Hey guys, I normally just cruise around on the 86-97 ford pickup forum, but this is an engine question so I thought I'd give this a shot.

I've got a cam question for my 1994 ford F-250 with a 460. Here in the near future I need to tear into my engine a little bit on my pickup. I've accumulated slight coolant leaks at the intake and the timing chain cover. So...I was thinking that I might roll in a little bit of a hotter cam while I'm that far into it. I need to know what kind to get, and how big of a lift and stuff like that. I'm just a heavy equipment deisel mechanic...so profomance issues is not something I deal with everyday. I still want to be able to use the pickup as a daily driver, I just want to open it up a little bit.

Just for referance, it's about a bone stock engine, I hadn't done anything major, just a cold air intake, headers, strait pipes, and a msd coil.

thanks guys

 

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Brand:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">Lunati</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Product Line:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">Lunati Truck Avenger Cam and Lifter Kits</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Part Type:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">Camshaft and Lifter Kits</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Part Number:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">LUN-90460LK</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Cam Style:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">Hydraulic flat tappet</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Basic Operating RPM Range:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">1,600-4,600</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">210</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">218</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Duration at 050 inch Lift:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">210 int./218 exh.</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Advertised Intake Duration:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">258</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Advertised Exhaust Duration:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">266</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Advertised Duration:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">258 int./266 exh.</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">0.487 in.</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">0.504 in.</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">0.487 int./0.504 exh. lift</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Lobe Separation (degrees):</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">114</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Intake Valve Lash:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">0.000 in.</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Exhaust Valve Lash:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">0.000 in.</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Computer Controlled Compatible:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">No</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Lifters Included:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">Yes</TD></TR><TR onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#f5f5f5'; " style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#FFFFFF'"> <TD class=overview-c1 width="25%">Lifter Style:</TD><TD class=overview-c2 width="75%">Hydraulic flat tappet</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

"Computer Contolled Compatible: No"

does that mean that the cam is intended for a non-efi vehicle?

 

Cam i found from summit:

Brand: COMP Cams
Product Line: COMP Cams Computer-Controlled Camshafts
Part Type: Camshafts
Part Number: CCA-34-255-5
Cam Style: Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,000-5,200
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift: 212
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift: 219
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 212 int./219 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration: 256
Advertised Exhaust Duration: 268
Advertised Duration: 256 int./268 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.490 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.495 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.490 int./0.495 exh. lift
Lobe Separation (degrees): 114
Intake Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Computer Controlled Compatible: Yes
Grind Number: FF XE256 H14
Quantity: Sold individually.
Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, Advertised Duration 256/268, Lift .490/.495, Ford, Big Block, Each $176.39

and additional info:
Make FORD
Engine Type V8
Engine Size 7.5L/460
Liter 7.5
CID 460
Beginning Year 1972
Ending Year 1994
Engine Family Ford big block 385 Series
Camshaft Usage Computer compatible
Application Notes Designed to work well with stock computer in factory electronic fuel-injected applications.

 

That would be good information to know.

 

displacement, will that cam work fine with the stock speed density also running headers

 

I bet that Lunati would work ok, Lunati is probably just being careful. If they say a cam is computer compatible and you have a problem, the warranty dept will (should..) make things right. I'd bet that's why the computer compatible cam from Comp is about $50 more than any other hydraulic flat tappet cam in thier catalog. All that said, I'm ordering a custom grind soon from a guy whos done a bunch of SD EFI 460 builds. Search rein-car-nation and you'll find him, RHP is the name of the shop. About $220 for a custom cam + lifters..

 

will i need to replace my lifters or valve springs etc if i go with the comp i know its not as mild as the lunati cam but the hope of warrenty help and more importantly the broader and lower start of the basic operating rpm makes it seem like better choice

 

Lifters always get replaced, unless your putting a used cam/lifter back together and each lifter is going back on the same lobe it ran on before. Springs need to be matched to the lift of the cam, I would just get the whole cam/lifter/spring package from the same place. Keeps it simple that way. Be sure that your retainers and locks are correct for the new springs or that can cause headaches.

 

shoot id been thinkin i could just swap in a mild cam and be fine. i'll probaby put a post in the up to 96 f150 and up forums to get some more input on what everyone is using, thanks for the help would have ran into a wall had i not found that out

 

While Comp isn't a bad cam mfg, I would chat with Iskenderian or Crower- both have done a lot of work with the ECM controlled engines and they are both typically ahead or willing to advance profiles to meet needs 9although Lunati may as well)

 

I just ordered a cam and lifters from RHP, custom ground, $219+shipping. Basically its the Lunati Voodoo 61600 like this

Lunati 61600 - Lunati Voodoo Camshafts - summitracing.com

but ground with a 114 degree lobe seperation angle to make it computer friendly. Scott at RHP has a ton of knowledge with these trucks, sounds like I'll pick a bunch of HP / TQ with the cam, headwork and headers.

 

back to the lifters, its not about being matched or how mild or wild your cam is, you gotta look at the wear pattern on them. Putting in a smooth cam an throwing worn lifters on top of it will wear it down. Same with bearings if the cam wasn't running centered for some reason. being on a gasser, they aren't expensive so yes replace them.

 

unfortunately i recently ran into a few financial issues so i had to stop after putting on the headers and 3 inch straight pipe but i am putting aside the money i can and am planing on using the lunati OldRacerGuy picked up or the before mentioned comp cam

 

just for information... I have used the crane part# 353902 grind # hmv 260-2 and it worked well in my 88 460 efi. speed density. I just installed the comp #34-255-5 grind#FF xe256 H14 and found it to be a smoother Idle with a very strong torque curve. and seems to have good mileage. Havn't tried towing yet, so I can not comment on that. It is amazing the parts guys who know nothing about cam compatability for these engines. Thank goodness for this forum. Hope this helpful in your choice of cams...