3L timing components with 2.5L cams?

[hylix]

Disclaimer:
I have been a member of these forums for a little while now, Searching, and leaching info. hence the noobie post count (more reading and searching than blabing). please go easy guys.

Is it at all possible to use 2.5L cams with 3L timing components?

Searching turned up this:
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/sh...ue#Post1138498

If pre 2000 duratecs use Wide chains / sprockets and post 2000 use Narrow chains / sprockets

I can only assume that if I have late '99 / 2000 SVT cams that they would work with a '00+ 3L

What I do have is a set of SVT cams from a '99 model year. I am assuming that they are the Narrow sprockets just by looking at them. I also have a 3L (from an '02 sable) being shipped to me and should arrive late next week.

What are the chances that the '02 3L I ordered will have timing components compatible with my cams (ig. late model 3L + late model svt cams = match?)?

Or is there some other difference making it absolutly necessary to swap the 2.5 timing stuff onto the 3.0?

the reason I ask is because I want to be able to pull my '00 SE motor and drop the 3L in with as little down time as possible. Meaning I do not want to rip all my existing 2.5 gear off and reinstall on the 3L. I do realize that means buying all new front covers and such, and lotsa extra $$. If I can use the existing 3L timing stuff, that saves me a buncha cash from having to buy duplicates. Also IF I can use my cams with the 3L gear, do I still need to install the 2.5 timing covers due to the different F.E.A.D. or can I make use of the 3L ones?

I have lotsa time to spend building this 3L, but I don't have much time to have a car with out a motor in it. and any dollar saved on trivial parts is a dollar spent on performance parts

Thanks in advance,

Rob

[96BlackSE]

Most likely your SVT cams will have the wider chain sprockets since I don't think there has been an instance otherwise... I read somewhere that the changed occurred mid 2000

You will need the wider 2.5 chains, tensioners, crank sprocket, guides to be able to use the svt cams

I would buy all new timing parts and you will have to use the 2.5 cover along with the oilpan (good idea to buy the upgraded oilpan)

[hylix]

To be honest, I hope the sprockets do not get any more narrow than the ones I have. maybe its just me, but the ones i have look like a stamped steel sprocket instead of CNC machined...if that makes sense...

I would buy all new timing parts and you will have to use the 2.5 cover along with the oilpan (good idea to buy the upgraded oilpan)

I planed on getting the new pan and such, 3M4Z-6675-BA Upgraded Oil Pan Set as listed in the stickies IIRC...

so there is no chance at all that they will work together... , even if the cam sprockets look the same, or is the difference to small to notice?
please excuse my stubborn hopefullness ...

[96BlackSE]

Count the teeth on the cam gears to be sure
If its 36 they are the wide ones
If its 42 its the newer thinner ones

I believe the newer pan is 5L8Z-6675-AA... Double check it though

[hylix]

Right on, thanks for the good info.

Count the teeth on the cam gears to be sure
If its 36 they are the wide ones
If its 42 its the newer thinner ones

I'll check in the morning, and if for some odd reason I have the super-duper new space-age money-saving ones I'll letcha know, so i can be added to the oddities list

[DemonSVT]

The chances of any 01+ 3L engine having timing components compatible with your SVT cams is ZERO. There were once (old) rumors that small pitch SVT cams were "possibly" made but it is not true. All the SVT engines were built (not car build date) before the switch occured.

The only thing that can be used, together, is the new style tensioners. But you knew this since it has been psoted countless times. Right?

[hylix]

OK, I understand. I have 36 teeth on my cams, both sets. Thanks again for the info and clarification. I must have missed the thread about only being able to use the new tensioners ...

My next question is: Is there a better way to polish rust spots of of cam lobes? A set I aquired had rust spots, that I have tried to polish with steel wool and WD-40, but some dark spots still remain that feel slightly rough if scratched with my fingernail. My first impression is that they are junk now, and if I try to sand them I may bring them out of tolerance. I just really would hate to junk a set of SVT cams . Would a machine shop be a good alternative? (I have not found a good MS around my area, otherwise i would just bring them in and see what their opinion is). I understand that machining the cams will prolly do more harm than good right?

[96BlackSE]

Use fine emery cloth