Top 12 Best Cams for 302 Ford Truck in 2022

Are you looking for the best cam for a 302 ford truck? Your research ends here! We know it is very difficult for you to find a quality camshaft that fits your truck’s engine perfectly.

It becomes an overwhelming task to find the best cam for 302 ford because there are many brands and models available out there in the market.

Here we bring a comprehensive guide for 12 best 302 ford truck cam with everything you need to know to pick a new one. Below in this article, you will find quality camshafts for your ford truck that will help you to pick the best one for you.

Contents show

PREVIEW

BRAND

DETAIL

Ford Racing M6250E303 5.0L Cam – Best for Performance Improvement
COMP Cams 12-600-4 Thumpr Flat Camshaft – Best for Smooth Rides
COMP Cams 12-242-2 Xtreme Energy Hydraulic Flat Cam – Best for Carbureted Engines
COMP Cams Magnum Hydraulic Flat Cam – Best for Roughness
Edelbrock 2122 Performer-Plus Cam – Best for Stable Performance
Crane Cams TruckMax Roller Camshaft – Best for Off-Road Performance
COMP Cams 35-514-8 Xtreme Energy Roller Cam – Best for Power & Efficiency
Lunati 10120102LK Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam
Falcon Performance RV Torque Camshaft
Lunati 10350101LK Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam
Edelbrock 2102 Performer-Plus Camshaft and Lifter Kit
Ford Racing M-6500-R302 Ford 302 5.0L Hydraulic Roller Lifters

Top 12 Best Cams for 302 Ford Truck in 2021

It is very difficult to find a quality camshaft that is both fitted for your 302 ford truck that and also worth high quality and money.

Here are the top 12 best cam for 302 ford truck engines that will completely blow your mind.

1. Ford Racing M6250E303 5.0L Cam – Best for Performance Improvement 

Quick Summary
PVP
Package Dimensions: 71.628 L x 9.652 H x 10.16 W (centimeters)
Package Weight: 9.75 pounds
Country of Origin : China

Ford Racing M6250E303 5.0L Cam is one of the best cam for 302 ford engine.

This new camshaft offers every single feature to take your 5.0L ford motor to another level.

Performance

When you first install this new camshaft in your ford truck, the first thing you'll notice is the fantastic performance improvement of your vehicle engine.

It boosts your truck engine's power, o you can get the most out of your vehicle.

Provides Handling Stability

This high-performing camshaft improves your truck performance exponentially, the machine will still work as usual.

You won’t notice much of a difference when driving your truck around. Especially in the manual transmission, the driveability this high-quality camshaft offers is fantastic.

Compatible

This ford camshaft is amazingly compatible, so you will not face any problem while fitting this camshaft with 351W blocks, 289 blocks, or even 302 roller cam blocks.

There is a high chance to make it work with models going from 1969 up to 2011 without a single problem.

Features

  • • It is one of the certified ford camshafts
  • • This shaft has a 444/0.444-inch valve lift
  • • It offers 266/266-degree duration
“Old school tech but sounds great”
PROS
This camshaft can take your vehicle engine to another level
It Improves your ford engine responsiveness
It works well with a wide array of Ford engines
It delivers a smooth engine performance
CONS
This camshaft is a bit expensive
Try Ford Racing M6250E303 5.0L Certified Cam

2. COMP Cams 12-600-4 Thumpr Flat Camshaft – Best for Smooth Rides 

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Comp Cams
Model:  ‎Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block
Item Weight ‎8.62 pounds
Item model number ‎12-600-4
Great camshaft I love the sound and performance. in my opinion the recommended stall converter for this set up is a little to conservative. you need to put a 2800 stall or higher torque converter on to run this cam on a street car.
PROS
It increases booming engine sound
It improves the power decently of engine
Smooths out the engine
It works for many applications of engine
CONS
This camshaft can be a little bit complicated for you to set up
Try COMP Cams 12-600-4 Thumpr Flat Camshaft

3. COMP Cams 12-242-2 Xtreme Energy Hydraulic Flat Cam – Best for Carbureted Engines

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Comp Cams
Model:  ‎C56CL122422
Item Weight:  ‎13.02 pounds
Product Dimensions:  ‎26 x 5.5 x 3 inches

COMP Cams 12-242-2 Xtreme Energy Hydraulic Flat Cam is a camshaft your truck needs to perform like no other with this camshaft.

