Cam Selection

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Feb 15, 2005 | 08:51 AM

Chrome77

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Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 15

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From: Kansas

Cam Selection

I have an '86 4x2, 301 EFI, with 31" tires. I'm not sure what the rear gear ratio is, I have the four speed with granny low. At 70mph my tach is sitting at 3000.
The main thing this truck does is tow a 2000 lb Shasta camping trailer every other weekend during the summer, and I usually drive it to work during the winter (or any time I can't ride my Kaw).
It does fine on the flats, but on any kind of incline I'm losing speed, and not enough power to keep it up.
The left exhaust manifold is cracked, so I'm upgrading to headers, 2.5" exhaust, and turbo type mufflers. I've heard that bumping the timing up to 12 from 10 will help a bit, but I'm also wondering if anybody has installed an aftermarket cam for towing and if so which one. Not looking for high performance, lopey idle, just something that will work with the 'puter and increase my torque/hp enough to maintain speed on long minor grades (I live in Kansas, we're not talking mountains)...
If I wanted to swap computers, would the goodies from the 5.0 mustangs work (intake, throttle body, etc)?

Thanks!

Tony

Feb 15, 2005 | 09:06 AM

Sycostang67

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 5,491

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From: Kuna ID

I had a friend who built up the 302 in his 86 F-150, but with the computer, he couldn't feel any difference. He couldn't get a chip burned or the comp reprogrammed either, they told him the program was too old. He ended up converting the EFI to a carb, and finally found the power he had built into it. I think the only other thing he could have done was get a donor car like you suggested, for the computer, and air meters and all that electrical crap, because then he could have gotten a chip, or a new program to let the EFI take advantage of a different cam. I believe you want something from the 87-93 period, not too sure, I don't play with EFI. I hate computers......kind of ironic, I'm here huh?

Feb 16, 2005 | 09:24 AM

Chrome77

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Kansas

Hmmm... Maybe I should look into just changing everything over to carburation and standard electronic ignition (MSD)... Edelbrock RPM intake and a Performer carb should do the trick, or would the RPM intake kill my low end too much. All the driving I do is below 3500 rpm. As of right now Kansas doesn't do vehicle inspections, and I haven't heard of anything in the works for them to start. So I should be alright there.

Thanks

Feb 16, 2005 | 06:01 PM

200solomiles

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2005

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Install the headers first then see if you need anything else. I put a set of headers on my 83 f150 302 after spending $3000 rebuilding the engine with a cam and higher compression pistons. the 500.00 I spent on the headers and the exhaust system did as much as the 3 grand on the overhaul and I got 3 more mpg from them.

I tow a 6000lb sailboat with it occassionally now.

Feb 16, 2005 | 08:00 PM

Bruce P

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 94

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From: Ontario Canada

Cam Selection

I have redone my 1986 F150 with a new motor and a Crane Cam Promax 2020
dual exhaust with a crossover. Works good but I still have a sensor problem??? I beleive it is the older style MAP sensor that does not work well with the heavier cam at higher rpms. Not a wild cam and pulls well at low RPM's 1800 -3300. Remember this is not a big block so you can't expect alot of torque out of this motor at lower rpm, the big torque is just not there. Make sure you put in a NON-HO cam as this year of truck computer will not run a Mustang HO-cam. (different timing
I have also heard a single and seen dyno test on a single exhaust system for this truck with a 2.75" due to the single O2 sensor. Headers help but the dyno with the single exhaust was just as good as the dual 2.5" exhaust. Can save you some money
Bruce P.

Last edited by Bruce P; Feb 16, 2005 at 08:06 PM. Reason: spellin

Feb 17, 2005 | 02:14 AM

mako5972

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 544

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From: Ocala, Florida

Visit www.compcams.com go to the online catalog. Find Ford 289-302 and click on it. Go to pages 70-71. There is a cam listed for EFI (speed density) will work with stock computer. Or, you can give them a call at 1 800 999 0853.

Feb 17, 2005 | 08:30 PM

proud_redneck

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 137

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From: in the middle of nowhere

i have a RV cam in my 1980 F350 with a 460. it doesnt have much of a lope, but the bottom-end power is amazing. the previous owner pulled a big horse trailer with a camper shell on it.