which cam to pick

[duststang]

OK I was looking at cams and was wondering what you would pick for a stock auto 06 GT. I prefer not to run a stall and trying to keep stock springs. These all claim to be NSR but they have such different lifts and durations? I really don't understand the values of each setup. I thought the higher lift springs would be required.

Duration @ 50Duration @ 50Lift Lift LSA
221/228 ,538, 112
227/223 ,480 480, 114
221/240 ,470, 110
225/237 ,450, 116
214/227 ,450, 114
215/230 ,450 440, 113
210 225 450 440 113

 

[Dubstep Shep]

Upgrading springs has more to do with the "ramp rate" of the cam, not the overall lift. It's how fast the valve opens, not how far, though the more lift, generally the higher the ramp rate has to be.

If the can says no springs required, I wouldn't worry about springs. Follow manufacturer specs.

 

[fdjizm]

Hot rods run well with the stock stuff.

 

[eighty6gt]

Do a search for "cam" and "failure" or "cam" and "noise" or "cam" and "tensioner" or "hot rods" and "can't idle around parking lots" and you'll get all of the info you need about aftermarket cams and springs for the 4.6 3v. After this you'll be very content to stick with stock stuff, and save money for a new timing drive/plastic tensioners/phasers at about 80-100k miles.

JMHO.

 

[stkjock]

many many threads on cam topics


start with this one:

http://s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62653&highlight=cam+tech+thread

 

[AndrewS197]

I ran hot rods in my 3v with zero drivability issues. I'd highly recommend them.

 

[fdjizm]

Do a search for "cam" and "failure" or "cam" and "noise" or "cam" and "tensioner" or "hot rods" and "can't idle around parking lots" and you'll get all of the info you need about aftermarket cams and springs for the 4.6 3v. After this you'll be very content to stick with stock stuff, and save money for a new timing drive/plastic tensioners/phasers at about 80-100k miles.

JMHO.

Sounds like you need to find a better tuner brah

 

[eighty6gt]

The tunes are usually not to blame - what cams are you running?

 

[fdjizm]

Hot rods, idle fine, drive ability is fine I can chug along at 1000rpm in parking lots or just roll in 2nd.

 

[Dubstep Shep]

The tunes are usually not to blame - what cams are you running?

Uhhhh, I have to disagree here.

I have livernois stage three blower cams. They're pretty hefty. My dyno tuner couldn't get it to run correctly. Went back to my old tune from Lito and it's a million times better. Already contacted Lito again about a fresh, up to date tune.

 

[eighty6gt]

I suppose the way a car is tuned could affect how long it takes for the tensioners, lash adjusters, followers, and phaser to fail...

 

[fdjizm]

Sounds like you got a story to tell bruh, what's on your mind?

 

[eighty6gt]

The 4.6 3V has one of the flakiest cam drive arrangements seen in the history of the internal combustion engine. Asking more of it than it was designed for results in far more than the usual share of misery, as is indicated by the myriad failure threads that litter the 4.6 3V tech section of this and many other websites.

Again, just my opinion. As well, nobody ever posts about how their cams are "working great," only when there is a problem. Just seems like all of the big builds you read on here, there are problems. Sqwerl, autoxracer, etc.

I would expect the ford racing cam to be the most reliable option out of all of them.

 

[Dubstep Shep]

I didn't have a single issue with mine...

 

[ford20]

The factory tensioners aren't really all that great and they fail on stock cammed cars as well. I don't think I have heard of many of the springs failing though but tensioners followers fail. That being said I don't think it is a large issues with what cams you have in your car.

 

[BruceH]

IMO the folks with issues are running higher rate springs with active vct, metal tensioners, or a heavier oil. I've had several setups and no issues. I also datalog cam position to insure they are moving as commanded. With that said I've stayed with 26113 springs and a max of .538 lift when using vct. My current cams have .550 lift and I've locked vct out.

OP: The first cam you listed is a Comp 127400. It requires springs and phaser limiters. I've had a set and they are a good cam imo. If you want to stay with stock springs then run the Hot Rods. They can be made driveable and will give you a power increase provided you have a good tuner.

The 4.6 3V has one of the flakiest cam drive arrangements seen in the history of the internal combustion engine. Asking more of it than it was designed for results in far more than the usual share of misery, as is indicated by the myriad failure threads that litter the 4.6 3V tech section of this and many other websites.

Again, just my opinion. As well, nobody ever posts about how their cams are "working great," only when there is a problem. Just seems like all of the big builds you read on here, there are problems. Sqwerl, autoxracer, etc.

I would expect the ford racing cam to be the most reliable option out of all of them.

 

[eighty6gt]

Thanks for the real tech, Bruce. I know it sounds like I'm harping on these cam drives, but sometimes they make me want to throw the baby out with the bathwater with these cars. It's a weakness we have to live with.

 

[fdjizm]

When is this weakness supposed to show up.
Are you talking about the older cam phaser design from 05-06?