Getting myself in Deep - PI cams

[bhuff30]

I found a new set of PI cams on ebay for cheap, and got'em. They are romeo cams and the cam gear should bolt on.

Now, for the questions. I've done cams on my 2.3 plenty of times, but never on a 4.6. First, what else do I need to install them in my 97? Does my 97 uses a bolt on gear and have the correct bolt for the PI cams?

Also, what else can I expect to replace while I have the front cover off (if I have to take it off)? The chain guides typically wear? Gaskets? What about the timing chain? Money is quite tight, so I don't want to replace parts for fun, especially the chains if they can keep going. The car does have 167k miles and I've heard there are some parts in the front that typically wear. It doesn't make any unusual noises though.

Also, I don't really want to buy the tool from anderson to hold the cam gear. Can the cam gear be held by hand if I have a helper, or does the tensioner apply too much pressure?

 

[98COBRA281]

the only other thing you will need is pi cams bolts, npi bolt are bigger and will not work, ive done 2 cam swap on 4.6's and only take the valve cover off, but you will have to fight witht he cam gear a little, but it will come off....

 

[squeak93]

I have only done cams with the front cover off. I've been told you don't have too have it off but its more difficult. Honestly, its not that hard to pull the front cover and it allows you to inspect the chain guides for wear and also make sure the tensioners are working properly.

To install the cams mark your chains end to end (mark on link on each side, they should have the exact number of links between them). put the timing marks on the cam gears at 10 and 2 o'clock, the crank sprocket has marks on it for each side, the d/s goes behind and pass on front obviously. You have to stick a small nail or piece of metal while using a vise to "clamp" down the plungers so they can be reinstalled.


IF.... IF your cams come w/o the gears installed, I think you have to buy new cam gear bolts as I THINK they are torque to yeild. Check the pi swap thread for that exact info and part numbers.

 

[bhuff30]

So you just pull out the cam gear to get it out of the way? Do you do anything so the chain doesn't slip at the crank?

the only other thing you will need is pi cams bolts, npi bolt are bigger and will not work, ive done 2 cam swap on 4.6's and only take the valve cover off, but you will have to fight witht he cam gear a little, but it will come off....

 

[98COBRA281]

So you just pull out the cam gear to get it out of the way? Do you do anything so the chain doesn't slip at the crank?

have a buddy hold it tight, just pull the cam gear forward toward the front of the car, and pull the cam out, put the pi cam in, and get the gear on, you will have to fight with it, just keep pressure on it all the time and you will be fine........

BTW.... the cams are side specific, so make sure you check them....

 

[sneaky98gt]

As far as doing it without taking the time cover off, pretty much what 98cobra said. I put a C-clamp and/or vice grip on the top and bottom side of the cam gear just for insurance in case my brother slipped or something. And beware, the tensioner will tighten the chain up on you, or at least it did for me. As 98cobra said, they can be a real pain to get back up and onto the camshaft, especially the drivers side. http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/788096-pi-cam-swap-problems-please-help.html You can see my dilemma on the driver's side that I had. To get it on, just tighten up the front-most cam guide bolts. The sprocket may bind between the camshaft and timing cover, or at least mine did. Then, my dad just pryed up on the sprocket with a pry bar, and voila. PI cam swap.

-Will

 

[bhuff30]

I'm planning to swap the cams in over halloween weekend. Still makes me a little nervous doing this swap. If I screwed up the timing on the 2.3, then I just reset it. If I screw up the timing on the 4.6, I bend valves. Maybe that's why I like the 2.3. I can get the cam out in 15min or less and if the timing belt breaks, I put another belt on and drive away.

 

[wmburns]

Ford Special wedge tool

Ford makes a special tool for doing cam work on the engine while in the car. The tool is a special wedge on a long stick. It is designed to be inserted with the timing cover on. It will lock and hold both sides of the chain in relationship to the crank shaft to prevent slipping.

I believe the part number is OTC-303-1175. Sample link to a source below.

http://www.toolsource.com/timing-chain-wedge-handle-303636-303637-p-97167.html

IMO, you are correct with regards to the mess you will be in if the chain does slip.

 

[Chucks98]

Very important tip, Do Not let the spacer between the bolt and the gear fall off! I did and spent the next 45 mins fishing it out of my timing cover with a magnet on a stick. Not fun