cam question

[marquisman]

will a 302HO cam work in a 1980 351 engine?

[Grand Marquis GT]

I dont think so, unless you could figure out a way to run roller lifters in the 351...

If you could run an HO cam, it would really be nice, and you wouldnt have to change your firing order...

[Freshmeat]

There are flat tappet HO 302s.
Find a flat tappet grind 302HO cam and roll with it. Most will pass as 302/351W, anyway... just make sure it's a good match to what you're doing.

[Mercracer]

Re: cam question

will a 302HO cam work in a 1980 351 engine?

Sure... with a $300 set of lifters. There are a gazillion of cheap aftermarket 351W/302HO flat tappet cams out there. Forget about finding a good factory 302HO flat tappet cam.

[TommyN]

The flat tappet HO camshaft was supposedly patterned off of a 351W marine camshaft. 1982 was the first year for the 302 HO. It had a 2bbl carb that year.

Tom

[88MercWagon]

The HO didn't use the 351 firing order until 1985, when it switched to a roller cam.

[phayzer5]

More like $425

The cost of the retrofit lifters doesn't make it an effective mod from the low $/hp gain, you'd be better off with a $400 nitrous kit

Buy a $50 set of ht-9000 speed pro lifters and a $100 cam and you'll go just as fast.

[Mercracer]

The HO didn't use the 351 firing order until 1985, when it switched to a roller cam.

I thought you were a Ford guy? 1982 Dude.

[Mercracer]

The flat tappet HO camshaft was supposedly patterned off of a 351W marine camshaft. 1982 was the first year for the 302 HO. It had a 2bbl carb that year.

Yup... Similar to what they did with the Lightning cam.
My point is that any used factory flat tappet cam is probably well worn out by now. To buy a cam directly from Ford is usually not a bargain.

[Grand Marquis GT]

That cam that justin bought was a pretty nice grind, and would do great in a mostly stock 351W...