cam install?

[98laseredgt]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[UNVMATT]

I got quoted 800 for a cam and head swap together

 

[98laseredgt]

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.