1996 Explorer 5.0 & E303 cam - Do I need to upgrade stock springs?

[waid302]

I am thinking about installing the E303 cam in my 1996 Explorer motor which has GT40 heads.

I have read elsewhere that the stock springs are only good for stock cam.

Can I reuse the stock springs with this cam?

Thanks

 

[willzilla]

I believe so and have also heard people, on this board, say that the e-303 cam is more mustang and light vehicle oriented and you should look into comp cams (custom grind) preferable (if you don't mind dropping the cash) or off the shelf for a bit cheaper but not quite as good

 

[Turdle]

True, most "letter" cams move the torque up in the powerband to gain a good horsepower number.

I'd go for a custom camshaft, and be warned, you are opening a can of worms. This aint a small block chevy in a nova---

 

[waid302]

Well, the motor is actually going in to a 64 Falcon with most likely a T5. I figured I post here where people have first hand account with these motors.

I have read on other Ford Forums that the stock GT40P valve springs are too weak for anything other than stock cam. Not sure how true that is as most people assume stronger springs are better and they actually dont have any personal experience with them. There is too much speculation!

Thanks

Waid

 

[ahodges]

It all depends on how much more lift you're going over stock with that cam, and how many rpms you plan on turning.. general rule of thumb is that once you go to a cam larger than stock, then you will need new stiffer springs.

 

[jah81592]

Although the cam is going into a Falcon keep in mind the cam was designed for a light car with a manual transmission. I typically will get a cam with a better grind than the "alphabet cams". For their time they worked good but there are better options which are out there now. Typically custom grind cams are not much more than off the shelf grinds. Even a off the shelf gring properly selected would yield better results. If you install a E cam then I would size the springs, retainers, locks and push rods accordingly.-j