How hard to do headswap and cams on a 96-98 GT...?

[5spd GT]

Just what the subject says.....I'm pretty confident I could do a succesfull heads,cam, intake swap on my 5.0.....just curious how hard it is to do on a 4.6....Could a do-it-yourselfer do it....what kind of special tools would you need? Thanks in Advance

I guess for example...putting on 01 PI Heads and cam.....

David

 

[Sam98]

Swapping heads is never easy, and with the 4.6L it is particularly complicated because of the lack of clearance. The cam swap is pretty easy, but you have to put the engine in the safe position before you attempt to remove/install the chains. The safe position is 45 degrees CCW from TDC on #1 and is the only position where you can safely turn the cams without damaging a valve or piston. You might as well install headers while you have the heads off, it will save you a lot of grief...

 

[5spd GT]

thanks....anyothers?

 

[matsm21]

ive heard its not too bad, im planning on trying it myself this spring. check this link out.

http://www.enthusedproductions.com/headswap/

 

[delow1902]

There was a video somewhere on either stangnet or corral explaining the headswap step by step. Can't seem to find it anymore.

 

[Bone Racing]

we did it on my car....

2 men
18 hours labor each
started fri night
done sun morning
took alot of breaks

 

[ahhjaws]

I'd be interested in doing this down the road too.

 

[GoBabyVroommm]

Man it would be kool if i knew how to do heads and cam. LOL All i know how to do is the basics. Like taking out the motor, trans, headers, etc... just simple crap. Well i know how to take the motor apart just don't know about putting it back and gettin it running again.

Wish i had more time to learn. Good luck on the heads/cam if you do it.

 

[billyfe390]

If you can change the heads on a 302 the 4.6 will be no prob. The major hang up is getting the timing chains and cams in time get a good book and follow the instructions to the letter thats what I did and I had no problems.

 

[CrazyInBlack]

Anyword on that vid?

 

[DB96GT]

I always wonder if the word hard ever makes sense when talking about working on cars. I only think of it in terms of time. The first time on my car, it took me 28 hours working all alone, and taking my time. Then it turned out the head had four bent valves. The second time took closer to 15 hours. With the engine out of the car, I'm confident I could do it in 10 to 15 hours all day. The most annoying part is the power steering bolt. I recommend get a PS pump pulley puller to save you some serious time. I will be doing this again soon, but will pull the engine this time. I think the heads this guy sold me are ****e and are warped - I have a small amount of oil getting in the coolant.

The OTHER hassle and time consuming part are the bottom valve cover bolts.

 

[5spd GT]

Thanks guys...more opinions welcome

David