351 cam questions
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Western NC
351 cam questions
I have an 89 F150 with 3000 miles on a remanufactured engine. I use my truck to tow heavy trailers and not as a daily driver. I'm in the process of swapping in 3.73 gears in the axles but have started thinking about engine upgrades. What could I expect out of a cam upgrade? What would be a good choice for me? What other parts should I replace when I do the cam swap? I'm tempted to buy a newer v10 f250 but would like to throw $1k or so at my truck instead and keep it a couple more years. I would like to keep my speed density EFI in the process.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Green Country
This is a good choice
The Crane 444232 cam is a popular choice. It is a computer friendly cam, and is available in a cam and lifter set. I have one for my 351, but have yet to install it. Long tube headers and exhaust compliment the cam very well. Since your reman only has 3K on it I would think everything else should be good.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
That cam and longtubes work very well together, they really wake the motor up. If you have an OD tranny consider 4.10 gears instead.. though that will be a bit much if you don't have OD and do a lot of highway driving.
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From: Western NC
thanks for the info. I was looking at the comp cam 35-255-5, the crane has a little less lift but longer duration. What would the difference be? I'm new to american v8 pushrod engines. I will talk to the guy who will install it for me and place an order in the next day or 2.
Are any long tube headers significantly better than any others? Would I be ok just ordering a set from Jegs or Summit?
I have a c6 3 speed transmission, otherwise I would have done a 4.10 gear swap. I calculated that I really wanted a 3.90 gear but the availability and lack of manufacturers of that ratio made me think that 3.73 was smarter. I know that the truck will pull way better than with the old 3.08's that are coming out :-)
Are any long tube headers significantly better than any others? Would I be ok just ordering a set from Jegs or Summit?
I have a c6 3 speed transmission, otherwise I would have done a 4.10 gear swap. I calculated that I really wanted a 3.90 gear but the availability and lack of manufacturers of that ratio made me think that 3.73 was smarter. I know that the truck will pull way better than with the old 3.08's that are coming out :-)
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
The 35-255-5 isn't well suited to a 5.8 it needlessly narrows the powerband, the 5.8 can use more duration without losing low end TQ. I had this cam with longtubes in my truck for quite some time, it would effortlessly spin both tires on try pavement right off idle without doing a brake stand!! And it made more power all the way across the tach, it really makes a big difference to this motor.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Western NC
I've been doing a lot of reading today and have convinced myself that a cam is what I want. I did read alarming news that crane cams is out of business. I'm not sure I would want to buy one of their cams if they aren't around to honor any warranty. What grind of comp cam would be best for me then?
Everyone I read about who says anything about a cam makes me think this is a worthwhile upgrade, so they must be on to something good :-)
Everyone I read about who says anything about a cam makes me think this is a worthwhile upgrade, so they must be on to something good :-)
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Southern California
I'm not a big fan of comp cams since they use "chinese" cam billets. I agree, the loss of crane & sig erson is sad, but I can highly recommend Iskenderian & Crower. Isky is still the only mfg that checks every valve spring befor it leaves his shop- something ed passed on to his son Ron.
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