E-cam or TFS Stage 1 ?

black86notch · 03-31-2002, 08:14 PM

Basically I am trying to decide on which cam to go with on the following combo:

stock '86 short block with flat top pistons (45k orig miles)
TFS Twisted Wegde heads
'93 Cobra upper/lower intake
65 mm throttle body
70 mm mass air meter
1.6 roller rockers
stock 19lb injectors and fuel pump (for now...limited on $$$)

What I am trying to accomplish is getting a combo that will get me into the 12's, be reliable for the street, and even possibly be emissions legal.

What are some opinions out there...the Ford E-cam or the TFS Stage 1 cam? Any first hand experience with a combo like this?
Are there other cams I should be considering?

Any input would be appreciated...and it doesn't have to be limited to the cam only.

Thanks.

'86 black notch 5.0 5-speed
the only factory option is rear defrost
45,000 original miles

FMS 3.73's
Auburn Posi
Moser 31 spline axles
HPM Megabite Jr's
HPM upper c/a's
Global West subframes
Pro 5.0 shifter
Flowmaster 2-chamber cat-back
Autometer tach & shift lite
'88 spindles, rotors, calipers, & struts

waiting to go in:

MAC equal shorties
MAC h-pipe
'93 Cobra upper & lower intake
65 mm throttle body

Unit 5302 · 03-31-2002, 08:19 PM

You can't do either cam. Nor can you do the TFS heads. The stock flat top forged pistons will crash into the valves in any of those cases. They do not have valve reliefs.

You can do E7TE heads, but unless you change the pistons, or have them flycut, you can't do any serious aftermarket heads, or cams.

Sorry.

black86notch · 03-31-2002, 08:26 PM

Actually, I had the same concern about the valve & piston clearance. I called Total Engine Airflow in Kentucky and spoke to Brian Tooley. I was informed that the TFS Twisted Wedge heads will work with flat top pistons like those in the '86 5.0. The valves in the TW heads are not in the factory location...so even the newer 87-up 5.0's piston valve reliefs would not line up with the valves on the TW heads. Without notching the pistons, the TFS TW heads are the only heads I can use on my '86. I would be limited on cam choices (as would 87-up 5.0's), but the E-cam and Stage 1 would work fine. TFS always suggests a clay test before bolting the engine up.

Thanks.

drudis · 03-31-2002, 09:21 PM

I just did the TFS TW heads with my stock 89 pistons. Then added the TFS stage-I cam. This is a split profile, that is for better exhaust. I prefer these types of cam profiles in general. THe E-cam is straight pattern (intake and exhaust).

This TFS cam WILL work, I just put it in and dialed it in too.
See many photos at this link: http://www.dariusrudis.com/mustang/new_engine

DZEE'S LX · 04-01-2002, 02:19 PM

I just finished with a similar setup on my '91.
Had approx .050 -.080 p/v clearance with my stock flat-tops and 1.7 rockers.
TFS told me on the phone that the E-cam would be about 7 hp less with my combo. I went with the E anyway because it is well proven and has a CARB #.
Aside from killing the engine occasionally when I let the clutch out without feathering in some throttle, I like the cam.

I would call TFS just to be sure about your application. I've heard it both ways about the 86 pistons.......

Dan

LX XLR8R · 04-01-2002, 03:26 PM

we just built a 89 hatch with 86 bottom end and 87 heads with a b-303 and there is plenty of cleance..just wouldnt suggest this combo unless you put better springs on cuz one trip above 5800 and the pistons and intake vlaves will kiss..belive me on this

03-31-2002, 08:14 PM	#1
black86notch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Jersey Posts: 4	E-cam or TFS Stage 1 ? Basically I am trying to decide on which cam to go with on the following combo: stock '86 short block with flat top pistons (45k orig miles) TFS Twisted Wegde heads '93 Cobra upper/lower intake 65 mm throttle body 70 mm mass air meter 1.6 roller rockers stock 19lb injectors and fuel pump (for now...limited on $$$) What I am trying to accomplish is getting a combo that will get me into the 12's, be reliable for the street, and even possibly be emissions legal. What are some opinions out there...the Ford E-cam or the TFS Stage 1 cam? Any first hand experience with a combo like this? Are there other cams I should be considering? Any input would be appreciated...and it doesn't have to be limited to the cam only. Thanks. '86 black notch 5.0 5-speed the only factory option is rear defrost 45,000 original miles FMS 3.73's Auburn Posi Moser 31 spline axles HPM Megabite Jr's HPM upper c/a's Global West subframes Pro 5.0 shifter Flowmaster 2-chamber cat-back Autometer tach & shift lite '88 spindles, rotors, calipers, & struts waiting to go in: MAC equal shorties MAC h-pipe '93 Cobra upper & lower intake 65 mm throttle body

