Cam Question on my 85 Mustang GT...

[MI2QWK4U]

I need some advice on what cam I should have used on my 85 GT when I rebuilt it. This is what went into it:

-BRAND NEW MOTORSPORT 5.OL 302ci ENGINE BLOCK (Explorer Block)
-MOTORSPORT GT-40P HEADS
-FEDERAL MOGUL SPEED PRO HYPEREUTECTIC PISTONS
-MOTORSPORT E-303 CAM
-MOTORSPORT 1.6 ROLLER ROCKERS
-MELLING HIGH FLOW OIL PUMP
-EDELBROCK PERFORMER RPM INTAKE MANIFOLD
-MOTORSPORT GT-40P HEADERS
-MOTORSPORT HIGH FLOW WATER PUMP
-HOLLY STREET AVENGER 670CFM CARBURATOR
-MSD IGNITION, DISTRIBUTOR, COIL, AND TACH ADAPTOR
-MOTORSPORT BLUE HIGH PERFORMANCE PLUG WIRES
-MOTORSPORT "MUSTANG" VALVE COVERS
-MOTORSPORT "MUSTANG" AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY
-K&N AIR FILTER

-ARP BOLTS THROUGHOUT
-MOTORSPORT MINI STARTER
-SECONDARY OIL AND TRANS FLUID COOLERS
-MALLORY ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP/TANK PICKUP
-ENERGY SUSPENSION ENGINE/TRANS MOUNTS
-B&M TORQUE CONVERTER
-COMPLETE OFF ROAD FLOWMASTER EXHAUST SYSTEM

This is all married up to an automatic trans, AODE with a mild shift kit. I was told that E-303 is a mild cam and would work well with the AODE trans. But I also was told to I should run the X-303 cam instead. The motor was built with the E-303 cam, but I have a brand new in the box Motorsport X-303 cam sitting on my parts shelf. With the setup in the Mustang, what cam of the two would you choose and why. Should I swap them out? I listed the cam specs from the Motorsport catalouge if it helps. Thanks in advance.
Dave

[martyo]

I think the E cam should be fine (it is a mild grind), but if you really want an expert opinion, I can hook you up with the boys at my shop.

Let me know if you want the hook up.

[MI2QWK4U]

I wouldnt mind more agressive if it doesnt kill drivability. I heard the problem with the wild cams is idling when the trans is auto.

[martyo]

Dave: I will see what I can find out if you want. I don't drive no stinkin' sticks () so I can't answer from first hand experience.

[martyo]

I started a thread here:

http://www.streetcarforums.com/showt...threadid=52805

[Jolly Roger]

I liked the B-303.
It had a nice agressive sound, safe piston to valve clearance, and I was able to get it to pass emissions inspection.
Nice mid range power starting at about 2500 rpm all the way to 6000.
Mine was a 5-speed.
Don't know how well it would work in a automic trans without a high stall converter.
You'd probably need about a 3000 stall.
Can't comment on any of the others since NONE of them were even around at that time, as it was sometime ago.
Hope this helps.

[Jolly Roger]

I liked the B-303.
It had a nice agressive sound, safe piston to valve clearance, and I was able to get it to pass emissions inspection.
Nice mid range power starting at about 2500 rpm all the way to 6000.
Mine was a 5-speed.
Not sure how it will work in a automatic unless you use a high stall converter, probanly around 3000 stall.
Can,t comment on any of the other cams since NONE of them were even around at that time, as it was sometime ago.
Hope this helps.

[shakes_26]

Dave,

With those 1.6 roller rockers make sure your psitons are have enough valve clearance with the X cam. Additionally Ford does not recommend it with auto trans, I beleive your not going to enjoy the idle either.

Another note, the X303 makes peak power in the 'hood of 6500rpm, so unless those GT40P heads can hang in its not worth it. I think the pwoer band is 2600-6500 for the X cam..

[martyo]

I started a thread here:

http://www.streetcarforums.com/showt...threadid=52805

Dave: The posts above-were helpful and were confirmed by the thread I started and gave you the link for.

Good luck! Let us know what you do.

[MikesMerc]

Dave, do yourself a favor and keep the E cam. Its best for an automatic. If you go B or X, you'll get some surging and lurching at idle. You'll also need to up the stall convertor.