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

Replacing cam while engine is in car?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dp88
  • Start date Start date Dec 4, 2008

dp88

New Member
Oct 30, 2008
40
0
0
Dec 4, 2008
#1
  • Dec 4, 2008
  • #1
I have heard that this is possible, and a PITA but i would like to swap the stocker out to something different. I dont have too many miles so I believe the cam bearings should still be good. I just need to know what I need to remove to be able to do this. Sorry if this just sounds stupid.
 

Mr. Rustypwnz

Advanced Member
Jun 1, 2005
1,761
63
69
indianapolis/ valdosta ga
Dec 4, 2008
#2
  • Dec 4, 2008
  • #2
you have to tear the engine down obviously and take the radiator out so that the cam will clear the block...
 
D

Deleted member 87397

Dec 5, 2008
#3
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #3
Yeah, get the radiator out of there and then depending on where the holes in your front bumper are, you may have to raise the engine a bit to get the cam to slide out and the new one in, or just take off your front bumper. I've never actually done it that way so you may even be able to get the cam out without it hitting the bumper. Good luck.
 

FastDriver

I was uncomfortably high & wearing a helmet
SN Certified Technician
Sep 5, 2001
6,062
2,667
224
Vass, NC
Dec 5, 2008
#4
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #4
The front fascia is only like 8 bolts. Take it off and you'll be able to get to the accessories and engine bay more easily. Pull off the radiator, accessories, upper and lower intake, and pull out the pushrods and lifters, and then after you pull of the timing cover, gears and chain, you can pull the cam out. If I had to do another one, I don't know if I'd do it in the car. I would consider just pulling the motor and tranny out together and swap it on an engine stand where its easier to get to things.

Chris
 

stang&2Birds

Founding Member
May 4, 2000
2,091
5
58
New England. :-) CT/MA
Dec 5, 2008
#5
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #5
I haven't done it in a Stang. But, if you remove the radiator and AC condenser, then you should have enough room. In my '77 Cutlass, I had a two piece front engine cover so that I could just take the top half of the cover off to do a cam swap. Neat! One other problem you may have is getting the front cover to properly seal with the oil pan when you put it back on.
 

dp88

New Member
Oct 30, 2008
40
0
0
Dec 5, 2008
#6
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #6
Thank you for the advice, I would like to only have to take the radiator and ac condenser out but if i were to take the front fascia off would I run into any alignment issues on reinstall?
 
B

black5.0lx

New Member
May 10, 2007
23
2
3
Rincon, GA
Dec 5, 2008
#7
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #7
I replaced one in my 87 LX while in the car and I didn't need to remove any of the body just the radiator and associated engine parts. The A/C condensor can be swung out of the way without disconnecting the lines. Do a search on here or on the internet. I can't remember but I found a good website with photos that showed how to do this in detail. Good luck! I love the way my car runs and sounds with the F303 cam.
 

Killer50stang

New Member
May 11, 2004
632
0
0
Dec 5, 2008
#8
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #8
black5.0lx said:
I replaced one in my 87 LX while in the car and I didn't need to remove any of the body just the radiator and associated engine parts. The A/C condensor can be swung out of the way without disconnecting the lines. Do a search on here or on the internet. I can't remember but I found a good website with photos that showed how to do this in detail. Good luck! I love the way my car runs and sounds with the F303 cam.
Click to expand...

Same here. This is how I did it. Make sure you use cam lube!
 
S

Sicarius428

Active Member
Jan 6, 2004
2,085
5
49
Dec 5, 2008
#9
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #9
I swapped cams with the motor still in. Just remove the bumper cover, radiator and ac condensor and it is a straight shot.
Kevin
 

5spd GT

"the 5.0 owns all"
Founding Member
Aug 7, 2002
9,516
6
99
Arkansas
Dec 5, 2008
#10
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #10
The H/C/I swap link in my signature may help you.

I did mine while I was in the car, but pulling the engine out is easier on your back.
 

FastDriver

I was uncomfortably high & wearing a helmet
SN Certified Technician
Sep 5, 2001
6,062
2,667
224
Vass, NC
Dec 5, 2008
#11
  • Dec 5, 2008
  • #11
You don't have to pull the fascia off, but it only takes 10 minutes to pull off and will make everything a little easier for the rest of the job. It is no problem to get the alignment of the body panels right when you're putting the fascia back on. You will not run into an issue there.

Chris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Engine Tuning...?
  • justadude07
  • May 30, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
117
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Saturday at 10:12 AM
Blown88GT
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
591
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
MadSquirrelTech
B
Engine Another no start after washing engine bay
  • bruno
  • Apr 26, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
24
Views
483
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
AeroCoupe
Hard to start when engine is cold
  • 86_Capri
  • Mar 11, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
31
Views
748
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 21, 2026
86_Capri
J
2004 Mustang 3.8L V6 vibrations above 65 MPH and differential leaks
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
13
Views
387
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Monday at 2:45 PM
joeybuddy96
J
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?