03-31-2002, 09:21 PM	#4
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	I just did the TFS TW heads with my stock 89 pistons. Then added the TFS stage-I cam. This is a split profile, that is for better exhaust. I prefer these types of cam profiles in general. THe E-cam is straight pattern (intake and exhaust). This TFS cam WILL work, I just put it in and dialed it in too. See many photos at this link: http://www.dariusrudis.com/mustang/new_engine __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

04-01-2002, 02:19 PM	#5
DZEE'S LX Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 117	I just finished with a similar setup on my '91. Had approx .050 -.080 p/v clearance with my stock flat-tops and 1.7 rockers. TFS told me on the phone that the E-cam would be about 7 hp less with my combo. I went with the E anyway because it is well proven and has a CARB #. Aside from killing the engine occasionally when I let the clutch out without feathering in some throttle, I like the cam. I would call TFS just to be sure about your application. I've heard it both ways about the 86 pistons....... Dan __________________ Spec Service (UHP), BFG G-Force KDW's, Turbo Coupe 3.55 rear w/disks, 73mm calipers, Stg 1 Twisted Wedges, TFS Street Intake, 70mm TB, E cam, Crane 1.7's, Aeromotive FPR, BBK 1 5/8 shorties, elec fan, FMS Al Radiator, Moroso Wires, Kenne Bell Ramair, March pulleys, Race Magnums, 190 lph Walbro, FMS Al Dshaft, D/S loop, MM 4point rollbar, FMS C spngs, strut tower brace, Tokico Illuminas, Prothane bushings, MM Lwr Conrol Arms, KB welded subs, Cervini Mach 1 hood/valence/side skirts/wing/airdam.

04-01-2002, 03:26 PM	#6
LX XLR8R Dirk Diggler Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: SLOATSBURG, NY Posts: 1,931	we just built a 89 hatch with 86 bottom end and 87 heads with a b-303 and there is plenty of cleance..just wouldnt suggest this combo unless you put better springs on cuz one trip above 5800 and the pistons and intake vlaves will kiss..belive me on this __________________ 95 undecided cubes, AFR 185s,undecided cam, undecided intake, and a 150 hit 89 "turbonotch" 2.3T You might want to hold on..i saw this on a cartoon once

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Steeda G-Trac Stage '#' Systems?	Sonics2042	Windsor Power	2	09-05-2002 03:45 PM
Tfs Stage 1 To X-303 Back To Tfs Stage 1	ballistic_331LX	Windsor Power	40	06-12-2002 09:04 AM
1996 Cobra vs 2002 Stage 2 Roush	Milktasd	Stang Stories	4	03-22-2002 12:31 AM
TW stage 3 Cam anyone	REX331	Windsor Power	5	04-28-2001 07:42 PM
Trans-go stage 3 firmness setting for aod?	Luke87GT	Windsor Power	1	03-21-2001 08:49 AM

03-31-2002, 08:19 PM	#2
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	You can't do either cam. Nor can you do the TFS heads. The stock flat top forged pistons will crash into the valves in any of those cases. They do not have valve reliefs. You can do E7TE heads, but unless you change the pistons, or have them flycut, you can't do any serious aftermarket heads, or cams. Sorry.

03-31-2002, 08:26 PM	#3
black86notch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Jersey Posts: 4	Actually, I had the same concern about the valve & piston clearance. I called Total Engine Airflow in Kentucky and spoke to Brian Tooley. I was informed that the TFS Twisted Wedge heads will work with flat top pistons like those in the '86 5.0. The valves in the TW heads are not in the factory location...so even the newer 87-up 5.0's piston valve reliefs would not line up with the valves on the TW heads. Without notching the pistons, the TFS TW heads are the only heads I can use on my '86. I would be limited on cam choices (as would 87-up 5.0's), but the E-cam and Stage 1 would work fine. TFS always suggests a clay test before bolting the engine up. Thanks.