• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

How to install a cam?

  • Thread starter Thread starter matador91
  • Start date Start date Apr 2, 2009

matador91

Active Member
Feb 1, 2007
107
31
38
Bothell
Apr 2, 2009
#1
  • Apr 2, 2009
  • #1
I'm going to be installing my first cam this weekend and I have know idea what I'm doing. Could someone give me a rund down of exactly how to do this even down to degreing the cam if that's needed.
 

Wallzy

New Member
Aug 20, 2006
128
0
0
Orlando, FL
Apr 2, 2009
#2
  • Apr 2, 2009
  • #2
You're Doomed...

If you have no idea what you are doing, this is a journey you may not want to embark on without someone to guide you, there are too many things that could turn this into an "Epic Fail"
 

matador91

Active Member
Feb 1, 2007
107
31
38
Bothell
Apr 2, 2009
#3
  • Apr 2, 2009
  • #3
It's not that I have know idea, I just need to know is there a site that gives a run down of this. Really all I need to know is how to degree it, installing it is no big deal for me.
 

1991notchbackLX

Active Member
Dec 25, 2007
1,483
47
48
New York
Apr 2, 2009
#4
  • Apr 2, 2009
  • #4
for some reason degreeing a cam is like secret magical voodoo amongst engine builders in the know, and it's bad juju for them to tell you how to do it clearly and properly... in a nutshell it involves a piston stop, a degree wheel, and a dial indicator with a magnetic base, there are a few methods but the intake centerline method is generally the easiest...

i'd suggest calling comp cams... they sell a dvd that explains the process in depth and walks you through it

read up on the web and don't be afraid to ask for help, but be prepared for 20 different answers from 20 different guys

Cam Degreeing

Tools:
Degree Wheels : Cam Degree Wheel : Camshaft Degree Wheel : Racing Cam Degree Wheels

by the way... i have the comp cams dvd if you can't find it, PM me and i'll send it your way
 

matador91

Active Member
Feb 1, 2007
107
31
38
Bothell
Apr 2, 2009
#5
  • Apr 2, 2009
  • #5
Thanks, I appreciate the info!
 
L

loudexhaust

New Member
May 13, 2006
99
0
0
Apr 3, 2009
#6
  • Apr 3, 2009
  • #6
All I did was carefully slide the new one in after applying liberal amounts of lube and lined the timing gears up dot to dot. Didn't think there was much else to it but I guess not?
 

1991notchbackLX

Active Member
Dec 25, 2007
1,483
47
48
New York
Apr 3, 2009
#7
  • Apr 3, 2009
  • #7
depending on the cam, most off the shelf cams are fine to be lined up "dot-to-dot," but i wouldn't ever install a cam without having it degreed just for the peace of mind... you'll also want to use dial indicator the to check your camshaft endplay, which is pretty damn important
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,184
17,888
224
Massachusetts
Apr 3, 2009
#8
  • Apr 3, 2009
  • #8
Which cam are you installing? What is your combo?

Depending on what you have, you could just do a "dot-to-dot" setup and call it a day. Not ideal...but will still work fine.
 

matador91

Active Member
Feb 1, 2007
107
31
38
Bothell
Apr 3, 2009
#9
  • Apr 3, 2009
  • #9
my combo is 331, AFM B-41 cam, AFR185 heads. If you need any more info just let me know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

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
614
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
MadSquirrelTech
9
Engine Donor '00 Mountaineer meet '91 Fox
  • 91firecracker
  • May 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
41
Views
647
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 28, 2026
91firecracker
9
D
Engine HO cam in non HO roller block ‘93 f150
  • DanC1993f150
  • Mar 21, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
219
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Mar 29, 2026
General karthief
Fox Good shop in Washington state or Oregon
  • keel
  • May 14, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
85
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 20, 2026
keel
K
Drivetrain '87 5.0 Installing New Ring Gear and Pinion - Pattern Questions
  • karhoot
  • Apr 23, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
315
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 9, 2026
Mindseye007
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 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?