just wondering...how difficult is it to install new cams by ones own self..i have no experience opening an engine..i have some mechanics who can help me...just thinking of putting in some high lift cams...headers..on a 302 v8...lol..any books to read up to get into gear?

thanks

 

Tom Monroe's 'Rebuilding Small Block Fords' is a great book. The Factory Shop Manual is also a necessity (for this and pretty much anything else you ever do to your car).

Swapping cams isn't terribly difficult, but it isn't easy either. The most difficult thing is getting the cams in and out without beating up the bearings. You have to be VERY careful not to scratch or chip the cam bearings as you take the cam out.

 

your car is only going to have 1 cam to swap out and swap in

 

No offence but if youre thinking that theres multiplie cams in your motor then you dont really belong opening up a motor..but if u kno its a simple task.

 

well yeah i mean i didnt know...i dont pretend to be a top mechanic or nothing...i bought my mustang because ive always loved it..and iv always wanted to work on one myself...and i thought id ask people here u know...people who know what to do and stuff...so i didnt know there was a single cam in the car...everyone starts somewhere...right?

 

+1 I am with you on that. All I know is I am not brave enough to attempt something like that. But if you have the time, the work space, the backup $ in case you F it all up [6] and the desire to learn how to do it, I dont see why you shouldn't read into it a little further, get as much advice as you can from the pros, ignore the skeptics, and give it a whirl! Just let us all know how it comes together!

 

hey he could have but a 427 sohc or a 4.6 sohc/dohc motor in it hahahahaha!!!!

 

Hhahaah although very true i doubt it...And to touch on the idea of just try if u have the time and want to learn...you can just "try" to install a cam and think thats it and itll work perfect if u dont know what youre doing... Theres cam and making sure you dont accidently knock out a bearing,breaking in "properly", adjust valves, and playing with timing and carb just to fine tune everything..Theres a lot more to it.I say if you wanna learn thats great just learn with someone who is doing it and knows what theyre doing.Although not difficult to do it is by no means a beginner project.

 

boss its a mustang not a boat he dont need a anchor (mod motor).yes get you a couple books read them and understand it cam isnt hard just if you nick a bearing or intsal the timing chain with out lining up the marks you wont like it. btw you need new lifters when you replace a cam.

 

Changing out the cam is probably a 7 on the difficulty scale, only in that you have to basically disassemble the whole top of the motor to do it. First, draining the coolant, then, you're pulling the carb, linkage, intake, exhausts, valve covers, heads, pushrods, lifters,waterpump, distributor, timing cover & chain. THEN, you can pull the cam. You're down to basically the bare block.

When you go to put it back together, you'll have many opportunities to learn...*S*..such as getting the distributor in right, setting the valve lash, getting the head gaskets on right and the heads properly torqued, potential coolant leaks, oil leaks, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, fuel leaks.....

Is it really all worth it just so you can put in a cam alone that 'may' give you a little more performance? I would recommend waiting till you plan a more elaborate effort on the motor (such as an overhaul, or new heads) and do it all at one time.