Saw something interesting about cam swaps

BurningRubber · May 15, 2006

I think it was Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, but I was looking at a cam swap they were doing in a 4.6 just to see what was what. I noticed in the pics that they never took the timing cover off, and never removed the timing chain. That pretty much amazed... they said they used a "chain tensioner tool", but is that the Anderson tool that you guys talk about sometimes? Seems like it would make the job ALOT easier than having to remove the front cover, and deal with setting the timing chains and whatnot.

If now all you have to do is pull the valve cover, set the tool, remove and replace cam then I might be interested in getting a stage 1 cam (so I can keep stock valvetrain) and doing it myself.

stangman · May 15, 2006

yes, that's what you have to use if you don't wanna take off the front cover.

that being said, you couldn't pay me to use that. i feel MUCH more comfortable taking it all down so i can actually see the timing. instead of hoping that it's right. just my .02

BurningRubber · May 15, 2006

Gotcha, so if you use the tool you have to be very careful to make sure the chain doesnt jump basically?

Would it make a difference if you had the engine with pressed on, or bolted on cam gears..?

I guess the thought of not having to take the timing chains out is what appealed to me. It just seems like a real PITA to do so.

Mel96GT · May 15, 2006

BurningRubber said:
Gotcha, so if you use the tool you have to be very careful to make sure the chain doesnt jump basically?

Would it make a difference if you had the engine with pressed on, or bolted on cam gears..?

I guess the thought of not having to take the timing chains out is what appealed to me. It just seems like a real PITA to do so.

I used the Anderson tool and it works. You must follow the directions carefully and not let go of the tool once you wedge it between the chains; keep the chain tensioned. Ford also makes a similar cam swap tool. This tool will work only if both sets of cams are degreed the same. My gears were bolted on so it was a snap to replace the cams. If your gears are pressed on you may have to change out cams the old fashioned way since it will be very difficult to get the cam gears off otherwise.

The other option would be to remove the front timing chain cover, exposing the cam chains, wedging the chains to lock them up, then replacing the cams with gears in place.

I checked the compression on both banks after cam install and it was good on both sides. Therefore the cams did not skip a tooth. Good luck.

COramprat · May 16, 2006

The bolt-on gears are a little easier to deal to do the swap with the tool than the pressed-on. But the biggest reason some suggest degreeing the cams is because the broad difference in degree the stock cams are installed.

Orange... · May 16, 2006

I just ordered this today. for the deal I got on the cams, I thought for the extra $30.00 the tool cost it was worth it. It seems like an amazing tool for someone who works at a performance shop that gets 'stangs alot.

And I don't see the chains jumping if they are being held in place with the tool...

BurningRubber · May 16, 2006

Mines a 2000, I beleive that is one of the bolted on cam gear years..?

What exactly is degreeing a cam also?

FordMuscle · May 16, 2006

I'd recommend taking the timing cover off, it it pretty tough to tell if either chain has moved one link. Check the pics in this writeup
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2006/04/2VOrNot2V/index.php

WOT · May 16, 2006

BurningRubber said:
Mines a 2000, I beleive that is one of the bolted on cam gear years..?

What exactly is degreeing a cam also?

Pressed on. 2001+ has bolt on gears.

BurningRubber · May 16, 2006

WOT said:
Pressed on. 2001+ has bolt on gears.

Damn.

One more... is mine a Windsor or Romeo engine? Im wanting to say Windsor...

hotmustang331 · May 16, 2006

^ Windsor

CLICKY! Installing VT stg 1 cams

jasonh_86 · May 16, 2006

hotmustang331 said:
^ Windsor

CLICKY! Installing VT stg 1 cams

What does that say hotmustang?.. I can't read it

01Steeda · May 16, 2006

COramprat said:
The bolt-on gears are a little easier to deal to do the swap with the tool than the pressed-on. But the biggest reason some suggest degreeing the cams is because the broad difference in degree the stock cams are installed.

and remember... HOLD ON TO THE DANG CAM BOLT WASHER!!!!!

Lets just say it can make a easy cam swap become a much longer project if you let it drop into... i dunno the OIL PAN!!!!

ok i got carried away.. I am better now carry on

hotmustang331 · May 16, 2006

jasonh_86 said:
What does that say hotmustang?.. I can't read it

Yea sorry about the super small print, but thats as big as it gets here .

BurningRubber · May 16, 2006

Hmm.. didnt hotmustang331 or someone have a cam install thread with all the info that i'd probaly need?

Ah well, I dont remember... sure wish I had a link.

im not serious, lol. Thanks for the link to your install... it was pretty insightful..

Saw something interesting about cam swaps

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