Some questions about camshaft replacement

delling3 · Oct 31, 2018

So, I am preparing to do a camshaft swap on my '96 GT. I do not consider myself to be an imbecile mechanically speaking, but this will be the most complex project that I have yet to attempt. I have worked on the top ends of a couple of OHC motorcycle engines, including removal and replacement of camshafts, but the 4.6L V8 has a bit more to it.

I have the cams. I know I will need a valve cover gasket set, and a timing chain cover gasket set. The engine has about 96K miles on it - I am thinking I should probably just go ahead and replace the timing chain tensioners. What about the chains? My sense is that they should be fine?

Reading/rereading the Haynes manual, I see that I need a "Camshaft Positioning Tool" which is available at "most auto part stores". Is that a generic tool, or is it specific to the 4.6L engine? If I ask the guy at Autozone for the tool, is he going to have any clue what I am talking about?

I am also doing a swap to a PI intake. Will removal of the intake upfront make the camshaft swap easier?

I figure I am going to order all of the gaskets, chain tensioners, and PI intake from Modular Headshop. What am I missing?

SnakeBit! · Oct 31, 2018

at least also do the chain guides. I did all of it on mine at about 90K, chains, guides, tensioners, springs, cams, etc.

01yellercobra · Oct 31, 2018

If you can get a kit for the timing chain go for it. I doubt the chains are bad, but since you're in there and all that.

I've swapped cams a few times in a 4V and never used any alignment tools.

OLD H2S · Oct 31, 2018

Get the cam tool off Ebay, comes as a kit, Get the Cloyes total timing kit from RockAuto for 200 AND it has the steel type chain guides. And get a good oil pump. The pump and rods are the weak parts on the 4.6

delling3 · Nov 1, 2018

So, the Cloyes stuff is good to use? Seems to be a lot cheaper from Rock Auto than what I saw at Modular Headshop. They have the kit both with and without the sprockets. Do I need to replace the sprockets? Does replacing the oil pump require removing the oil pan, or just the timing covers? I have been told that I don't have to drop the pan to remove the timing covers - just the bolts that go into the front of the oil pan thru the timing cover?