Excellent Responsiveness

This camshaft has 220/230 pattern plus a .050-second duration of the camshaft that will make your 302 ford truck engine a lot more responsive.

It provides excellent handling, throttle response, and overall performance. Your truck will respond to your commands without a single issue.

Superb Performance

Another excellent feature of this roller cam is the .470/.480-inch valve lift. It is a perfect lift that gets your engine to another level in performance.

From the speed to the acceleration. It provides more power to your truck engine, which allows it to tackle everything with total confidence.

Overall Great Results

This cam for 302 ford not only makes your engine more robust and responsive, but it will also improve the way you stop and accelerate your machine.

It offers more power to your truck that assists your vehicle in power brakes well enough to give your truck an extra touch of fantastic performance.

Features

  • • This camshaft has a lobe separation angle ( 110-degree ).
  • • Offers .050 duration
  • • It provides 1,600 to 5,800 RPM
"The cam is very nice and came with stickers too lol. Well packaged and was told it would take 2 weeks to arrive. 3 days later it was on my doorstep. Can’t wait to see how it does in my 350 swapped s10!"
PROS
These roller cams can fit on a wide array of engines
It is an ideal cam for smoothing rides
It increases your fords engine responsiveness
It helps with your truck braking & handling
CONS
Its idle is pretty rough
Try COMP Cams CL12-242-2 Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit Chevrolet Small Block

4. COMP Cams Magnum Hydraulic Flat Cam – Best for Roughness

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Comp Cams
Item Weight:  ‎21.1 pounds
Product Dimensions:  ‎24.9 x 9.9 x 4.8 inches
Item model number:  ‎K12-211-2

The Magnum Hydraulic Flat Cam is another high-end camshaft that you can’t dismiss. It provides excellent performance while driving your truck to the idle experience, Replace camshaft it will completely change your truck's overall performance.

Excellent Results

This is a flat tappet cam that provides a .480/.480 valve lift. It will completely change the way your truck engine performs both on the street as well as in idle.

It offers an extra roughness when the engine turns on and magnificent throttle response when you install it.

Unique Operation

It is the best cam for 302 ford truck that can boost up your truck performance, and it won’t take much of an effort with this camshaft.

It offers a 2,000 to 6,000 RPM operating range that you can get the most out of your truck with. It provides 230/230 duration and a 0.50-second system, which will make your Ford's engine a lot better overall.

Won’t Overpower

If you are one who wants to take your engine to a whole new level without putting much strain on the parts, this new camshaft will be an almost perfect choice.

It does not harm the train parts of your truck, also works well with mild-ratio rocker arms. Also fits traditional valve springs without a scratch.

Features

  • • This cam provides 230/230-degree duration
  • • It has a .480/.480 inch lift
  • • It offers 2,000 to 6,000 RPM
"This is a great sounding cam. I installed it in a 1967 283 Chevrolet small-block and put it in a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It hits a mean lick without having to do any kind of head work. The heads are stock 283 heads as I just built this motor for the sound to make the old 57 Rumble LOL."
PROS
It doesn’t cause engine stress
It gives a rough engine sound
Allows your vehicle engine to deliver better performance
It improves throttle response
CONS
It can be a little difficult for you to install it.
Try COMP Cams K12-211-2 Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam K-Kit for Chevrolet Small Block

5. Edelbrock 2122 Performer-Plus Cam – Best for Stable Performance

Quick Summary
Brand: Edelbrock
Model:  ‎2122
Item model number:  ‎2122
Manufacturer part number ‎2122

Do you want to give your ford truck engine a boost in performance as well as maximum riding smoothness?

