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Cam and header Question

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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 01:24 PM
  #1  
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Exclamation Cam and header Question

I was wanting to know the best combo for low to midrange torque. I'll be going through with the swap this summer and want to look at some prices so I know how much i need to save for. I want long tube headers and a good cam, just dont know what kind yet... Would like to keep stock computer, so nothing too extreme. Im also hoping that these two upgrades will help out a little with fuel consumption. All opinions welcome.

Vehicle Specs:
1989 F250
351w FI w/ C6
4.10 gears
31,000 org. miles
FIPK K&N intake
GAS hogg (6 mpg, 7.5 highway)
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 02:22 PM
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You'll get lots more power with those changes, but because of the gearing and tranny in that truck fuel milage won't likely improve.
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 02:24 PM
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crane cam in my sig. I just finished putting it in last weekend. Made one heck of an improvement. I highly reccomend it as its one of the few cams that will work with the stock speed density system.

Though the new cam is definately NOT helping my truck with fuel consumption, having that extra power under my foot is too much for me. The last couple days I have been driving around like the dumb teenager i am because i cant keep my foot out of it.
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Conanski
You'll get lots more power with those changes, but because of the gearing and tranny in that truck fuel milage won't likely improve.
Yeah, i didnt think it would help much. I still want this to be my first project truck, regaurdless. I'll be pulling alot of heavy loads for work next summer and i want the extra power to help out.
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 05:10 PM
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As i have never done this before, i would like to know exactly what parts i will need (lifters, rocker arms, any gaskets, etc.) and the best way to go about removeing the old cam. I want to know now, so i can plan for the best time to do the swap, where i dnt need the truck for awhile during the summer. When i start the swap, ill make a new thread and post any questions that i may have. Thanks
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 05:43 PM
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How many miles on your truck?
I assume you're going no further than just minimum for the the swap?

Timing chain set.
Front seal (and a sleeve if the damper is grooved)
Possibly a waterpump (since it's inexpensive, and the old one is already off.)
Maybe hoses too, since you'll have to yank the rad if you're doing it in the truck.

Buy cam, lube and lifters as a set! Forget about pushrods and rockers unless they look bad.

Most gasket companies sell a "cam" set with intake, valve cover, timing case, and waterpump gaskets together.
I like Victor Reinz brand, some like Fel-Pro.
Coolant, break in oil and filter, fresh oil and filter, new belt. (or belts)
Don't forget silicone for the end seals and anything that goes into water...
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
How many miles on your truck?
I assume you're going no further than just minimum for the the swap?

Timing chain set.
Front seal (and a sleeve if the damper is grooved)
Possibly a waterpump (since it's inexpensive, and the old one is already off.)
Maybe hoses too, since you'll have to yank the rad if you're doing it in the truck.

Buy cam, lube and lifters as a set! Forget about pushrods and rockers unless they look bad.

Most gasket companies sell a "cam" set with intake, valve cover, timing case, and waterpump gaskets together.
I like Victor Reinz brand, some like Fel-Pro.
Coolant, break in oil and filter, fresh oil and filter, new belt. (or belts)
Don't forget silicone for the end seals and anything that goes into water...
Ill probably be taking the motor out to where i can work on it easier and am able to put on the header and new gaskets without much difficulty. ill have between $300-600 for anything i need, but im sure i can hit up the old man if i need more cash!! I want a quality cam that will produce a lot of power, but won't affect the computer. Also, just curious, how many horses/torque does a stock 351w make, and how much will these numbers increase with the new cam and headers?

Thanks for the info ArdWrknTrk.

Oh! there is 31000 orig miles on the motor.. forgot to answer your question. lol
 

Last edited by BRay09; Dec 24, 2008 at 06:37 PM. Reason: typed too fast. loads of spelling errors
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by BRay09
Ill probably be taking the motor out to where i can work on it easier and am able to put on the header and new gaskets without much difficulty. ill have between $300-600 for anything i need, but im sure i can hit up the old man if i need more cash!! I want a quality cam that will produce a lot of power, but won't affect the computer. Also, just curious, how many horses/torque does a stock 351w make, and how much will these numbers increase with the new cam and headers?

Thanks for the info ArdWrknTrk.

Oh! there is 31000 orig miles on the motor.. forgot to answer your question. lol
I'm sorry I can't answer those questions, I've never dynoed a stock '89 351 truck motor. Franklin, I'm sure will have some good numbers for you.

Which headers are you thinking of using?

Since you're pulling the engine you might consider replacing the motor mounts too, if they look at all questionable.
(the rubber is already 20 years old and they're way easier while it's out)

If the engine's at all greasy or dirty try and get it steam cleaned before you pull it.
It will be a LOT nicer to work like a gentleman.

I keep forgetting you have only 31k... :doh:
The timing chain might be ok but If it were me I'd still replace it if I intended to keep the truck.
The gaskets and headache alone cost more than a basic double roller set from Cloyes.
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 09:25 PM
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This may help you. I did this with very little expierience, i had to ask questions for everything. If you need any help I still have everything fresh in my mind and i can tell you the things i wish i had know before pulling stuff apart.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ap-thread.html
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 09:45 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
Which headers are you thinking of using?
Im going with longtube headers, but am not quite sure what name im going wiht just yet....
 
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 09:50 PM
  #11  
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From: Elyria, OH
Originally Posted by paintslinga2010
This may help you. I did this with very little expierience, i had to ask questions for everything. If you need any help I still have everything fresh in my mind and i can tell you the things i wish i had know before pulling stuff apart.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ap-thread.html
I remember reading this thread.... looks like a lot of work. But its doable. Ill be having someone helping me that restores motors and does minor performance upgrades. It'll be a good experience for me though. Thanks for the post!
 
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