• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Camshaft Options

  • Thread starter Thread starter Thebigwhopp
  • Start date Start date Dec 25, 2018
T

Thebigwhopp

Member
Dec 5, 2018
68
0
6
Buffalo
Dec 25, 2018
#1
  • Dec 25, 2018
  • #1
Rebuilding my 302 short block and was wondering what cam goes good with these heads? And what other modifications I will need like valve springs and rockers. Also Merry Christmas everybody!
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,842
10,516
203
polk county florida
Dec 25, 2018
#2
  • Dec 25, 2018
  • #2
Stock heads?
 
T

Thebigwhopp

Member
Dec 5, 2018
68
0
6
Buffalo
Dec 25, 2018
#3
  • Dec 25, 2018
  • #3
gt40p heads forgot to mention that
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,172
17,871
224
Massachusetts
Dec 26, 2018
#4
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #4
Need more info. Aod? 5-spd? what rear end gears? Intake setup? Lightweight notch, or heavy convertible? Street cruiser? Track car?
 
T

Thebigwhopp

Member
Dec 5, 2018
68
0
6
Buffalo
Dec 26, 2018
#5
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #5
Mustang5L5 said:
Need more info. Aod? 5-spd? what rear end gears? Intake setup? Lightweight notch, or heavy convertible? Street cruiser? Track car?
Click to expand...
Automatic. 4:10. Didn't buy a new intake yet. Hatch. Street/have fun car.
 

deathb4dismount

Crap, didn’t realize my crotch was in that picture
15 Year Member
Oct 6, 2011
1,031
502
164
THE BUCKET
Dec 26, 2018
#6
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #6
I get to be the first to say it on this post. The best cam will be a custom grind designed around your combo. If that's not in your budget look for OTS grinds from comp, anderson fms, or trickflow. Nothing too radical or it will be a dog on the street. Or, if you aren't concerned about peak HP numbers, stick with the stock cam and add some 1.7 rockers.
 
T

Thebigwhopp

Member
Dec 5, 2018
68
0
6
Buffalo
Dec 26, 2018
#7
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #7
deathb4dismount said:
I get to be the first to say it on this post. The best cam will be a custom grind designed around your combo. If that's not in your budget look for OTS grinds from comp, anderson fms, or trickflow. Nothing too radical or it will be a dog on the street. Or, if you aren't concerned about peak HP numbers, stick with the stock cam and add some 1.7 rockers.
Click to expand...
I was thinking about getting a trick flow stage 1 I’ve read good things about those cams
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,172
17,871
224
Massachusetts
Dec 26, 2018
#8
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #8
I wouldn' run one with an AOD. That came tends to make it's power in the upper RPM range. Unless you plan on driving your AOD around near the rev limiter, you won't like how it feels.

You're gonna want a cam that will favor torque in the low end of the RPM range with a street driven automatic.

A TFS1 is a $270 cam. For $50 more you could go with a custom grind that will fit your mods and car better

http://www.flowtechinduction.com/fti-custom-hydraulic-roller-camshaft-ford-austemper/
 
T

Thebigwhopp

Member
Dec 5, 2018
68
0
6
Buffalo
Dec 26, 2018
#9
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #9
Mustang5L5 said:
I wouldn' run one with an AOD. That came tends to make it's power in the upper RPM range. Unless you plan on driving your AOD around near the rev limiter, you won't like how it feels.

You're gonna want a cam that will favor torque in the low end of the RPM range with a street driven automatic.

A TFS1 is a $270 cam. For $50 more you could go with a custom grind that will fit your mods and car better

http://www.flowtechinduction.com/fti-custom-hydraulic-roller-camshaft-ford-austemper/
Click to expand...
Okay so if I do purchase this came I’m assuming upgrade valve springs and what kind of rockers should I run?
 
T

Thebigwhopp

Member
Dec 5, 2018
68
0
6
Buffalo
Dec 26, 2018
#10
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #10
Thebigwhopp said:
Okay so if I do purchase this came I’m assuming upgrade valve springs and what kind of rockers should I run?
Click to expand...
Cam*
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,172
17,871
224
Massachusetts
Dec 26, 2018
#11
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #11
Thebigwhopp said:
Okay so if I do purchase this came I’m assuming upgrade valve springs and what kind of rockers should I run?
Click to expand...

Yes, you will need to upgrade the valve springs regardless. 40P heads come with some fairly soft springs. FTI sells springs that will match whatever custom. You can stick with 1.6 roller rockers of your choice because the increased valve opening events can come from the cam profile.

