Gears or Cam?

Discussion in 'Fox 5.0 Talk' started by foxmustangman, Jan 23, 2009.

  1. foxmustangman Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 20, 2007
    Message Count:
    432
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    So I've been trying to figure out how to drop my ET's a bit. I was thinking that the rearend I bought my car with (4.10) was too high and that maybe I should start looking at 3.73's.

    But Maybe I should get a more agressive cam to better fit the 4.10's, I just don't know if I want to rip my engine apart yet though.

    What do you think the best way to go would be? Thanks for your input.
  2. 85_SS_302_Coupe it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

    Member Since:
    Nov 11, 2003
    Message Count:
    6,755
    Likes Received:
    37
    Trophy Points:
    98
    If you already have the gear, just get the cam. The question is, do you have the heads and intake to match the cam? If you do then you'll be rewarded for keeping the gear....if you get 3.73s you might drop ET just a tad but not enough to justify the work IMO, at least not vs. what gains you'll see if you put a cam in it.
  3. NikwoaC Mustang Master

    Member Since:
    Nov 1, 2006
    Message Count:
    5,836
    Likes Received:
    38
    Trophy Points:
    98
    A cam is a waste in an otherwise stock engine. Do an intake and/or heads first. The stock cam is actually pretty decent.
  4. Saleen8786 New Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 8, 2003
    Message Count:
    225
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Like stated above the cam aint a gonna do d ick all on a stock motor,and leave the 4.10's your not gonna pick up much more off the 3.73's(waste of time and $). Save up and throw an intake on it. You can pick up used ones off ebay pretty cheap now a days. Also do you have headers on your car? Shorties can be picked up for like $60 bucks here and there.
  5. DeVus1 Founding Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 30, 2002
    Message Count:
    419
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    26
    New heads/cam/intake > the other two decisions.
  6. foxmustangman Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 20, 2007
    Message Count:
    432
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Okay, so new intake and stuff first. How about porting heads and stuff? How much does it cost, and would it help as much as getting new heads?
  7. DeVus1 Founding Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 30, 2002
    Message Count:
    419
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    26
    Porting stock heads would be a waste of money/time. Best bet, buy new heads and have them ported/polished prior to install. The right head/intake combo will give you the best horsepower increase aside from a power adder.
  8. foxmustangman Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 20, 2007
    Message Count:
    432
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Alright. Would a GT40 intake be good, or should i look more aftermarket?
  9. DeVus1 Founding Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 30, 2002
    Message Count:
    419
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    26
    Depends on your goals and set up. Most people go for Trickflow heads and intake. It's been know to produce a good amount of power.
  10. Saleen8786 New Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 8, 2003
    Message Count:
    225
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    the cobra intakes go for the cheapest and are very good,real gt40 are expensive but good,explorer intakes are good but i believe you have to mod it alittle. I run a trickflow street heat on my car and it gives me great low end power which is where you need it.
  11. foxmustangman Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 20, 2007
    Message Count:
    432
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Alright. I'll try to look for used trickflow stuff. Any other tips/suggestions?
  12. 25thmustang Active Member

    Member Since:
    Sep 5, 2003
    Message Count:
    1,959
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    48
    This depends, if you DIY, have a spare set to do it off the car, it would only cost the materials and gaskets... Ported E7s with a ported intake and bolt ons could run strong as well!!!
  13. cenok is family New Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 26, 2003
    Message Count:
    1,268
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    :Word:

    they're definitely not a waste of time or money, but if you can afford to go aftermarket aluminum, do it. i have thumper ported e7's with 1.94/1.6 valves and my car runs strong! no track times yet but 12s won't be a problem.
  14. foxmustangman Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 20, 2007
    Message Count:
    432
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Would it be hard to port the intake as well?
  15. ryan218 In just 10 years, I'll be old enough to drive!!!!

    Member Since:
    Dec 29, 2005
    Message Count:
    214
    Likes Received:
    27
    Trophy Points:
    0
    1.6 RR do them.
  16. Saleen8786 New Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 8, 2003
    Message Count:
    225
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    no sense in porting the intake or your stock heads dude just save your time. Just get an intake,tb and maf and you'll be in love with your car more so:D
  17. DeVus1 Founding Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 30, 2002
    Message Count:
    419
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    26
    Would save quite a bit of money. I just don't believe the time invested, depending on how fast you can tear off the heads, is worth the trouble of a few extra horsepower.

    If you are going to spend time breaking the engine down, might as well get some better gains out of it.
  18. white 89 GT Member

    Member Since:
    Apr 4, 2003
    Message Count:
    282
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Leave the gears, use 1" taller tire if needed. I like mt drag radials.
    Don`t bother with a cam, do exaust (no mac stuff) headers.
    Intake, Cobra/gt40 intake for stockish engine is as good as any.
    Heads if you can afford it, used will save money.
  19. foxmustangman Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 20, 2007
    Message Count:
    432
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    yeah, i'll probably do GT40 since I'm planning on getting a Kenny Bell sometime in the future. I'm going to get some new tires soon too. 27" tall... :D
  20. 25thmustang Active Member

    Member Since:
    Sep 5, 2003
    Message Count:
    1,959
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    48
    This is true, it depends on how good you are with tools. A well ported E7 head on the right combo is a deep 12 second car. In my eyes a bit more than a few hp, but then again that differs with each and every car. Some get stuck in the 14s after that work, others run with HCI set ups. It's the right choice for some, not for others...

    I will let you know when I decide to port my stock heads :D.

Share This Page