Confused on 98 cobra cams and s/c termi engine

[Black&Gifted]

Ok, I just spoke with a local engine builder who does nice work to discuss using 98 cobra cams (have some sitting in my garage) in my 03/04 terminator engine that is also sitting in my garage.

He recommended not installing them because the gains are minimal, if any, by installing the 98 cobra cams on a PD blown motor and it would be more expense than worth it. His recommendation was stage 1 mmr or comp cams. That would be nice, but I am not spending over $1k on cams.

From reading various threads on cams, most of which deal with the gains on a n/a engine, there is some talk on using the 98 cams in a s/c motor and whether it is worth it. However, does anyone know first hand whether the time and expense would be worth it (i.e., it actually provides gains).

Also, I thought I read somewhere the stage 1 cams are similar to 98 cobra cams...

No idea what is going on now between reading some of the threads and what the engine builder said.

[SC Cheesehead]

I'd be interested in more info on these in an S/C'd engine as well.

[SC Cheesehead]

I'd be interested in more info on performance capabilities of these in an S/C'd engine as well.

[MrBluGruv]

Anyone have cam specs handy on the '98 Cobra cams vs. the factory Marauder cams?

I've been learning a lot about reading cam specs and understanding valve events, I'd like to see where the difference is between them that could account for a serious performance boost.

[Black&Gifted]

The specs are floating around here somewhere...I post them up later if someone else doesn't first.

For clarification, the engine builder was not trying to sell me comp cams. We were just discussing labor for install.

My goal is an efficient running motor. I am also concerned about power across the rpm range; I don't care if peak power is the same.

[Blackened300a]

Mach 1, 03/04 Cobra, Aviator, Marauder, Navigator
Intake: 184 deg @ .050/.397" lift (measured duration)
Exhaust: 196 deg @ .050/.397" lift
114 LCs

96-98 Cobra
Intake: 202-204 deg @.050/ .397 lift
Exhaust: 196 deg @.050/.397 lift
114/114 LCs

[FordNut]

If you can self-install it is worth it since the cams are cheap and they do provide some power gains. If you have to pay labor, the hp/$$ gains are really not worth it.

[RacerX]

Good Lawd. Use the 98s in the new build. I think for an sc'd app, you'll want the centerlines degreed at 108 intake and 118 exhaust. Ask Todd (NA SVT). As far as install, lock down the cams (you can make a tool to do that, Rob, Massacre, has done this), take out the cam bolts, gears and spacers, use a breaker bar to loosen the cam cap bolts just a bit on each then loosen them all a bit more. Take every bolt out. Gently take off the cam caps, remove the stock cams, gently clean the cam beaing surfaces if necessary, lay some engine assembly lube down, be generous here, install the 98 cams in, use more assembly lube liberally and reverse the procedure torqueing all the bolts in the right patterns and to spec. If you're not sure which cam is which, look at the keyway on the Cobra cams and the lobes. You can match them up to what's allready installed and mark them with fingernail polish. DSIN, DSEX, PSIN, PSEX, etc.:beer:

[Black&Gifted]

Doing more research on install and degreeing them properly myself. Will likely have a ton of questions as I progress through the research.

Yeah, eff that guy. I would have paid him to install and degree them, which would have been relatively straightforward for an engine builder because the motor is on a pallet (soon to be stand) and virtually fully undressed.

Listen, I do have basic mechanical skills, am comfortable with tools and am not afraid of trying myself. However, trying something for the first time by myself that is a not a simple procedure (and have never seen before in person) on an expensive piece of machinery (for me) that is supposed to run smoothly isn't always my first thought.

Thanks for the replies. They are encouragement!

[Mercguy04]

I think the subject has been covered quite adequately.
However if you need more opinion on the matter, NA SVT Todd, Zack, or Travis.
and Todd Miller for that matter, he is well informed.

[Blackened300a]

Installing the cams isnt a huge deal, it's the process of getting them degreed that sucks. You only need the intake cams from the 96-98 cobra. The exhaust cams are the same to what we have stock.

[RacerX]

Installing the cams isnt a huge deal, it's the process of getting them degreed that sucks. You only need the intake cams from the 96-98 cobra. The exhaust cams are the same to what we have stock.
Good point! I forgot all about this. They are exactly the same! I did all four before I found out. :beer:

[MMBLUE]

Try here http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=68982 For info or go over to chicagosvt.com Zack or Travis (Musclemerc) :banned:will getcha pointed in the right direction.

[MrBluGruv]

That's a HUGE jump in duration on the intake side. I could see how even on stock manifolds this should give a nice bump not only in power but also favor the lower end of the power band.

However, given the work that'd have to go in and cost for labor, unless you get the intake cams for like stupid-cheap, it'd almost be more worth it to spec your own cam to install if you're having a shop put it in...

[na svt]

Mach intake cams have 190 deg duration while the 96-98 cobra intake cams have 204 deg duration. In n/a form the cobra itnake cams will provide a 20rwhp gain, with boost the gains are even greater. Additionally, if installed at a lower lobe center the tq and mid range (3-5k) gains can be in the 30-40rwtq/rwhp range.

These cams are the best bang for hte buck mod available for a Marauder.

[na svt]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1158906#post1 158906