I've read the '04 Mach 1 engine has improved heads over '01 Cobra heads, but the cams aren't as good. I'm putting an '04 Mach long block in my '01. Any thoughts on cams?
It would be a really good time to swap in some aftermarket cams. A good set of custom ground cams can be ran with the stock valve springs and still make good power.
The difference will be neglibile in both NA and forced induction applications, not worth it if you ask me, If the heads were off the shortblock disassembled and you had some cams to switch out OK..
Removing Valve Covers and Installing Cobra Cams - A Complete How To With Pics - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club
If the motor is out, put in different cams and have them degreed. Stock the cams can be all over the place. Go custom, OTS, or 96-98 cams. If the motor is in the car don't worry about it, run stock.
It takes about 4 hours to do a cobra intake cam swap and for 20rwhp thats pretty good. People spend 10 hours and $1000 for headers to make less hp. Negligeable?
01 intake cams are gonna make a solid 20RW difference over 03-04's? 5 speed Mach's stock on our dyno will put down numbers very similar to the 99-01 Cobra's, surely not a 20 difference..How do you account for that the intakes? Also a stock Marauder with a new tune file put down 300:shrug:
I've gained 23rwhp SAE with the 98' Cobra cams on my Mach. I've never seen a stock Marauder with a tune, especially a Auto put down 300.
You forget Mach motors have slightly better heads, intake, and higher compression than 99-01 cobra motors, theres the difference.
96-98s will be add 20rwhp, 99/01s will make a little less as they have a couple degrees less duration. The gains made by these cams is well documented.