What cam should I use?

[91stangy]

I could use some advice on what Cam I should I use. I have a pretty much an all stock 302 motor. Edelbrock Preformer intake manifold, the usual cold air, nothing eleborate. I've been told to stay with a Ford cam, like the E303 or the B303. Most are saying use the B cam. But I'm open to suggestions so please... suggest becasue I'm lost in this area, ha. I am not quite sure what kind of power I'm looking for so Im open for anything. Thank you.

 

[just4bob50]

Well if you plan on doing heads later on you might as well wait till your to do them also. If your going to add boost stay away from the B-CAM. I've read that it bleeds off alot off boost, but it is good for (NA). I know the E-cam is a good all around cam for what ever upgrades come later. But if your changing your cam hoping for a huge power gain while still running the stock heads dont count on it. Most people i know that change the cam with the stock heads do it more for the sound of the idle. If that is what you are looking for and your not going to boost your car I know the B-cam sounds wicked with the stock heads still on. My friend had long tube headers, off road X-pipe,and 1 chamber flowmasters and his car sounded deep and loud with the stock cam in, but when he did the B-cam it completely changed the sound of his car. The car only runs mid 13's but sound like it would run alot faster when its ideling.

 

[jjd975]

Its hard to beat the TFS-1 IMO. Its better than the Ford cams IMO.

The Ford cams are OK but you would really be making a mistake if you limited yourself to just those few cams when ther are so many options.

 

[JChalfan]

91stangy, what gears do you have? 5-speed or auto?

The only non-stock cam I have run was a Ford E-303, with 1.7 roller rockers and cast-iron GT-40's. '94 cobra motor actually.

The cam made good power especially mid to high rpm's, and the idle sounded awesome. Car guys always turned their heads when I started it, surprised to see a stock-looking LX Fox idling like that.

I think I heard the B-cam has a rougher idle than the E cam. I'm sure someone will correct me if that is wrong.

Like just4bob said, don't expect huge power gains with the stock heads. If you put on a set of GT-40P's or some ported E7's, those and the cam would really wake up your car.


Jeff

 

[91stangy]

I have 373 gears, and it is 5 speed. I have done the exaust with short tubes, Mac pro-chamber, and flows on the back. And you're right I would be mistaken if I were to limit myself to these few Ford cams. I'm open to any suggestions about any cam set up, wether it be Crane or Comp. I understand I should be saving for heads also, but money is an issue and in a sense Im just looking for a few more hp and a nicer sound (I know there wont be a huge power increase, but every bit counts). Plus it's going to be a birthday gift lol. Heads will come later (keep in mind Im thinking of 351W heads), and maybe even a SC(much farther down the line).

Hopefully this helps you, help me lol. Thanks again.

 

[DMAN302]

Stock headed car and cam swap is ALOT of work for very little return..I would save the cash. Your talking maybe 10hp and a little idle bobble for 6 hours worth of work (maybe less if you're experienced).

 

[Stroked88]

I really like my Crane 2031 cam. I installed it on my stock short block with a set of TFS Twisted Wedges and an Explorer intake. Really woke the car up. I plan on getting a super charger after I get my car repainted.

 

[just4bob50]

To some people.. how the car sounds when it idles is just as cool to them as the guy's who need the loudest exhaust to set off car alarms. Ya its a bit of work but you wont regret it. If I would have known my car would have sounded as good as it does now with the cam in it I would have done it long ago. Hey if some one else is buying the cam all you got to do is buy some gaskets, and fluids. I would consider a new timing chain since it has to come off anyhow.