How to Install a Camshaft in a Ford 302 with Timing Chain (79-95)

Camshaft and Timing Chain Install

Camshafts are hands down one of the most popular upgrades for you pushrod Mustang guys. The ability to achieve more horsepower, more torque, and the lopey idle we all know and love. We offer a variety of camshafts from industry brands such as Ford Racing, Anderson, Trick Flow, and Comp Cams. All of which will feature different durations, lobe separations, and intake lift to meet your expectations for your build.

When adding a new cam into your newly assembled short block, you’ll obviously need a camshaft; then all of the necessary hardware for a new install. Such has, a new cam bolt and washer, thrust plate, and lifters. A timing chain set will be needed as well which will include a new camshaft gear, crank sprocket and timing chain. To top that off, make sure whatever cylinder heads you are going to be running for your build, has the adequate valve springs installed to support the lift of your camshaft. Then, you’ll pair that up with the correct length push rods and roller rockers.

Some obvious things you guys will want to keep in mind, is work as clean as possible when assembling any engine related part. Double and triple check push rod length as well as your piston to valve clearance. Since piston to valve clearance is for the most part pretty in depth, we’ve set aside a separate video which can be viewed by clicking the link in the video description.

Required Tools

• 3/8" Drive Torque Wrench
• Socket Set
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Assembly Lubricant
• Blue Loctite

Install

1. It is in your best interest to have a clean working area and to clean all of your parts prior to install.
2. Locate the dowels that were included with your camshaft.
-The long dowel will be for 79-85 carbureted applications and the shorter dowel will be for 86-95 fuel injected applications.
3. Since this will be for a fuel injected car, we installed the shorter dowel into our camshaft.
4. A simple trick when installing a camshaft into a 302 or 351 is to carefully place a Philips head screw driver into the front of the cam.
5. This will help allow for better control when positioning the camshaft into the engine block.
6. Apply engine assembly lube to all of the camshaft lobes and bearing contact points.
7. Carefully slide the camshaft into the engine block until it sits flush with the back of the block.
8. Install the camshaft thrust plate and torque the bolts to 120 in/lbs.
9. Position the crankshaft keyway to the twelve o’clock position.
10. Slide the crankshaft sprocket over the crank making sure the notch in the sprocket is even with the tooth.
11. This will set the cam timing to zero degrees which is perfect for most street applications.
12. Position the timing chain and cam gear onto the camshaft and dowel.
13. Make sure to draw an imaginary line down the center of the engine and all of the timing marks line up correctly.
14. Apply blue Loctite to the cam bolt, oil underneath the head, slide the washer on, and then torque to 45 ft/lbs.
15. Give everything a solid once over, and that completes the installation procedures for the camshaft and timing chain.

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