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

Make a Cam Recommendation

  • Thread starter Thread starter PJB
  • Start date Start date Mar 11, 2007
P

PJB

New Member
Aug 22, 2006
131
0
0
Rotterdam, NY
Mar 11, 2007
#1
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #1
Im doing a bunch of motor work real soon (parts on their way) to my '92 and need to get a good off the shelf cam for it before I put it all together.
Here's what I have:
-stock 302 block and internals
-AFR 165 heads with upgraded springs
-Harland Sharp 1.6 roller rockers
-Summit roller lifters
-Edelbrock Performer intake
-AOD (soon to have a stall converter and shift kit)

I dont really want a custom ground cam because eventually Id like to do more work to the motor like a blower. I also dont really want a Ford Racing cam because Ive heard theres alot better cams out there.

Whats a good cam for my setup?
I drive the car alot on the street and drag race it at the track once a week or so.
 

Jason 302

10 Year Member
Aug 9, 2003
685
71
68
Newark, Ohio
Mar 11, 2007
#2
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #2
I have the same combo as yours, I have the Trick Flow #1 cam (221*/225*- .499"/.510"- 112*). My numbers are below in my sig. With the cam advanced 2*, efficient ports of the AFR's, and the runner length of the Performer intake it makes VERY nice torque. The power levels off around 5200-5300 but stays level til 6000. I also had my intake port matched to the AFR's, something I recommend.

Here's a couple other options that would work well:
FRPP E-303 (220*/220*- .498"/.498") 1500-5500 rpm, $175
COMP XE264HR-12 (212*/218*- .544"/.544"- 112*) 1500-5500 rpm, $250
COMP XE270HR-12 (218*/224*- .544"/.544"- 112*) 1800-5800 rpm, $250
COMP XE258HR-12 (208*/216*- .533"/.544"- 112*) 1800-5800 rpm, $250
CRANE CR4442 (216*/220*- .533"/.544"- 112*) 2000-5500 rpm, $200

Any one of those cams will make good power.

If you're serious about the blower thing, I would maybe consider a blower grind cam such as these:
COMP 270HR (215*/224*- .533"/.533"- 114*) 1800-5300 rpm, $250
COMP 284HR (224*/230*- .533/.544"- 114*) 2000-600 rpm, $250

Now the way my motor is set up now the car is very fun on the street. If I wanted to start beggin for 11's at the track I would make these changes:
*Performer RPM upper
*COMP XE276HR-12 (224*/230*- .544"/.544"- 112*) 2200-6200
*4.10 gears
 

DMAN302

My mom says thanks for the pearl necklace.
Nov 8, 2003
2,120
2
59
windsor, Canada
Mar 11, 2007
#3
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #3
xe270hr-12 is my preference...check sig for my dynograph...look at the 'avg' hp and torque....broad and fun for the street IMO. Custom is definately the ideal route though and not much more expensive than a good comp cam.
 
P

PJB

New Member
Aug 22, 2006
131
0
0
Rotterdam, NY
Mar 11, 2007
#4
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #4
DMAN302 said:
xe270hr-12 is my preference...check sig for my dynograph...look at the 'avg' hp and torque....broad and fun for the street IMO. Custom is definately the ideal route though and not much more expensive than a good comp cam.
Click to expand...

That cam uses 1.7 roller rockers though. I have 1.6's already.
The reason Im not going with a custom cam is because I dont really know what the future holds for this car/motor.
 
P

PJB

New Member
Aug 22, 2006
131
0
0
Rotterdam, NY
Mar 11, 2007
#5
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #5
Jason 302 said:
I have the same combo as yours, I have the Trick Flow #1 cam (221*/225*- .499"/.510"- 112*). My numbers are below in my sig. With the cam advanced 2*, efficient ports of the AFR's, and the runner length of the Performer intake it makes VERY nice torque. The power levels off around 5200-5300 but stays level til 6000. I also had my intake port matched to the AFR's, something I recommend.

Here's a couple other options that would work well:
FRPP E-303 (220*/220*- .498"/.498") 1500-5500 rpm, $175
COMP XE264HR-12 (212*/218*- .544"/.544"- 112*) 1500-5500 rpm, $250
COMP XE270HR-12 (218*/224*- .544"/.544"- 112*) 1800-5800 rpm, $250
COMP XE258HR-12 (208*/216*- .533"/.544"- 112*) 1800-5800 rpm, $250
CRANE CR4442 (216*/220*- .533"/.544"- 112*) 2000-5500 rpm, $200

Any one of those cams will make good power.

If you're serious about the blower thing, I would maybe consider a blower grind cam such as these:
COMP 270HR (215*/224*- .533"/.533"- 114*) 1800-5300 rpm, $250
COMP 284HR (224*/230*- .533/.544"- 114*) 2000-600 rpm, $250

Now the way my motor is set up now the car is very fun on the street. If I wanted to start beggin for 11's at the track I would make these changes:
*Performer RPM upper
*COMP XE276HR-12 (224*/230*- .544"/.544"- 112*) 2200-6200
*4.10 gears
Click to expand...

Thanks.
Youre not the first person to recommend the TF cam. Thats one Im seriously considering. Ive also been recommended a few of those Crane cams too.

The blower will be a long way off, if I ever actually do get one. Its something Id love to have but cant afford right now.