Edelbrock 2122 Performer-Plus Cam is what you need for this.

High-Performance

The first change that you'll notice after the installation of this camshaft is the enhancement in the power of your engine. It will increase the horsepower and torque of your truck by just installing it.

It is a hydraulic flat cam that will make this improvement without affecting the durability of your engine.

Smooth Engine Operation

After installation of this camshaft, you will notice its ability to reduce pressure and increase the smoothness of the movement.

While using this hydraulic flat tappet camshaft don't worry about overstressed or unstable engine performance of your truck.

Perfect for your truck

It offers multiple compatibilities with most fords engines. This hydraulic flat tappet cam goes well with most low and mid-range machines.

It provides the combination of 270/280 duration with a .448/.472 lift with a 112-degree lobe separation angle.

This cam does not put too much strain on your Ford's engine, making it safer.

Features

  • • It has a full hardware kit
  • • It provides a .448/.472 inch lift
  • • It offers a 112-degree lobe separation angle
"Great product, good price, it is now in service"
PROS
It doesn’t cause engine stress
It can fit a wide array of fords truck engines
It gives your engine a boost power
Easy to install
CONS
It is not for demanding applications
Try Edelbrock 2122 Performer-Plus Cam and Lifter Kit

6. Crane Cams TruckMax Roller Camshaft – Best for Off-Road Performance

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Crane Cams
Model:  ‎TruckMax Hydraulic Roller 220/228 Camshaft for Ford 302/351W
Item Weight:  ‎10 pounds
Product Dimensions: ‎22.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches
Item model number:  ‎449631

Crane Cams TruckMax Roller Camshaft is one of the best cam for 302 ford truck, also for off-road performance.

If you like off-road driving, this camshaft is ideal for you, it will give your truck a considerable performance boost. It offers enhancement of HP and torque. These roller cams keep your truck on the perfect idle and with mild supercharging to give an exceptional off-road performance.

Easy to install

This camshaft provides excellent ability to push your truck to the max, also set up with no fuss. Its low-RPM torque system with the cam bolt-on upgrade design will 302 ford truck easily.

You don't need to modify or change a single thing in your fords engine to install this camshaft.

High Compatibility

This roller cam is designed that fit both low and mid-end of fords trucks and SUVs will not be a problem to match.

If you use your truck for off-road driving, for towing, or just commuting – you will find this camshaft almost perfect. It offers an outstanding compatibility level.

Features

  • • It provides 220/228 duration
  • • It offers a 114 lobe separation angle
  • • This camshaft provides a 2,000 to 6,200 RPM range
PROS
It provides an unbeatable engine boost
Super-fast setup
It Improves your truck off-road performance
It works well with different engines
CONS
Little bit expensive
Try Crane Cams 449631 Camshaft

7. COMP Cams 35-514-8 Xtreme Energy Roller Cam – Best for Power & Efficiency

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Comp Cams
Item Weight ‎9.55 pounds
Product Dimensions ‎24.5 x 3 x 2.75 inches
Item model number ‎35-514-8

COMP Cams 35-514-8 Xtreme Energy Roller Cam is one of the best cam for 302 ford trucks, which is extremely practical.

These camshaft lobes provide the combination of a hydraulic design with a computer-controlled system, that will make your truck a lot more stable.

It offers a decent RPM measurement of no more than 1,500 to 5,500 RPM.

You can also fit it in the old trucks without problem, it always offers the smoothest ride in idle and maximum torque.

Excellent Performance

It is the perfect cam for meeting the old truck demands, this camshaft works like a charm to get their performance to another level.

It offers a .544 to .555 inch lift that will be enough to maintain your ford vehicle engine performance.

Fantastic Durability

It offers the combination of a 216/224 duration with a .050 inch lift and 112 lobe separation angle that decreases the amount of wear it receives.

It adds a computer-controlled design that offers more efficient and reliable performance to your vehicle engine.

