New cam- what else do I need?
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
New cam- what else do I need?
Greetings again.
I'd like to put a new cam into my 460, but have never done so myself. Before I start picking out a cam, what else needs to be or should be replaced at the same time?
Is it really that hard? I have a fairly good understanding of the engine, but have no idea what has to be "adjusted" when a new cam goes in.
Thanks in advance!
Kevin K.
I'd like to put a new cam into my 460, but have never done so myself. Before I start picking out a cam, what else needs to be or should be replaced at the same time?
Is it really that hard? I have a fairly good understanding of the engine, but have no idea what has to be "adjusted" when a new cam goes in.
Thanks in advance!
Kevin K.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,882
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From: Nevada
New cam- what else do I need?
Lifters, timing chain assembly, assembly lube and cam gasket set (sold for that purpose). I'd also replace the water pump as long as I was in there. What's your valve train and application for the engine?
It's not a difficult or highly technical job, but like any first-time endeavor there's a mechanical learning curve. Make sure you have good manuals.
It's not a difficult or highly technical job, but like any first-time endeavor there's a mechanical learning curve. Make sure you have good manuals.
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Posting Guru
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
New cam- what else do I need?
>What's your valve train and
>application for the engine?
The engine is in a 78 f150 4x4 that I use mainly for off-roading. I will also be plowing my drive with it in the winter. The valve train is stock.
>I think most cam kits com with pushrods also and refacing your >rocker arms ain't a bad idea either
How does one reface a rocker arm? Is that something a shop would have to do or do you mean just polish it up with a dremel?
Thanks all for your responses!
Kevin K.
>application for the engine?
The engine is in a 78 f150 4x4 that I use mainly for off-roading. I will also be plowing my drive with it in the winter. The valve train is stock.
>I think most cam kits com with pushrods also and refacing your >rocker arms ain't a bad idea either
How does one reface a rocker arm? Is that something a shop would have to do or do you mean just polish it up with a dremel?
Thanks all for your responses!
Kevin K.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,882
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
New cam- what else do I need?
You should have pedestal mounted rocker arms, which are non-adjustable. After installation of the cam, lifters and push rods, bolt the rocker arm assemblies on the heads and torque to stated values. No adjustment.
When you purchase your timing gear set, get one for the early ('68-71) engine. '72 on have 4 degrees of retard in them. You'll notice a big difference.
When you select your cam, as pointed out by Quantrex, ask the manufacturer if aftermarket valve springs will be required. If you choose a cam with enough additional lift to require higher seat pressure springs, There are a couple of methods to replace the springs without pulling the heads. As you have a low compression engine, I'd try and stay away from high lift cams that require a spring change.
Most cams are sold as a single item or with lifters as a package to save a couple of bucks. You shouldn't need new push rods.
Refacing rocker arms is something I'm not familiar with.
When you purchase your timing gear set, get one for the early ('68-71) engine. '72 on have 4 degrees of retard in them. You'll notice a big difference.
When you select your cam, as pointed out by Quantrex, ask the manufacturer if aftermarket valve springs will be required. If you choose a cam with enough additional lift to require higher seat pressure springs, There are a couple of methods to replace the springs without pulling the heads. As you have a low compression engine, I'd try and stay away from high lift cams that require a spring change.
Most cams are sold as a single item or with lifters as a package to save a couple of bucks. You shouldn't need new push rods.
Refacing rocker arms is something I'm not familiar with.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
New cam- what else do I need?
Thank you all very much. I think I am ready to embark on this adventure. I just have to figure out how to determine which cam I need.
Thanks again!
Kevin K.
Thanks again!
Kevin K.
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