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2.3 liter Ford Camshaft Mini FAQ
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You should always check spring pressures when installing a cam. If the stock springs are in spec, they can be used, with a mild cam.
To install a new cam, you need new followers, or you will destroy the cam. This is true of all 2.3 cams, except rollers.
Cams MUST be broken in correctly. Basically, you run the engine, after installation, at between 2000-2800 RPM.
If you let it idle or rev it harder, it will wipe the lobes off of the cam. A correctly broken-in cam should last *at least* 100 Kmiles. An incorrectly broken-in cam, won't last 100 miles. You can actually HEAR the cam breaking in. If you ever remove it, number the followers for re-installation on the corresponding lobe. They are now a matched set.
Use a good tach, BTW, not your stock tach, unless it's been fixed and calibrated.
It's a good idea to change the timing belt, and water pump while you're in there. Probably the timing belt tensioner and pulley, too.
Several things to do BEFORE you get the cam.
Rent or borrow a valve spring compressor. I rented mine at Trak Auto for 16.99 (refundable). You can get the good one from NAPA for 59.95. The part number is SER 3087.
This is the tool you want. Recommended.
You can remove the followers with a LONG pry bar, under the cam, leveraging down on the valve spring retainer. There's no room for the pry bar, on several of the followers, unless you remove other stuff like the intake manifold. So, the spring compressor is a big help. ESPECIALLY when installing the new followers.
Use a timing light to check and set your base timing, before installation. This is for comparison purposes, and to uncover any incorrect settings or bad parts, like a flaky TFI module.
Make sure you have the GOOD valve cover gasket, on hand.
Relevant parts listing:
2.3 Valve cover gasket part # F57Z-6584-A
2.3 valve springs part # E4ZZ6513-A you need 8
2.3 cam followers Part # D8FZ6564A you need 8.
Exhaust valve seals E7ZZ6571-B you need 4
Intake valve seals E7ZZ6571-A you need 4
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End of 2.3 liter Ford Camshaft Mini Cam FAQ
Author: Dave Compton, all rights reserved
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