Features

  • • It provides a .544/.555 inch lift
  • • Torque 1,500 to 5,500 RPM
  • • It offers 216/224-degree duration
"This Comp Cam was recommended for my 88GT 347 stroker right from Comp Cams tech department. I have not started it yet, but from what I have read this is a perfect cam for my project. The best part is that I brought it off of Amazon $50 dollars cheaper then anybody else!! Even Comp Cams could not sell it to me this cheap at the National Hot Rod meet in Kalamazoo, Mi last September, In fact they told that I could not buy it for the price I paid? They were wrong!!!"
PROS
It provides more power and efficiency to your vehicle engine
It minimizes engine wear
It has a unique computer-controlled design
It will last for a lifetime
CONS
Little bit expensive
Try COMP Cams 35-514-8 Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled 216/224 Hydraulic Roller Cam for Ford 5.0L

8. Lunati 10120102LK Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Lunati
Item Weight:  ‎13.19 pounds
Product Dimensions:  ‎5.6 x 26.2 x 3.1 inches
Item model number:  ‎10120102LK

If you want smooth engine performance from your ford truck, Lunati 10120102LK Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam won’t disappoint you.

Durability & Smoothness

It is a hydraulic flat tappet camshaft with a unique design. It ensures smooth idle performance, decent mid-range, and stable high RPMs for your fords engine.

With this camshaft, you don't need to worry about your truck getting unstable or wearing out too fast when using this camshaft thrust plate.

High-Quality for the Buck

You don't need a high-end camshaft that pushes your ford truck to the max.

This low and mid-range piece can get your truck performance to the next level. This camshaft is available at an affordable price, that can manage to perform well.

Excellent Responsiveness

This camshaft offers the combination of a 112-degree separation angle with 224/234 duration at .050-inch that is enough to push your Ford's engine a bit more than what it usually can.

With this camshaft, your fords engine can get an extra touch of acceleration and throttle response that helps your truck to become amazingly stable and easy to handle.

Features

  • • It offers 2,000 to 6,000 RPM
  • • It provides 224/234-degree duration
  • • It has a 112-degree lobe design
"super nice sound. If stock stall converter forget it ;) needs a 2300 or higher stall and woo super torque then."
PROS
This camshaft fits well with many engines
It improves your truck stability and handling
It has a decent cost for its quality
It offers a mild power boost
CONS
It can make your fords engine noisier
Try Lunati 10120102LK Bare Bones 224/234 Hydraulic Flat Cam/Lifter Kit for 262-400 Chevrolet Small Block

9. Falcon Performance RV Torque Camshaft

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Falcon Performance
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: ‎No
Manufacturer Part Number:  ‎CL1200+zddp4
ASIN:  B0178BB2XM

Are you trying to keep your truck torque to the minimum? Then you need Falcon Performance RV Torque Camshaft that that works for less demanding activities.

Light Performance

It is a combination of flat tappet camshaft design with the hydraulic build that will keep your vehicle camshaft always working within low limits.

It offers an RPM range of 1,200 to 4,700. It is an ideal range for you if you don’t want to push your truck too far, also want maximum durability out of your vehicle engine.

Excellent Efficiency

It has a small valve lift at .448/.472 that is enough to prevent the consumption of too much fuel.

This camshaft also reduces the production of smog.

Your engine will perform amazingly and efficiently from the first moment you install this camshaft.

Outstanding Stability

Keeping your fords engine working within proper limits should be enough to ensure excellent truck performance.

You don't need to worry about the engine over-compressing or over-stressing, increasing the stability, and reducing the amount of wear your vehicle engine receives.

