Hi all, I have an 86 HO roller Mustang engine in my Mav, and I was wondering if the FMS E303 cam would fit in it. It was rebuilt around 20k miles before I bought it, but I don't know what pistons are in it. I am going to assume that it has the stock style pistons, so will the valves? I don't plan on doing the swap really soon, I was just wondering for the near future. I know, I know, it's an 86 but it performs very, very nicely for having bad heads. I got the complete engine for $250, so even with the heads it is a great deal. It doesn't burn oil, and has great compression. It's so much stronger than the original 302 it's scary. Eventually when I am out of school and have enough money I plan on going with a 347, but untill then I would like to put in a cam for some a little more performance, but mainly for a little rougher idle, and the distinctive bigger cam sound. Let me know if it'll fit guys! I read somewhere that it would, (pretty tight valve clearance however) but I wanted to make sure. Thanks. -Corbin
We have the E-303 in our car and it runs great I am very happy with it. I have read that the valve clearance on the 86 Gt's is tighter than the other cars but it should be Ok the stock cam has .444 lift and the E has .498 that's not that much of a difference. The 86 heads arn't that bad in fact they are the basis for the GT-40P heads as stated in 5.0 perfomance book. They have alot of valve shrouding but have greater combustion efficiency.
Thomas is correct. According to the Ford Racing Catalog there is no valve clearance problem with any of the 85 thru 95 302 roller motors when utilizing the E303 cam. This is also the same cam that is recommended when adding a super charger...Hmm...Maybe instead of that 347???
Great!! Thanks for the info on the cam! I am glad you all like it and it will fit in the 86. A super charger is a possibility. I like the way you think! Either way, a super charger, or a 347 will be down the road a few years. Thanks guys. -Corbin
86 block Corbin, the 86 pistons have no valve reliefs! You can always check the clearance with a little silly putty! It sounds like gsjohnson found the answer in the Ford perforance catalog. Remember, if any material has been removed from the cylinder head surface that will decrease your valve to piston clearance! The E303 cam is a nice grind that gives a little lope with good streetability. Just so you know, clearance on my 86 block was around .140 with the stock .444 cam. I think I remember that correctly. Good luck.
Sure the 86 heads suck, but don't be so quick to knock em. I have smoked plenty of 87 up mustangs with my 86gt
