Cam change questions

[A_Code_Kiwi]

So I'm looking at doing some upgrades to my pretty much bone stock 289. I say "pretty much" as the only mods it's got is a set of tri Y's. I'm planning on getting a new intake, either an Edelbrock performer RPM or Weiand stealth, undecided yet, as well as a new 4 barrel carb, either Holley 570 cfm or Edelbrock 600 cfm, again undecided....so many choices, so little money

I thought while I was at it I would do a cam change as well. I'm looking at a comp cams "High energy" 268H as my cam of choice.

My questions are can I still use my existing valve springs or will I/should I upgrade them? The comp cams info sheet says I cant use stock springs with that cam. True or false? Will the stock lifters and push rods work ok with this cam or should I upgrade those as well. Will the stock timing chain be ok as is? Are there any other "upgrades/changes" that will need to/should be done to the valve train while I'm at it?

I'm kinda on a limited budget and can see it getting out of hand if all those things are needed but at the same time can appreciate the principle of do it once, do it right.
I'm not looking at building a 1/4 mile car, more of a nice upgrade from stock that'll put a smile on my face when I put the foot down a little

Sorry for all the questions. I did do a search but couldn't find any definate answers either way.

Thanks for your help

 

[hipo wannabe]

If Comp says that the cam will work with stock springs then go ahead and leave them assuming that they still are at the factory spec....but be sure to double check as they will wear over time.

ALWAYS use new lifters with a new cam--NO EXCEPTIONS.

The stock pushrods should be fine as well. Even if the timing chain doesn't "need" to be replaced I would say that now is a good time to do that as well with the engine needing to be torn apart anyway.

Good luck!

 

[Stang_1973]

Sounds like a nice project.

One thing to consider that i liked. I put int a shift inprover kit fro BM. Felt alot peppier. You know as a future mod since your on a budget. I dont know th specs on the cam but sometimes its best to swap out your converter to match the cam. usuaully the manufacturer will say what stall spped is best for your cam.

 

[rbohm]

you can get away with using the stock springs, but understand a few things;

1: you will be very close to coil bind all the time with those springs, and that increases the possibility of breaking a spring. years ago i replaced the stock cam in my c code 289 with an erson cam of similar lift to the 268h cam. i had some minor valve float above 5500 rpm.

2: your stock springs are over 40 years old, and thus they are more prone to breaking, mine were only 15 years old at the time i changed cams.

i would get the recommended springs from comp cams, they are cheap insurance. i would get new lifters as well. you dont have to get the comp cam lifters if you want to save some money. as for the stock push rods, if they are straight and the ends have little wear you can reuse them, otherwise replace them as well. for a timing chain and gears, get a double roller chain from cloyes, they are inexpensive and work quite well. as for rockers arms, upgrade to a roller tip rocker arm at least. Speedway Motors - Street Rod Parts, Race Parts, Ford Flathead Parts, Sprint and Midget Racing Parts, Pedal Car Parts has a set for about $75 that includes the grooved rocker balls for better oil retention.

 

[A_Code_Kiwi]

Thanks for the replies.

Looks like new lifters and springs it is then. The cloyes double row timing chain does make sense as well and is'nt all that expensive. Can't put a price on peice of mind right As you said it's cheap insurance.
I take it these are the roller tip rockers you were talking about rbohm: SPORTSMAN STEEL ROLLER TIP ROCKER ARMS
I've dealt with speedway motors before and they give pretty good service.

I think my engines has the rail style rocker arms as it was built in either june or july of '66 and I believe they changed to that style in the beginning of may. I guess I have to look for "rail style roller tip rocker arms" then. I think I saw some on comp cams website. Is it a direct bolt on replacement for the factory ones or are there other mods that will need to be done? Is it safe to assume I should buy new push rods to match the roller tip rockers? I had planned on doing so any way but wasn't sure if they need to match the roller tips. one last question......for now any way Will I need to get taller valve covers to clear the new rockers?

Thanks for your help guys. Things are starting to make sense and the shopping list is getting more defined....or expensive, not sure which one yet

 

[rbohm]

the comp cams roller tip rail rockers are a direct bolt on. i will make one more suggestion, if you are not swapping heads, then at least up grade to screw in studs. it isnt hard to do, i recommend having a machine shop do the work. trim the stud bosses .300" and use guide plates and you can eliminate the need for the rail rockers. i dont like them because they sometimes have a tendency to rub the valve spring retainer plates and loosen them up possibly allowing the possibility of dropping a valve.

 

[A_Code_Kiwi]

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated. It looks like I'll be opting for a full roller conversion w/screw in rocker arm studs as well. After doing a little research there's some reasonably priced full roller sets out there.

With that in mind, assuming the valves are still in good condition and after a little servicing, can they be re-used with the upgraded springs and new roller rockers or will I need to use valves that have the valve keeper groove higher up stem i.e less out the top....if that makes sense..... like the earlier model "non rail" type?

Or should I just bite the bullet and get some new valves?

 

[rbohm]

you can use the same valves as long as the geometry is ok.

 

[Rapid]

I have the XE268H cam with Edelbrock heads, Blue Racer roller rockers, T5Z tranny, 3:55 gears, 500 cfm Edelbrock carb, Performer RPM intake.
It is great.
Listen to the other posts and don't skimp on rockers and springs and you will be happier in the long run.

 

[A_Code_Kiwi]

I have the XE268H cam with Edelbrock heads, Blue Racer roller rockers, T5Z tranny, 3:55 gears, 500 cfm Edelbrock carb, Performer RPM intake.
It is great.
Listen to the other posts and don't skimp on rockers and springs and you will be happier in the long run.

Skimping is one thing I'm not planning on. I did actually like the look of the Blue racer roller rockers. They're near the top of my list and quite affordable compared to some of the other brands. I think I'm gonna go for the springs Comp Cams recommends on the cam grind info sheet and top it off with a weiand stealth intake and a Holley SA 570 cfm carb. Next thing to figure out....new stall converter.

Now if I can just convince the wife that it's a justifiable purchase and not an unnecessary waste of money easier said than done but thankfully she's a fan of the mustang so shouldn't be too hard