Features

  • • It offers 280/290-degree duration
  • • It provides 1,200 to 4,700 RPM
  • • This camshaft has .448/.472 inches lift
PROS
It does not stress your vehicle engine
It reduces smog production
It helps to maintain a stable idle & ride
It Increases your truck engine durability
CONS
This camshaft is not recommended for heavy use
Try RV Torque Cam & Lifter Kit compatible with 1967-1996 Chevy 396 402 427 454 .204/.208 Duration .459/.459 Lift

10. Lunati 10350101LK Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Lunati
Model:  ‎10350101LK
Item Weight:  ‎14.37 pounds
Product Dimensions:  ‎26 x 5.25 x 2.5 inches
Item model number:  ‎10350101LK

Lunati 10350101LK Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam is the best cam for a 302 ford truck, that provides maximum efficiency to your truck engine.

High Performance

This camshaft can reduce your engine’s wastefulness exponentially, with an RPM range of 1,500 to 5,500.

This camshaft will end up in a more efficient and smooth experience, it will not overstress your ford truck engine.

Offers More Boost Power

If your truck engine power range is not the best, still it can manage to improve your horsepower and throttle response.

This camshaft also increases acceleration as compared to other OEM models. This camshaft will totally be worth your money.

Available in Affordable Price

This camshaft is available at a super-low price, which is its fantastic advantage.

It can deliver 0.472/0.496 inches of valve lift plus the 214/224 duration at 0.50-inches, this camshaft is for those who want decent performance improvement in their truck engine.

Features

  • • It offers 1,500 to 5,500 RPM
  • • It provides 214/224-degree duration
  • • This camshaft has a 472/0.496 lift
"Put this in my 82 F-150 with a 351w, really woke it up!! Makes great power right from idle and has a great sound at idle. Also used lunati springs, retainers and locks to match and make sure it lasts for a long life."
PROS
It offers a noticeable power boost
It will make your ford engine more efficient
Available at a low price
It can increase your engine acceleration
CONS
It demands a custom pin install
Try Lunati 10350101LK Bare Bones 214/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam/Lifter Kit for Ford 351W and 302 H.O.

11. Edelbrock 2102 Performer-Plus Camshaft and Lifter Kit

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Edelbrock
Model:  ‎2102
Item Weight ‎14.15 pounds
Product Dimensions:  ‎25.5 x 8 x 3.8 inches
Item model number:  ‎2102

If you are looking for an all-around daily drive ford camshaft at an affordable price, then Edelbrock 2102 Performer-Plus is for you.

It offers quite a noticeable torque increase in your ford engine.

Excellent Performance

This shaft is easy to install, and any low compression engine that seems a bit lazy will sure benefit from such a change even if you increase the compression with flat top pistons.

It is a camshaft, you can install and forget about.

Increase Power

It is a camshaft that will provide your engine with the highest power, it is a reliable and great performing camshaft that your vehicle can handle easily.

But ensure that your truck is up to the task you present it with. This is a complete kit that is available with a full package, it includes the instruction book, hydraulic lifters, and the lube needed to complete your ford assembly. If you are an inexperienced user, then its installation can be a bit challenging for you.

This camshaft grants you optimum torque from the low-end to the mid-range. Its performance is smooth and idle for daily ford truck or van drivers.

Features

  • • It provides intake duration up to 278 degree
  • • Its exhaust duration is 288 degrees.
  • • Hydraulic roller cams
  • • 112 camshaft lobes
"Works wonderfully in '79 Vette. Great performance and wonderful responsiveness."
PROS
This camshaft offers excellent performance
It is a complete installation kit
It provides optimum torque
It is available at a reasonable price
CONS
It needs break-in oil
You can install this camshaft if you are only experienced users
Try Edelbrock 2102 Performer-Plus Camshaft and Lifter Kit

12. Ford Racing M-6500-R302 Ford 302 5.0L Hydraulic Roller Lifters

Quick Summary
Brand:  ‎Ford
Item Weight:  ‎6 pounds
Manufacturer Part Number: ‎M-6500-R302
Manufacturer ‎FORD RACING

Do you want to increase your 302 ford truck speed, then Ford Racing M-6500-R302 Ford 302 5.0L camshaft is for you.

