O.k. guys, here's my dilema right now. More than likely my built motor will be started tomorrow. I have to decide whether or not to do cams or not as I will be using the Eaton for a while until I can save up for a twin screw. Question is should I hold off on cams or do them now. Will the cams kill the drivability with the Eaton. If I go with cams I will go no bigger than Crower Stages IIs or something similar to that. Thanks for the help in advance.

 

You pry know more than I do about a built motor and cams and all... But if I were you and had the cash for the built motor and cams, I'd try to save a little on install and do them all at once. I know if I ever to internals, and even think of doing heads and cams, I'd like to think I'd do them all at once. The advantage to our motor is we do have a single over head cam. So you can do a cam swap (without even removing the head even). But if they will be off for the block install, and you have the cash I'd do it. I'm pry not helping you any im sorry. I dont know anything about a mild or radical cam on a built motor but the stock eaton. I'd imagine it will help you (if you have the right combo). Other's I hope will chime in and compare cams and head work when it comes to keeping the eaton on for now... Good luck with the built motor.
Shane

 

Shane I know that you have done some homework on the aftermarket cam thing. IIRC JL went tens on stock heads. If I don't have a solid answer by the end of the day I will have my builder start tomorrow morning. It will have a built bottom end and heads with oversize stainless valves and upgraded springs. I did my homework and am getting killer price for this motor, not to mention shipping to Hawaii will only be $700 for air freight.

 

What made you get a built motor? Are you doing it cause you want to turn up the boost or get a different blower? Or did something go wrong on your stock block?

I've done my homework over the last year or so just in case something does go wrong and I need a new motor. I think the best bet for me because of the location (chicago illinois) and the fact there arent any tuners around, would be for me to just buy all the internals from a tuner for around $2,000 then pay an engine shop around here to do the install. (if they are qualified) That is if my block is still in 1 piece. If a rod goes threw the block or something, I may be in a different boat. But planning ahead is always good.

There is an engine shop right by my house, I just dont know how much expierance they have with Mustangs/Lightnings... I am going to look into it this winter. As for heads and cams if I was going to do one with the built motor, I'd do cams only because of how they sound at idle. Even a mild one, I love how a car with a cam sounds! Heads would be nice to, but that's another $2,000. Cams you can get for around $1,000. But on top of all that is install. I have no idea what install is around here.

I have a lot more homework to do b4 I even think of doing engine mods. (rods, pistons, heads and cams) Hopefully someone with a built motor and expierance with heads and cams will chime in and give you the info you need.
Good luck, Shane

 

Shane, between a pulley, a mail order chip with no dyno and my heavy right foot she decided to go lean on me. Since I live in Hawaii I am screwed for a dyno tune. I can get a dyno done on island but I will have to send the chip out to get it burnt. I am paying $4250 for the motor and heads without cams, with cams it would be $5050. I think I am gonna hold off on the cams for right now until I have some more cash saved up. I gotta keep up with my friends 03 cobras. There are a couple Kenne Bell cobras here. One is pushing 21 #s and the other is pushing 15#s. Thanks for your advice man.

 

No problem. Lke I said I am pry the last guy to be giving you advise on a built motor, heads and cams. I do browse the forums, but I dont know anything more about heads, cams and internals of these trucks yet. I give tuners and guys who work on these trucks great credit. Like I said, good luck with the install, it looks like your getting a good deal on it esecially for being located where you are. Is your truck drivable? Or did you melt a piston or throw a rod? Good luck getting it built, Shane

 

You can allways change your cams later, the important thing is changing your rods....

 

Promod, money is not an issue with the cams, the issue is the blower. If I get the cams I will have to save up for the blower. If I go with built heads minus cams I will probably be able to squeeze in a twin screw. As of right now I will go with the Eaton and spray. Anybody wanna spot me some cash?? I'm good for it.

 

This are my plans. Built short block, cams, stock heads, stock eaton and 100-150 shot. Maybe later on a KB. What do you guys think? Im sure this will give me mid to low 11s.

 

Personally, I'd do the cams while you have it apart. Hopefully, you won't have anymore issues and the blower is an easy bolt on. IMO, I see just as much gain in power with a good cam as I do with the heads. Changing cams later is a pain, but if it comes down to the money and you don't have it....just wait. This stuff get's expensive.