yeah, i'm pretty sure i'm gonna go with the svt cams, which have like 160K miles on them and it kinda saddens me to not use the lower mileage cams from the 3.0. should i replace the cam gears also? the old engine was nasty but the chain and gears appear to be in decent shape, also should i worry about the tensioner guides/tracks?
I'm curious... what's your reasoning for this recommendation?If your taking the timing chains off...replace them.
FWIW, whatever cams your are using, the corresponding chains needs to be used as well.
I'm not sure when, (it looks like the 97 3L manual shows the old style, but from 98 on is the current style), but at some point, the 3L got thinner chain guides to go with thinner chains that had more links to accomodate extra teeth put on the timing gears.is any reason to ask for 3.0 chains only?
early contour and some cougars use what is called the narrow chain. the 3L is a different chain, the pitch or something like that is suppose to be different.
you always want matching timing components. do not mix 2.5 and 3L parts.
i will take pics of the kit i have it will be a good idea to make a post of timing componentes with 2.5 and 3.0 because is a litle hard to know that kind of stuff to use, like the first time i want to start the 3.0 swap the timing mark was in 2.5 position never start until i change to 3.0 (my mechanic do that)
FYI the timing mark has to be in the 2.5L position not the 3L position. The 2.5L position is for the 2.5L timing cover and the Escape cover. The 3L position is for the taurus cover.
early contour and some cougars use what is called the narrow chain. the 3L is a different chain, the pitch or something like that is suppose to be different.
you always want matching timing components. do not mix 2.5 and 3L parts.
Yes, I would definetely replace the tensioners, guides, etc.