link bar lifters, they aren't cheap but if you're buying everything new it's a wash as there is no need for the OEM spider assembly.
Another EFI friendly flat tappet cam is the Comp 35-255-5.
Another EFI friendly flat tappet cam is the Comp 35-255-5.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,342
Likes: 1,316
From: Central Mississippi
You need to be leery of anybody that tells you these can be tuned with "just a chip".
You can do about 300 hp flywheel with 10-15 inches of vacuum min at idle on the stock computer & it run close to right.
Any more & you going to have issues or fork over cash for upgrades, period.
Anybody tells you dif, is looking to fatten their wallet or truly doesn't have a clue & should be avoided.
You can ditch portions of the AIR, but leave solenoids electrically connected, but the EGR must remain semi-functional to avoid codes.
You can do about 300 hp flywheel with 10-15 inches of vacuum min at idle on the stock computer & it run close to right.
Any more & you going to have issues or fork over cash for upgrades, period.
Anybody tells you dif, is looking to fatten their wallet or truly doesn't have a clue & should be avoided.
You can ditch portions of the AIR, but leave solenoids electrically connected, but the EGR must remain semi-functional to avoid codes.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 169
Likes: 9
You need to be leery of anybody that tells you these can be tuned with "just a chip".
You can do about 300 hp flywheel with 10-15 inches of vacuum min at idle on the stock computer & it run close to right.
Any more & you going to have issues or fork over cash for upgrades, period.
Anybody tells you dif, is looking to fatten their wallet or truly doesn't have a clue & should be avoided.
You can ditch portions of the AIR, but leave solenoids electrically connected, but the EGR must remain semi-functional to avoid codes.
You can do about 300 hp flywheel with 10-15 inches of vacuum min at idle on the stock computer & it run close to right.
Any more & you going to have issues or fork over cash for upgrades, period.
Anybody tells you dif, is looking to fatten their wallet or truly doesn't have a clue & should be avoided.
You can ditch portions of the AIR, but leave solenoids electrically connected, but the EGR must remain semi-functional to avoid codes.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 169
Likes: 9
shop said springs look good
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 169
Likes: 9
I really was trying to keep it “stock” with a little extra get up and go….. I looked at the comp cam and think that’ll work. Just use stock replacement lifters and my original push rods is the plan
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,342
Likes: 1,316
From: Central Mississippi
The factory computer must "see" the sensor be actuated when it commands the valve to "move".
No single device can fake that.