Well, per the everything I read, with a roller cam, you should use a steel gear. So I paid my $65 to MDS for their steel dizzy gear. Well, 1100 miles, and i was chasing an erratic timing problem. Luckily, I was in the driveway when it finally jumped a tooth. After setting the timing 4 times and still not getting it to crank, I thought I was having a stroke or something because it was 90 deg retarded after I know I had it on within 5 deg or so....
The real question. I need a new cam. If the rollers are PERFECT, do I need to change them with the cam? I think that may be a flat tappet only rule, but I would rather not have to pull it apart again trying to save $400.
I'm considering what cam with to go with. As it is, the HP peak is at the recommended red line. The bottom end parts sound like they could rev a bit higher. Maybe the limit is valve float. I honestly don't need any more power, but maybe a tad less cam would give better low end torque, but then again, it has enough and I like the sound of a well done downshift.
Somewhere, I saw a dyno graph of this engine, and I can't find it back. Torque peak is 4800rpm 545 ft lbs, HP peak is 5600rpm 535HP, and still climbing. My instinct is rev it more to use that power or tune it down to where you are allowed to run it. Is Ford being overly cautious on the redline for warranty reasons?
I'll also do a major inspection, including pulling a few bearing caps to check. I'm betting I'll replace the
oil pump because I think the shards were small enough to get past the
oil screen, but I didn't notice any
oil pressure reduction. I will replace the lifters if there is any sign of damage to the wheel.
Cam recommendations from anyone?