It is a complete set of 16 lifters that is one of the best options when it comes to roller camshafts for your 3o2 ford truck.

Offers High-Speed

This camshaft can increase your ford truck speed, this camshaft is specifically created for 302 ford trucks only.

It boosts your ford truck speed only for manual transmission.

Fuel-Efficient

When you use this camshaft, your truck will become more fuel-efficient, and you will no longer lose the extra bugs on fuel and diesel.

Ford vehicle blocks are equipped with hydraulic rollers, here this camshaft fits like a glove. Buying this camshaft for your vehicle will be completely worth your money.

Features

  • • It is a complete kit with 16 lifters
  • • It is a directly replacement camshaft for  hydraulic roller lifter applications
  • • It has 302 5.0 liter EFI small block
PROS
It provides higher power and enhances the performance of your Ford engine
Easy to install
They provide excellent customer support
It is a perfect match for your 302 Ford factory roller engine
Good Value
CONS
A little expensive
Try Ford Racing M-6500-R302 Ford 302 5.0L Hydraulic Roller Lifters

Best Cam For 302 Ford Truck: Buying Guide

After reading this article best cam for 302 ford truck, you are now probably ready to make your last pick.

Compatibility

It is important to check your camshaft compatibility before buying, for this look at your camshaft profile.

On the base of your camshaft profile, you will be able to drive with more throttle responses and acceleration. Most of the camshafts are designed with an asymmetrical lobe that helps the fords truck’s engine to drive with less noise and friction.

Good compatibility with your camshaft will allow your truck to react quickly.

Performance

Choose the camshaft for your 302 ford truck that provides excellent performance to your engine. For this, consider the operating range of your machine.

This helps your fords truck engine to work effectively to run and perform well. It depends on your camshaft operating power, you can increase your driving skill as well.

Most brands offer camshafts up to 1,600 to 6000 RPM, pick one for your vehicle.

Completely depends upon your driving power and torque, always go with a high-performing camshaft. For this choose the higher range option of a cam gives better opt to drive smooth in any road conditions. Select the one that helps your truck engine to perform well.

Lobe Separation

The angle of lobe separation does not change from one cam to another. But you should consider it.

The lobe angle is usually located at 110 degrees. It means the valves of the exhaust and the intake of cam open with 110 degrees of difference.

When the valves of the cam open at the same time, the pressure drops inside the cam cylinder.

This affects your camshaft performance, because the lower the degree of separation between the cam valves, the faster the pressure drops. The less the angle, the more power it will provide to your vehicle engine. Extract the valve covers of your cam, so you can get to the lifters and other internal parts of the cam.

This helps your truck engine to work at a quicker rate, so to say. This is why you should consider the lobe separation of your truck camshaft before buying. If you have an old camshaft, install then the new one to increase your truck engine performance.

Price

Before buying a camshaft from the market, consider the price and quality of a camshaft.

Usually, the higher price tag of camshafts provides better quality. So, it is the perfect time to invest your money, to make your ride comfortable and easy. Always buy a quality camshaft for your truck.

It is also important to inspect your camshaft material before picking one for you. Mostly camshaft made with steel and iron for lasting longer and giving protection against wear and tear. If your camshaft is made with premium material, it will make your driving smooth, when carrying huge loads.

Installed Centerline Angle (ICA)

Before buying a quality camshaft for your ford truck, make sure the installation process of this shaft is not very complicated.

If you don't know how to install a camshaft, then don't do it by yourself. After picking quality and easy-to-install camshaft goes to the mechanic for its proper installation.

Check the Vaccum

Ensure the camshaft that you pick for your ford truck provides excellent engine's performance and comes with a vacuum option that helps to create a better duration for truck power brakes.

Most camshafts come with a good power vacuum, it will help you to ride your truck in comfort without fearing over brake power. It will ensure that you are driving with better power and comfort. If you want your ford truck engine to perform super gently and smoothly to respond, it is important to pick a camshaft that includes more vacuum pressure.

