Best stock cams for a budget build?

RainyP71

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I have a set of 4v heads and the only cams I have right now is a set out of an 05 aviator. Looking to see what the best option is for an upgrade using ford parts. Using a stock m112 blower and compression around 9.5:1

Would stock gt500 cams be the best bet? I'm no expert on cams. Guessing I'm looking for the options with the longest intake/exhaust duration?

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holiks03cobra

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I did some research when I was doing a motor build. Some people said the 98 cobra cams are a little better than the terminator cams. That’s what I went with. But if I could go back and do it again I would’ve done custom cams.
 

Quick Strike

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I don't think you would pick up much going to GT500 cams. Basically you would have 12* duration on the intake and 2* more on the exhaust. Then there is .068" more lift at the intake valve and .058" more lift on the exhaust. A new set is going to be at least $1000 for maybe 20 HP. A used set may be found, but it would need to measures and reviewed for damage. Then where are you if it is damaged?

The second issue here is your desire to bring the compression up to 9.5:1 static compression. Stock cams installed in their stock configuration were made to be used with the lower stock compression and have a dynanic, or cranking compression, that is optimal for 91-93 octane fuel. Raising the static compression while leaving the cams in their stock location will raise the dynamic compression as well. The fuel becomes more detonation prone under these conditions as a result (unless higher octane fuel like E85 is used).

I would use cams that would work better in the combination if you really want to go with higher static compression. Something like Comps XE258BH-116 are made for SC engines and have much longer durations. That makes them better for higher static compression and keeps the dynamic compression in an optimal range.
 

4sdvenom

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IIRC the 96-98 Cobra cams have 20 degrees more duration on the intake. Exhaust are the same. You also get the bigger 12mm cam sprocket bolt with them verses (I believe) 10mm on the later Cobra cams.
 

jrgoffin

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^^The larger bolts are a benefit of using them for sure. My build was definitely not on a "budget", but glad I went with the '98 cams anyway.

Lots of detail in the thread from a few years back: Aluminator Gibtec Build
 

cj428mach

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I went 96-98 cobra intake and exhaust cams and degrees them. Gain about 20 degrees of intake duration and 12mm cam bolts is why I did both intake and exhaust.
 

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