• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

cam install?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 98laseredgt
  • Start date Start date Dec 15, 2004
9

98laseredgt

New Member
Jul 16, 2004
122
0
0
indianapolis
Dec 15, 2004
#1
  • Dec 15, 2004
  • #1
ok, so i read over the install in one of my mustang mags. they did a set of comp cams and springs. im wondering how hard it is. they said it took 10 hours or something. but i have seen people saying they have done it in 5 hours or less. im thinking about getting the VT stage 1 cams and possibly doing springs. my car has 79k miles on it so im not sure about their strength. my main issue about the install is timing and the timing chains. do the chains need to be replaced or can you reuse them. and how easy is it to mess it up. bottom line is im not comfortable doing it myself, and i dont want to pay someone 500-600 bucks to put them in. with more info on the subject i think me and some friends could handle it. how much are some of you guys paying for a dyno tune and would that also be needed after the install. anything else you guys can think of that would help would be great. thanks.

nate
 

f150dan

New Member
Nov 26, 2004
14
0
0
TN
Dec 15, 2004
#2
  • Dec 15, 2004
  • #2
I am wandering the same thing. I am planning on installing a set of comp stage 2 cams and springs. I guess while I'm in there I might as well replace the timing chain too. I can't wait to hear some answers on this subject though.
 

JonJon

Founding Member
Aug 16, 2002
4,801
1
68
back in Marylands
Dec 15, 2004
#3
  • Dec 15, 2004
  • #3
From what I've read on MD, it's $1000+ for cams/springs install for ONLY labor.

Here's Bill Putnam's writeup, see if you think it's doable...
http://www.modulardepot.com/?show=articlesdet&aid=39
 

nickthegenius

Active Member
Dec 23, 2002
1,631
1
38
Elwood, IN
Dec 15, 2004
#4
  • Dec 15, 2004
  • #4
The job is not that hard if you have the right tools, just time consuming. There are a couple specific tools that will save you a lot of headaches.

You can try the AFM chain tool to keep from having to pull the front cover. Also, you really need the OTC valve spring tool to do the springs.

Overall, my cam/spring install took about 8.5 hours. Most of the time was spent on the springs. The cams are a breeze with the AFM tool, but you will use words you never use when doing your first bank of springs. Once you do one side though, you learn all the tricks and the other head will go quickly. The only other thing that is a pain is getting the driver's side valve cover back on.

Take a look at Bill Putnam's article that JonJon posted. Even if you pull the front cover, it just adds time and not difficulty.
 
U

UNVMATT

New Member
Jan 15, 2004
294
0
0
COLUMBUS
Dec 15, 2004
#5
  • Dec 15, 2004
  • #5
I got quoted 800 for a cam and head swap together
 
9

98laseredgt

New Member
Jul 16, 2004
122
0
0
indianapolis
Dec 16, 2004
#6
  • Dec 16, 2004
  • #6
would you guys recommend doing springs with the cams even if its not required. like with the VT stage 1 cams i heard you dont have to replace the springs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Fox Good shop in Washington state or Oregon
  • keel
  • May 14, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
73
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 20, 2026
keel
S
Timing chain, guides and tensioner installation (Possible orientation in Intake Stroke)
  • StallionMax
  • Sep 21, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
353
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Sep 24, 2025
StallionMax
S
9
Engine Donor '00 Mountaineer meet '91 Fox
  • 91firecracker
  • May 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
41
Views
515
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 28, 2026
91firecracker
9
P
Air Fuel ratio bung location.
  • Praetorious
  • Feb 7, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
39
Views
825
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 11, 2026
Noobz347
E
4.6l auto to 5.4l 6 speed
  • EastanF5
  • Jan 22, 2026
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
158
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Jan 22, 2026
EastanF5
E
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?