Fuel Efficiency

Pick a camshaft with a better duration of intake and exhaust. Usually, camshafts come with 260 degrees of intake and 270 of exhaust duration.

A camshaft with excellent fuel efficiency will help greatly for keeping your truck fuel spent less even if you ride longer. Always go with the cam that gives better gas mileage.

 Camshaft Profile

When you pick the camshaft on the base of its profile, you will be able to drive with more throttle responses and acceleration.

Most camshafts have an asymmetrical lobe design that helps the ford truck’s engine to drive with less noise and friction. A good profile camshaft allows the truck to react quickly.

Operating Range

If you pick the camshaft with excellent operating range, nothing can stop your ford truck to run at the speed of a cheetah. It depends upon your cam operating power, you are able to increase your driving skill.

Most brands manufactured camshafts for up to 1,600 to 6000 RPM operating power range for driving smoothly and faster. Always go with a camshaft that features a higher operating range.

valve Raise Distance

Pick the camshaft with short durations and relatively high valve lifts, it can provide excellent responsiveness.

The excellent the valve lift distance, the greater the product’s performance. Usually, experts recommend a camshaft with a lift of 4.50-inch, which ensures consistency in engine performance.

RPM Power

RPM power of camshaft is the most important factor your need to consider, before picking any cam for your vehicle.

Camshafts with minimum duration numbers produce peak horsepower at minimum rpm, these cams are used for stock replacement and towing purposes. If you want to increase duration then increase the engine’s peak power via the camshaft.

RPM boost of 6,500 RPM is recommended from the experts, with a low end of less than 2,200 RPM. You need to be aware of the power levels your pick-up thrives, to find out which camshaft will go well with your ford truck.  If your truck requires high power consumption, pick a solid camshaft or settle for a hydraulic camshaft.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Best Cam For 302 Ford Truck

How much power can a Ford 302 make?

The power of a ford truck depends on its quality, standard Ford truck 289 and 302 small blocks were factory-rated between 200 and 230 hp. A high-performance ford engine can make 271 hp.

How can I get more power out of my 302?

To get extra power out of your 302 ford truck, you have to install a performance aftermarket cold air intake.

  • The performance of aftermarket cold air intake enhances the airflow from the exterior of the vehicle into the engine and cools the air.
  • The cooler air flowing into your engine will increase the horsepower and torque of your Ford engine.
  • Also, install the performance aftermarket exhaust system, this system will improve the flow of warm air from out of the engine. It will allow your ford engine to stay cool even under difficult operating conditions, which increases the power of your engine.
  • You can also force induction, attach this to the top of the engine, and suck in large amounts of air, you can divert this air in the ford engine, it will provide a massive boost to your engine's horsepower.
  • Keep in mind that all of these kits are super expensive and challenging to install for an amateur.

Are 302 and 351 camshafts the same?

The lift and performance of both camshafts are not the same, the timing of 351 bit is different due to its longer stroke. Both camshafts have a slight difference in their engine performance.

351 camshaft is a little bigger in size, as compared to 302 camshafts.

How do you put a cam on a 302?

You need to follow proper techniques to install a camshaft on your 302 ford truck. Here is a complete step-by-step process to put a cam on a 302 ford.

Tools you need

  • You need pro cam lube
  • A torque wrench
  • Crankshaft socket, and degree kit
  • Engine repair manual for your 302 truck
  • Thread locking compound

How to do this?

Follow these steps to put cam of your 302.

