Doing PI Cams and Valve Seals?

[greenscobie86]

As the title states, I'm planning on doing this all in the next 2~4 weeks.
My car has pretty bad valve seals, and smokes like a chimney with the UPR O/R X pipe.
I found a pretty decent how to on doing the valve seals on a 4.6, it's a big job but I feel like I will be able to tackle it.

So my queston is:

While I'm in there, would this be a good time for swapping the cams out and dropping in some PI ones? The car only has 100k, and feels rather strong despite the smokiness after it has idled for a while and then quickly revved up.

Could this be done in a day if I have all of the parts ready and start very early in the morning?

Also I've heard of people reusing their old VC gaskets, but I dunno if there is any truth to that?

Finally, my VIN has the X as the engine designation digit, so do I have press on cam gears or bolt on ones? Can I reuse the cam gear bolts?(I already know the cam gears are the same)

My procedure would be this:

1st, replace all of the valve seals by using the rope in the spark plug hole method.
2nd, Go ahead and swap the cams by holding the gears/chain tightly down with some clamps or a friend or something of that nature.

Thanks for your time! :headbang:

 

[DropTopPony]

all 96-98 4.6 2V's have bolt on gears. If you find PI cams with bolt on you will need new cam bolts as they are different size.

If your gonna be in there i'd definitely do the cams! You have a set? I have some of the windsor press on in the garage. Its an easy swap.

You reuse the valve cover gaskets if they are in good shape.

 

[greenscobie86]

Thanks for the help. I'm bidding on some bolt on units on Ebay... I wont be able to use yours in my motor or will I?

Also, any tips on doing the seals. I know I'm pretty much getting in knee deep, but in case anyone has some insight I'd appreciate it.

Can't wait to get started!!!

 

[DropTopPony]

You can use either of the PI cams in any of the 2V heads.

Never did the valve seals myself so no tips from me

 

[greenscobie86]

Okey dokey. Thanks very much for the info!

Looks like I'll try to do a small writeup on how to do this.

One little tidbit I've found so far, ist that Trickflow released a modular specific spring compressor tool that's less than half the price of the older OTC tool.

<a href="http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-90518/" target="_blank">Here is the link</a>

And one last question:

Which seals should I buy? I can get a good deal on the FelPro ones. Should I go with the Ford OEM or the Viton ones instead?

Droptop, you have a PM btw.