[Jetflo]

It seems the modification is camshaft.

Question 1:
The engine has 120K miles on it. What must be replaced when replacing a cam in a high mileage engine?

Engine condition:
The engine runs great with less than 1 qt per 5000 miles oil consumption. It's been like that since I got the car at 60K miles. I've been changing with synthetic oil about every 5K miles with a Seafoam treatment every 30K miles. However, I'm a lead foot and I think the original owner was as well.

Question 2:
What camshaft would you recommend if you needed the car to pass tailpipe testing at idle and 3000 rpm on a roller dyno for say the next 120K miles?

Test Schedule:
2 yrs ago it was tested at 90K miles and was near zero on all measures. Next test is in August. I'd guess it gets tested every 35K miles.

Thanks,

[ESG-642T]

Do cali laws allow cam change?

[Mineral_Grey_Gt]

I think so, as long they are CARB approved.

[ESG-642T]

Originally Posted by Mineral_Grey_Gt I think so, as long they are CARB approved.

By that you'll never be able to cam your car.

[Jetflo]

They only do a visual check. It is probably hard to see a camshaft. I'd gamble an F150 cam would pass.

Is that the only option?

[ESG-642T]

Originally Posted by Jetflo They only do a visual check. It is probably hard to see a camshaft. I'd gamble an F150 cam would pass. Is that the only option?

I would gamble that also, but its not worth swapping an f150 camshaft or anything remotely close. But I've heard the smog guys in cali are pretty smart so wouldn't a car that was loping give it away?

[Trick Tuners]

Originally Posted by ESG-642T I would gamble that also, but its not worth swapping an f150 camshaft or anything remotely close. But I've heard the smog guys in cali are pretty smart so wouldn't a car that was loping give it away?

If it lopes at all, they will probably fail you. I'm not sure if any cam will pass the sniffer. I know that all cam swaps are not legal.

[JTs03v6]

That sounds like a load of shit to me.

Other than that, I would not swap a stock cam for another stock cam unless the rest of the motor come with it. I'd give comp or crower a call and see what the'd suggest. Could even check with your local engine builder to see what type of cams theyre putting in motors that pass the sniffer.

[ESG-642T]

Originally Posted by JTs03v6 That sounds like a load of shit to me. Other than that, I would not swap a stock cam for another stock cam unless the rest of the motor come with it. I'd give comp or crower a call and see what the'd suggest. Could even check with your local engine builder to see what type of cams theyre putting in motors that pass the sniffer.

Sniffer I'm not too worried about, I just hear Cali has some ridiculous inspection to where if a car sounds like it has an aftermarket cam they will start asking questions.

[walt1120]

get a custom grind cam with a quiet idle. and try to get some air injection going after the o2 sensors to make the exhaust seem cleaner.

[mustangmike!]

4.2 cam for sell

[Jetflo]

Originally Posted by mustangmike! 4.2 cam for sell

I've been thinking about it Mike. The way this thread is going, it kinda seems like I should just swap in a used 4.2.

Wait, did I mention I have a forged super coupe crankshaft in my closet? I'm not sure a used 4.2 is the right move.

[6ixer]

Get a used 4.2 from a f150 (like I am) keep the engine on the lift and buy your cam shaft...for me porlly lumpy cam or comp cams extreme engery street cam ...build the engine or tech just install the cam when its just on the engine jack/lift and when its done just drop it in

[mustangmike!]

i think you should put in this 4.2 cam and go run it on a dyno and let us know what you make yup
I really think you should.
If it makes you more comfortable i do have the springs/retainers shouldn't be any different then ours, but if they are I have them. Just let me know and ill work out a price for ya.

I also have the lumpy cam spec, needs to be checked before i sell it though i think. Or atleast I want to get it checked.

[6ixer]

Originally Posted by mustangmike! i think you should put in this 4.2 cam and go run it on a dyno and let us know what you make yup I really think you should. If it makes you more comfortable i do have the springs/retainers shouldn't be any different then ours, but if they are I have them. Just let me know and ill work out a price for ya. I also have the lumpy cam spec, needs to be checked before i sell it though i think. Or atleast I want to get it checked.

Wait u just say u have a lumpy cam...or u think u do....find out pm the detail and ill buy it

[mustangmike!]

4.2 and lumpy cam
PMing now

[ReverendDexter]

Cam swap are legal provided the cam has a CARB number... however, as was already said, smog techs aren't gonna have you tear down the car so they can see the cam. Basically, if you have a cam that sounds non-stock and nothing else to "blame" the sound on, you'll need to have the CARB number from a legal aftermarket cam displayed on the firewall and make sure that whatever cam you swap in still passes emissions. What I've heard is that overlap is what kills you on the emissions test, so something like a blower cam will be your best bet.

[Jetflo]

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter Cam swap are legal provided the cam has a CARB number... however, as was already said, smog techs aren't gonna have you tear down the car so they can see the cam. Basically, if you have a cam that sounds non-stock and nothing else to "blame" the sound on, you'll need to have the CARB number from a legal aftermarket cam displayed on the firewall and make sure that whatever cam you swap in still passes emissions. What I've heard is that overlap is what kills you on the emissions test, so something like a blower cam will be your best bet.

Rev,

I am glad to hear better news. Any blower cam you might recommend?

Thanks!

[ReverendDexter]

Man, I wish I could help with specifics, but I really don't know the V6 aftermarket that well.

[Trick Tuners]

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter What I've heard is that overlap is what kills you on the emissions test, so something like a blower cam will be your best bet.

For sure. A high lift cam with near stock overlap will pass the sniffer test, but won't sound super cool at idle. When you get a heavy lope with large overlap, the exhaust will suck out some unburnt fuel and you will fail HC.