What did it cost to get the intake port matched? Theres a few local machine shops that could probably do it.
 

DMAN302

My mom says thanks for the pearl necklace.
Nov 8, 2003
2,120
2
59
windsor, Canada
Mar 11, 2007
#6
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #6
I also run the 1.6rr with that cam..I worried the steep ramp rates of the XE cams might affect longlevity with 1.7's so I stepped down..both the engine builder and comp tech line said the diference would be very minimal...likely less than 5 hp peak. I selected Eddy small valve RPM heads, box stock Typhoon and all the boltons and have matched or surpassed the great majority of HCI n/a 306/302 runs with this group of parts...even quite a few of the coveted AFR/FTI/RPM intake cars...I would not hesitate to recomend this cam with 1.6rr's in anyway..you will love its sound and performance.
 

LB0193

Member
Dec 6, 2005
171
0
16
IL
Mar 11, 2007
#7
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #7
contact anderson ford motorsport
 

Woodrow

Founding Member
May 19, 2002
183
0
0
Atlanta/Auburn
Mar 11, 2007
#8
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #8
If you decide to go with one of the comp grinds look at survival they are a good bit cheeper and the same grinds, you may have to call about some because I dont think they have all of them listed on the website.


http://www.survivalmotorsports.com/FordSBcams.html
 

Jason 302

10 Year Member
Aug 9, 2003
685
71
68
Newark, Ohio
Mar 11, 2007
#9
  • Mar 11, 2007
  • #9
PJB said:
Thanks.
Youre not the first person to recommend the TF cam. Thats one Im seriously considering. Ive also been recommended a few of those Crane cams too.

The blower will be a long way off, if I ever actually do get one. Its something Id love to have but cant afford right now.

What did it cost to get the intake port matched? Theres a few local machine shops that could probably do it.
Click to expand...

I don't remember but I think it was around $90. I taped a piece of heavy paper to the heads (bolted on the block) and cut a template of the ports. I put some glue on that paper and then set my intake on there. When I lifted the intake I had a perfect match of where the ports lined up. So I marked the intake with a permanant marker and took it to the machine shop and said "this is what I need". Worked out pretty good.
 
S

Sicarius428

Active Member
Jan 6, 2004
2,085
5
49
Mar 12, 2007
#10
  • Mar 12, 2007
  • #10
For a mild off the shelf cam I would go with the TFS stage 1.
Kevin
 
M

Marlboro_Man

Member
Sep 30, 2005
437
1
18
Houston, TX
Mar 12, 2007
#11
  • Mar 12, 2007
  • #11
Sicarius428 said:
For a mild off the shelf cam I would go with the TFS stage 1.
Kevin
Click to expand...

I would never EVER reccomend this cam.

Make up your mind what you wanna do with the engine and then order a custom cam.

Don't put yourself in the same situation i am of having to buy new parts 2 or even 3 times. I wish i would have talked to Jay Allen before i got the AFR 165's and tfs1 crap and wasn't happy.

Go to www.camshaftinnovations.com When you make up your mind.

Or for a small fee Jay will pick out the best off the shelf cam for your setup, If you buy it and decide not to use it he will add the money you paid him towards a custom cam.
 
P

PJB

New Member
Aug 22, 2006
131
0
0
Rotterdam, NY
Mar 12, 2007
#12
  • Mar 12, 2007
  • #12
Whats so bad about the TF cam?

The thing is I know what the setup is going to be for now, but later on down the road when I get more money Id like to change it if I can.

$400 is alot to spend on a cam and I really dont want to pay somebody $50 to pick the best cam. Thats kinda what I was trying to do with this thread.
 

Jason 302

10 Year Member
Aug 9, 2003
685
71
68
Newark, Ohio
Mar 12, 2007
#13
  • Mar 12, 2007
  • #13
Nothing is wrong with that cam, is there better choices out there? Probably, especially a custom cam. But I have the Trick Flow #1 cam, and for $140, mid 12 timeslips, and 20 mpg, you won't see me complaining on that deal. It gets the job done and thats all I ask for. So I can't say that I wouldn't recommend the cam, but man just build what you want to build, its your car, experiment, live and learn, you can't go faster than the people you're taking advice from
 

Cwalk

New Member
Sep 25, 2006
78
0
0
Virginia Beach, Va
Mar 12, 2007
#14
  • Mar 12, 2007
  • #14
I have a trick flow stage II cam. It only cost me $100. And it's well worth it. When I finish my build I will step up to one of the comp cam ones though.
 
S

Sicarius428

Active Member
Jan 6, 2004
2,085
5
49
Mar 13, 2007
#15
  • Mar 13, 2007
  • #15
As I said "OFF THE SHELF". When compared to similar "MILD" street cams... for example the E cam... it is a lot better. I have had both on the same combo. Of course a custom cam is better but he wasn't asking about those was he now.
Kevin

Camels are better anyways... hehe jk jk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

9
Does anyone else have a combo close to this
  • 90Stanger302
  • Dec 10, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
232
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 25, 2025
Qtrhrse23
Q
J
Transmission
  • Jraesims
  • Mar 7, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
157
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 8, 2026
JD1964
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
658
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 28, 2026
Noobz347
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
643
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 23, 2026
General karthief
S
Engine Stalls when downshifting/coasting
  • Scott_S
  • Nov 5, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
11
Views
642
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 6, 2025
Mustang5L5
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?