Is there any kindof special tools I will need to do a cam swap? I am not doing a spring swap as I already have good springs; just need to change out cams.

 

i think there is a tool to push down on the valves so it is easy to slide the followers in but other than that just the tq wrench

 

You will also need the Ford cam tool kit that holds one cam while you degree the other. Or you could use a pair of vise grips to hold the cams.

 

You only work with one cam at a time and their is a hex or at least machined flats for holding the cam steady. You must move either the cam or the motor slightly to adjust gears.

You will need a magnetic base and travel indicator with shaft extension to clear cams , etc., piston stop to locate TDC, at least one solid lifter.
and degree wheel, preferably 11" instead of 9". Coat hanger for fashioning pointer. Good references (have no good ones to recommend) or way better yet, someone who has done this before. Sorry, but if you are not already fairly well experienced mechanic, this is not an easy task.

If you buy the Ford tools, be prepared to spend ~$300. I did it without them, but you are taking more chances if you do.

The spring compressor I have (~$80) works, but sucks. It blocks the area where you need to see and get your fingers into to install keepers. Have seen pictures of one where the foot is off set from rest of the tool and comes in from the side giving you more room. Do not know the part number, but I will be buying one if I find it. A search on OTC may produce it.

 

He's not doing springs, just cams.

 

You have to have the tool to remove & replace the rocker arms or install lifters. Some install the cams on top of rocker arms, but it is NOT the recommended method.

You are correct about most of the other tools, they are needed for degreeing cam, wrong thread. The tools that hold cam steady and align cam and crank to prevent mistakes are the expensive ones

 

I havn't read up on it yet, but was thinking about how to deal with the rockers.

Arggggggg; this is gonna be a painintheazzzzz!

 

I'm pretty interested in this too as I am in the middle of a head swap. I need to move the stock rocker assembly from the stock heads to the new ones. I have new cams so it will all be done the same time. Do you have part #'s for the special Ford tools?

 

Its not as nice as the side fork compressor, but I used this guy when I did my cam and spring swap http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?P...arch=GO&Page=1 . And since you won't be doing springs, it'll be a walk in the park. Just slide the tool in, lightly rotate compressing the spring down and slide the "rockers" out.