[Viper99911]

To begin with, this will be my first time performing any serious modification to a modular engine. I've built half a dozen clevelands for different applications in my time, so the idea of a tear down and rebuild doesn't intimidate me, but I could use some advice. The car is a mostly stock 97 GT conv. Current modifications include MSD Coils and Wires, K&N Cold Air Intake, Flowmaster mufflers, and an SCT tuner (car set to 91 octane tune.) Ive purchased the Ford Racing PI intake, and have acquired a set of 11 bolt (Romeo?) PI heads. I know they are PI because it is stamped on the left and the right head, but I am unsure of what they were previously installed in. I plan to have the heads examined, ported, polished, freshly rebuilt, and topped off with a valve job. My first question is: How much cam can I get away with and still pass California smog? (I am considering Comp Cams #102500 with matching springs, gears, and retainers) Any helpful insight from you modular Gurus would be greatly appreciated!

[BAzombie]

Not sure on the CA emissions test but there's some good reading at Modularheadshop - MHS


Here's a list of articles ... ModularHeadShop Articles


I'd say call them. I'd think he'd have some info on CA sniffer tests.

[projectGT]

Central California?

[deedub97GT]

Originally Posted by Viper99911 To begin with, this will be my first time performing any serious modification to a modular engine. I've built half a dozen clevelands for different applications in my time, so the idea of a tear down and rebuild doesn't intimidate me, but I could use some advice. The car is a mostly stock 97 GT conv. Current modifications include MSD Coils and Wires, K&N Cold Air Intake, Flowmaster mufflers, and an SCT tuner (car set to 91 octane tune.) Ive purchased the Ford Racing PI intake, and have acquired a set of 11 bolt (Romeo?) PI heads. I know they are PI because it is stamped on the left and the right head, but I am unsure of what they were previously installed in. I plan to have the heads examined, ported, polished, freshly rebuilt, and topped off with a valve job. My first question is: How much cam can I get away with and still pass California smog? (I am considering Comp Cams #102500 with matching springs, gears, and retainers) Any helpful insight from you modular Gurus would be greatly appreciated!

hey man welcome to the forums!!

it doesnt really matter what they came off of. all pi heads are the same on all the engines. plus with the level of work your getting done to them they will be better than brand new!

im not sure how much for california...sorry...but i do know you CAN NOT use much lift or you will get PTV i was running 232/232 with .6 inches of lift on my stock flat top npi pistons and it would still turn over but when i took my engine apart to forge the insides about 6k miles later it was horribly damaged lol.


with the cams that you noted it says its designed to work with pi heads. and most likely on the pi engine that has an 18cc dish in the pistons. ide check into that some before you make a purchase.

[Viper99911]

Noted. Thanks for all imput. After running numbers on the heads I was given, they appear to have come from an expedition, making them windsor pi heads. At a quick glance the heads looked to be 11 bolt, but this is obviously not the case. I'm going to have to replace my valve covers, but am I also going to have to buy the windsor timing cover? / Merced, California