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









:confused:

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.

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.

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

http://www.dariusrudis.com/engine.jpg

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

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