Cam swap in 351c

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 11:47 pm

so your buying a used factory cam from another engine? if so the swap is easy as long as you keep the puch rods and lifters in order. i did that with my 390. when my 390 cam broke.

lifted72 · Post by **lifted72** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:05 am

No im buying a used 70 351c engine and am wondering what it takes to swap a brand new cam in while i am swapping engines. But thank you for your reply!

FordHam · Post by **FordHam** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:10 am

I'm currently rebuilding a 351C now. Depending on the new cams lift and duration, new pushrods may be needed to keep the correct valve train geometry, so you need to check that. Also new cams have specific valve spring recommendations which need to be verified also. To swap the manifold and cam, you are already going to be fairly far into the engine tear down stage, so its not that much more time or money to replace the lifters, gaskets or even take time to check out the valve stem seals and springs, etc. I guess if the new cam is close to stock it may work, but I think you are hoping alot of things are already right with the engine and all of it will go back together and run correctly. That can be alot of hope, and alot can go wrong without checking all your specs and clearances. I only changed my cam slightly and am having to have the spring seats machined and new custom valves ordered to reestablish the proper valve train geometry. Those pedastal mounts just don't allow as much room for error as adjustable rockers do. Just some things I have had to consider. Good luck.

Post by **DuckRyder** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:52 am

You have to replace the lifters with a new flat tappet cam, if you don't the new cam will be junk in a matter of minutes.

I would also strongly recommend replacing the valve springs with the correct ones for the cam.

rubiranch · Post by **rubiranch** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:35 am

I have a 1972 351 CJ cam, new still in the tube.

lifted72 · Post by **lifted72** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:01 pm

Hey thanks guys. So i ended up getting the engine for only 150! The is now guarantee that it runs but i think it only has 45k on it. I decided before i even mess with changing anything out on it, Putting my 4bbl intake on it and the rear sump pan) im going to just throw it in there make sure it runs.

The FORDification.com Forums

Cam swap in 351c

Re: Cam swap in 351c

Re: Cam swap in 351c

Re: Cam swap in 351c

Re: Cam swap in 351c

Re: Cam swap in 351c

Re: Cam swap in 351c