Camshaft upgrade questions

[imq707s]

I have redone the intake and exhaust on my 97 XLT explorer, now I'm ready to do some internal engine mods. The easiest thing to do first seems like a cam swap. I've done plenty of these on small block chevy motors and have noticed good improvments in power, but with the EFI on the 5.0 I'm not sure how big of a cam I can put in without it messing with the computer. Besides the free-flowing intake and exhaust mods, the 5.0 motor is completely stock. What company sells a cam that will work with my motor and give signifigant gains in HP and TQ? Will my gas millage go down the tubes? Do you have to get all new parts when you do a cam swap on these motors, or can you just change out the cam? Are they roller cams? Any more info would be great, thanks.

 

[65Matt]

Your stock headers are probably too restrictive too see any gains from a bigger cam. I would advise changing headers, TB, mass air, gears, air filter, synthetic fluids, and pulleys before changing the cam.

But if you really want a new cam, here goes: With the 5.0 computer, you want to get a roller cam specifically for the EFI 5.0 (not for a 289/302) made by Ford, Comp Cams, etc. Your major concern should be what powerband you want your power in, and with a heavy truck, you dont want to lose low end torque. The best bet is to call them and tell em your setup. You can reuse roller lifters, but of course you will have to buy gaskets, etc.

Perhaps QuadCam and Troll can chime in, they are going down the same road with their trucks.