I literally just ordered one myself
 

95BlueStallion

My assy trans to myself
15 Year Member
Feb 22, 2007
5,125
3,091
214
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dec 26, 2018
#12
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #12
I suggest going custom as well. Folks like Ed Curtis will be able to answer these questions for you as well, or at least make his suggestions. However, be aware that he won’t just chat unless you make the purchase. Otherwise he would spend all his time answering questions instead of making cams.
 
T

Thebigwhopp

Member
Dec 5, 2018
68
0
6
Buffalo
Dec 26, 2018
#13
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #13
Mustang5L5 said:
Yes, you will need to upgrade the valve springs regardless. 40P heads come with some fairly soft springs. FTI sells springs that will match whatever custom. You can stick with 1.6 roller rockers of your choice because the increased valve opening events can come from the cam profile.

I literally just ordered one myself
Click to expand...
Do I have to get the valve springs from them or can i get another brands? And would recommend upgrading lifters.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,842
10,516
203
polk county florida
Dec 26, 2018
#14
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #14
Get what the cam company recomends, but thats just my opinion and not based on any real mechanical experience.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,172
17,871
224
Massachusetts
Dec 26, 2018
#15
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #15
Thebigwhopp said:
Do I have to get the valve springs from them or can i get another brands? And would recommend upgrading lifters.
Click to expand...

Mostly depends on the Cam selection.

Stock lifters are fine unless you are building a high rpm motor.
 

RangerJoe

I leave the horn on while driving
15 Year Member
Apr 26, 2010
2,560
1,146
184
Georgia
Dec 26, 2018
#16
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #16
Ed will suggest a spring kit that will consist of springs, retainers, seals and locks. Reason being that he likes using smaller diameter LS style valve springs, which require their own retainers and locks. You can source them cheaper outside of him, I did, but it was a pain in the rear to save $30.
Joe
 

96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off
5 Year Member
May 15, 2018
1,530
871
133
Savannah
Dec 26, 2018
#17
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #17
Get a set of trick flow springs and retainers for $200. Will handle more lift than those are good for.

I run a custom comp cam in my setup. No complaints here.
 
T

Thebigwhopp

Member
Dec 5, 2018
68
0
6
Buffalo
Dec 26, 2018
#18
  • Dec 26, 2018
  • #18
96pushrod said:
Get a set of trick flow springs and retainers for $200. Will handle more lift than those are good for.

I run a custom comp cam in my setup. No complaints here.
Click to expand...
Did you leave the stock lifters in our change them and what about the rockers
 

96pushrod

I think they're a little easier to get off
5 Year Member
May 15, 2018
1,530
871
133
Savannah
Dec 27, 2018
#19
  • Dec 27, 2018
  • #19
Thebigwhopp said:
Did you leave the stock lifters in our change them and what about the rockers
Click to expand...
For gt40 heads I’d reuse the lifters and rockers if they’re in good shape, which they most likely are.

I may change pushrods, but that’s dependent on the length you need. I’d reuse everything you can. No need to dump a bunch of money into gt40s.

You already have headers? Don’t forget it’s a pain in the ass to find a set of used gt40 headers, unless you want to get kind of creative with your spark plug boots.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,172
17,871
224
Massachusetts
Dec 27, 2018
#20
  • Dec 27, 2018
  • #20
If your lifters are good, no need to replace them.

If you want to for any reason, here are your choices

I'd go with this for your build

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-6500-R302/

These tend to be for more race-type engines that rev high. I don't see you doiung that with a street driven AOD

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fms-m-6500-r302h
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Oil burning on my recently buil 302
  • The blk67
  • May 15, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
107
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 15, 2026
Noobz347
Need some camshaft guru advice on power loss from supercharger to nitrous
  • TTSaleen
  • Dec 1, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
18
Views
585
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 29, 2025
revhead347
A
Discussion on mild budget build/ top end
  • Acesario
  • Feb 21, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
20
Views
648
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 23, 2026
General karthief
Oil choice for after break in period.
  • Sask84gt
  • Feb 28, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
26
Views
867
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 14, 2026
Praetorious
P
Engine Suggestions on an engine rebuild. Stock cam/GT40Ps or aftermarket on both for a fun weekend driver?
  • MadSquirrelTech
  • Apr 28, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
604
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
MadSquirrelTech
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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?