I currently have a 1997 mustang gt, automatic. In the near future i am thinking about putting a cam in it. I was just wondering if it is even possible to just add a cam without changing any other internals? If so, what are some cam brands and sizes that will go good with my car?? I'm looking to get the most hp, while still keeping my stock heads and everything else, but just replacing the cam??? any feedback appreciated...thanks guys


also some hp #'s???

 

If you have stock heads on your '97, you should do a PI head swap when doing the cams. It's a no brainer and you will pick up as much as 100 hp with the right combination.

Thing is, there really is no more labor involved when swapping cams to just swap the heads.

IMO, it would be foolish to not do both especially on a 96-98 Mustang.

Just my $0.02

 

Yep have to agree with MT's on that one.The head swap would be the best thing when you do the cams.

 

yeah...makes sense that while replacing the cam i should redo my whole head and intake swap...i found the pi head and intake setup for a decent price on this cite...can you guys take a look at it and see if this includes everything for the complete install(besides the cam that i want to install obviously)...

If i was just to buy this exact setup would i need anything else or would it be a direct replacement of my current heads and intake??

http://www.parkwayperformance.com/2vheadswap.asp

 

The link would'nt work for me.

 

hmmm....thats wierd it works for me....can anybody else check the link and let me know if thats everything needed for the complete headswap??

 

If you wanna do cams at the same time as the PI heads, assemble the kit yourself. Get some used PI heads from an 01+ motor and a intake manifold with the aluminum crossover. Then, get the VT stage one cams. This will get you the most from your dollar. Randy Stinchcolmb over at Modulardepot.com's parts forum has a headswap kit that you can buy from him that includes all the necessary gaskets/bolts/etc. This is your best bet. If you want the MOST power, get the heads ported before you put them on. Fox Lake or VT engines (same place as the cams) sells ported PI heads. Look into that as well as you could get over 300 rwhp with the right combo. Look over at www.modulardepot.com for a ton of cam tech and also, heres VT's home page. www.vtengines.com
Good luck man, hope we can help out with anything else you can think of.

 

thanks a lot madmatt....some awsome sites there, i'll have to check out some stuff and let you know what i end up doing...thanks again

 

Sure thing, just do it right the first time, thats all I can say. Even if you have to wait 3 more months to get it done. Also, if you go for cams, make sure to get some longtube headers if possible to get the most out of them.

 

already have them...just waiting to get them installed...i have slp long tubes

 

Matt gave you some REALLY good advice. That car will rock especially with the LT's when you are done.

You can also get a set of after-market heads such as those from Steen. You will get bigger gains, but IMO the added price is not worth it when you can get some PI ones for so cheap.

 

sorry to impead on this thread. but how much hp would i gain from the vt stage 1 cams......are they a pain to install or would i have to have a pro do it...........

 

Id say you could expect about 20 rwhp from the cams alone. Yes, they can be a pain to install, and if you have any doubts, id let someone who knows do the install. There are a lot of little things that can screw your motor up quickly. BUT, dont be discouraged. Theres a TON of info out there, and countless install writeups for the cam swap, so just get out there and look for it.