I agree with you whole heartedly on that, the vct allows the 3v to make a lot more torque down low. But it would be possible for someone to go that route. I am planning to keep it the way it was designed even if it means getting the FRPP kit.
LB
If you lock the cam timing, the 2nd intake valve will open at all rpms not just the higher ones. The 3v creates the most low rpm torque with just 1 intake valve opening and if the cams were locked, both valves would open therefore causing a lower torque level.
I think we are both on the same page, just getting there diff ways. Either way, I'm against carb on this motor too!!
LB
It sounds like you have a basic misunderstanding of how these camshafts work.
There are three lobes per cylinder, and each one of them ALWAYS opens a valve--i.e.: each intake lobe opens an intake valve, and the exhaust lobe opens the exhaust valve.
There is no circumstance where both intake valves do not open (unless you have a flat lobe!).
The VCT system uses a "phaser" on each camshaft that advances and retards the camshafts depending on engine RPM, in order to produce the best possible power throughout the RPM range.
This "phaser" is controlled by the ECM, and there are devices available to limit or even lock the phaser entirely, for use with aftermarket camshafts.
However, the lobe placement on the camshaft is always in the same place, and it always opens it's corresponding valve.
I guess you didn't read what I posted. The 3V 4.6 needs the computer to advance and retard the cams, plus manage the function of the intake slide valves. A crank trigger only serves to manage the spark plugs firing.
I doubt it very much, every mod motor install I have seen whether SOHC or DOHC has had tower modifiction of some sort....with a SOHC you can get away with notched towers from what I have heard, but it wont fit with stock towers....and every mod motor conversion I have seen pictures of has either a mustang II install, or a RRS install(which costs even more)....that being said, here is a quote from themustangshop.com
"For those with 67-up cars doing SOHC 2v swaps, there is hope if you aren't wanting to go all the way with your front suspension. With a little trimming, the narrower SOHC engine will actually fit down in between them with about 1/2-inch to spare on each side. We have bolt-in custom motor mounts available for this swap, and combined with the rear crossmember you can make it work with minimal fabrication. For non-A/C cars, the heater motor will have to be flipped over (this can be done by pulling the heater box and unbolting it), and when the heater box is reinstalled we recommend using four nuts to space the box 1/4-inch further back from the firewall just for a little extra room. A front-sump oilpan and pickup will need to be used, we sell the Canton 15-790 and pickup as our favorite for the swap."
(speaking of which, why did ford waste money developing a 3v? they could fit 4 valves in the same space and still control them with SOHC...after all, the neon does, and tons of other new cars...