Cam and Headers
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5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2024
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Cam and Headers
95 Eddie Bauer F-150 5.0 V8 2wd 8ft bed single cab. It does have a MAF. Bypassed air injection and no cat. Currently have a single in dual out 14" magnaflow muffler for the exhaust. I want to get an upgraded camshaft and headers. I need info and tips on where to start with the cam. Any and all info is appreciated. Maybe who to go to/where to start. I know I may need to get the computer in the truck programmed/tuned differently? Is there somebody good nationwide that I could use? Thank you! I've heard the Ford Racing E303 cam is a good one. True?
Last edited by Bongorfians; Apr 2, 2025 at 06:56 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,775
Likes: 1,006
I would search first. There are plenty of threads and opinions about this.
My take is that a cam is not going to give you tons of power. It will just shift the power to a different place, usually the upper end of the RPM. I would also look at the big picture and look at everything. Start at the air filter and end at the tailpipe. All of it should be addressed. It saves time if you do it at the same time. The wallet usually does not like that.
If/when you go down this path, the coolant pump, thermostat, and front cover will be coming off. Expect that to be a challenge. Search that too. Lots of horror stories.
My take is that a cam is not going to give you tons of power. It will just shift the power to a different place, usually the upper end of the RPM. I would also look at the big picture and look at everything. Start at the air filter and end at the tailpipe. All of it should be addressed. It saves time if you do it at the same time. The wallet usually does not like that.
If/when you go down this path, the coolant pump, thermostat, and front cover will be coming off. Expect that to be a challenge. Search that too. Lots of horror stories.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 739
Likes: 256
From: Zimmerman, MN
On a 30 year old truck: Seconded!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,548
Likes: 845
You can get piggy back computer, Tweecer or Quarter Horse for tuning.
If your MAF, get a decent computer friendly cam that won't require tuning.
Probably sounds good, but probably doesn't perform good for a truck if used as a truck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,775
Likes: 1,006
I got a Tweecer on my CA/MAF 5.8L. Although maybe the engine runs good stock, but with the Tweecer, I was able to tune the ignition timing where it is a noticeable improvement. I can't see the stock computer doing that by itself. Maybe the fuel side because of the MAF sensor, but not the ignition side.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 5,066
Likes: 863
From: N.W. Alabama
I would gear it, 4.10's, would wake it up, then maybe 1.7 roller rockers, and long tube headers, and dont start a rabbit hole, you cant get out of...may as well, I'm already here, problem. rusty coolant pump/timing cover bolts.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I had the Comp 35-349-8 in a 5.0 in my '90 F150 with a FMS maf conversion(mustang ecm), it ran strong but the truck could have used more gearing.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 511
Likes: 68
The stock truck roller is not that bad of a cam really. The stock MAF system adjusts pretty well as long as you dont go too crazy. A lot depends on what you are doing with the truck. If hauling, or low speed work, I would stick with the cam you have. If its your hot rod toy, well that opens it up. Lots of cams out there from the Mustang 5.0 world, and you can reuse a used roller, so that opens up a lot of cheap take out cams from the mustang guys upgrading. As long as you keep with a computer friendly valve overlap the computer will probably be fine. Another thing though, if you hoping to see much from the mods, the heads are the real bottle neck. You will also probably find you want more gear in the truck depending on what you have now.
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