  • First, remove the old cam and timing set from your truck. For this you can take a guide from your truck manual, it can guide you the best. Never hesitate to invest in your truck user manual.
  • Before installation, always clean and lubricate your new cam. Clean every part you're going to interact with while changing the cam, from the engine’s mounting surface to new camshafts. It is also important to lubricate and clean your new camshaft. For its cleaning, you can soak the cam in solvent to remove dust or grease. After washing your new camshaft dry it on your shop’s rags, you can also dry it with a towel. You can use the oil conditioner to lubricate your new cam properly. But avoid applying the oil in a large amount.
  • Now install timing gear. Use lower timing gear, ensure that the direction of the timing marks is outwards. Then match the timing alignment of the timing gear with your truck manual. Rotate the crankshaft to take the timing mark if it's not matching.
  • Now is a perfect time to install the camshaft, check the camshaft thrust plate, and ensure the proper fitting of the retaining plate. You can rotate the camshaft if it is not in the right place. Then remove the camshaft gear and wrap the chain around it. Install the cam bolt and fuel pump after mounting the camshaft.

Important Tips:

  • While removing the old camshaft from your ford engine, set each part aside carefully. It can make the reinstallation process easy for you.
  • Before installing the camshaft on your ford 302, countercheck each camshaft’s part numbers with the manual. This is how you will not forget any part while installation.
  • Also, recheck the crankshaft timing mark and timing mark against the manual. Otherwise, your ford truck has to experience severe engine damage.
  • Cover the battery terminals, before installing the new camshaft. It will keep you away from injuries, and vehicle damage.
  • If you need any help, open the manual take help from it. Because the process of installing the camshaft varies from model to model, so cannot use one technique of all ford trucks.

Are stock springs compatible with most cams?

If you have stock springs in good shape and condition, then you can use them with the cams. These cams usually have the same specs.

Before using stock springs with a camshaft, always check size, and specs to prevent your ford engine from danger.

Will a new cam add horsepower to a 302?

A new camshaft that is specifically created only to boost your engine performance and torque, can boost your engine horsepower to maximum level.

you can do this by changing the timing of the valve and increasing the duration, to give your engine more horsepower and acceleration. With a new camshaft, you can expect up to 50-100 more HP with a good camshaft replacement. 

But if you only want to increase your engine horsepower then only installing the new camshaft will be enough for this purpose. You also have to replace some other parts from your Ford's engine in order to really unleash the full potential of your horsepower. 

When to replace camshafts?

If your truck engine is reacting oddly or varying its behavior of driving, now it is time to quickly replace your camshaft. It shows your camshaft is out of date now.

Old and bad camshaft decrease your engine power and use maximum gas or fuel. The camshaft is also installed in the engine to reduce irksome noises. If you are using an old camshaft in your truck, then it may create some noise. The noise comes from below where the crankshaft is placed.

How do Camshafts and Crankshafts work together? 

Both the camshafts and crankshafts are located on opposite sides of your ford engine, both work together seamlessly for the optimal performance of the Ford engine. Both shafts are connected to each other with the help of an engine part called the timing chain. The engine cam works to convert the rotational energy into an up and down motion.

Crankshaft works in the engine to convert up-and-down motion right back to rotational motion, it converts it right back to a rotation. This cam is ultimately what runs the engine.

There are four steps of a combustion cycle that occurs in the engine, camshaft and the crankshaft are part of this combustion process. These are four steps:

  • • Intake: this is the stage where the air and fuel mixture is sucked in. 
  • • Compression: In this step fuel mixture compressed inside the engine
  • • Power: In this step the spark plug fires and this explosion causes the piston to force down. 
  • • Exhaust: At this point, the crankshaft turns with the piston, where unnecessary gases and pollutants are expelled through the exhaust pipe.

In each cycle, the crankshaft has two revolutions, when the cam turns. The timing of each camshaft valve should be perfect. Find out your vehicle’s engine to connect both the camshaft and crankshaft. Replacement of your camshaft and crankshaft and timing belt can save you a lot of money.

CONCLUSION

Never use your ford engine with a worn-out camshaft, just pick the best camshaft from the given list according to your vehicle requirements.

Here we reviewed 12 top camshafts that you can use in your Ford vehicle, that can increase your truck speed and performance.

Following all the recommendations, consider our buying advice to choose the perfect camshaft for your 302 ford truck.

Once you select the perfect cam for your ford truck, now it is time to replace the old camshaft with the new one.

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