How do you swap 3.0 cams into a 3.2?

[Randall]

Hello everyone,
I am still in the middle of swapping in a 3.2 in place of my '92's blown up 3.0 and I was wondering how to swap the 3.0's intake cams over to the 3.2 for the extra edge this forum has said over and over it provides. I was a bit leary when first looking at doing it myself, so I called up a SHO specialist in the area and he wanted $460 to swap the cams, even with both motors out and intakes off and ready to go. Is it really that difficult? Please lend me any advice you can think of as this is almost the final thing I have left to do until the motor can be dropped in. Thanks!
-Randall

 

[SHO Type U]

I'm in the same scenerio, does anyone have a write up on the cam swap?

Thank

 

[Racer X]

Buy new HG's and swap the heads. Worlds easier than swapping cams.

Hamal.

*edit*
Also, in doing this you don't have to take a sawzall (or dremel or whatever) to your front head.

 

[Black '93]

I thought you couldn't just swap the heads 'cause the mounting brackets for the 3.0 accessory pulleys was not the same? Is it really that simple?

 

[Racer X]

In swapping the heads, you'll be able to use all of your 3.0L brackets and such, including having your coil pack sit level as compared to how mine is now on the 3.2L heads, leaning forward.

Just make sure you buy the 3.2L HG's, and you're golden.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

I would do it for lunch and/or dinner. Its easy.

 

[Xs SHO 1]

I thought you couldn't just swap the heads 'cause the mounting brackets for the 3.0 accessory pulleys was not the same? Is it really that simple?

The only thing different on the pulley accessories is, the way the 3.0L alternator bracket mounts. That's why on the 3.2L front head, you need to remove a small amount to accomodate the 3.0L alternator bracket....

 

[Randall]

Swapping the heads isn't an option for me as when my connecting rod broke, the piston hit the front head and it looks as if the intake valve seat may not be sealing, and I don't know if I'd trust it because it may be cracked. I don't mind doing the drilling and tapping on the 3.2 heads, especially because the motor I found only had 70,000 miles on it and has 235 compression on all cylinders. If any one knows how to swap cams, please let me know and I will make a donation to the forum in your name or honor or whatever.

Thanks Loud, I would love your help with the swap, but I have no way to get down to L.A., but I sure do appreciate the offer! - - wish I could take you up on it, I sure miss driving my SHO!
Thanks guys
-Randall

 

[ohioshodude]

i'd also like to know as i'm building myself a S/C'ed 3.2l. swapping heads? last thing i herd was 3.2l head gaskets are non existant.

 

[Racer X]

RCM carries 3.2L HG's for $89.99.

FelPro began manufacturing 3.2L HG's.

 

[sho_bc]

if you're swapping the cams and have both engines, you may as well swap the chains and tensioners over as well while you're at it (so long as they're in good shape). just make sure everything stays in place during the transfer, mark the chain and cog just in case, and use an extra set of hands if you have them. after you've swapped them, make sure to check shim clearance, change anything that needs changing, and you're good to go.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

Well I could come up after Convention, just pay for gas and lunch/dinner.

 

[Randall]

Thanks Matt, that is a REALLY generous offer. If you are interested, let me know...check your PM.

Thanks SHO BC, surprisingly the tensioners look in extremely good condition so I would like to swap those over. I have never changed overhead cams of any type though so, it is a bit intimidating. I am still hoping someone out there has pics or something of the job being done or some "how to" info, but thanks for the info so far, and I will donate to the forum now.

 

[SHO Type U]

Can one just swap the cams without using the cam alignment tool?

 

[AREA 91]

Yup, you don't need the cam positioning tool. It's nice to have, but not a must. It makes lining up the rear (firewall side) head easier. The front (radiator side) will sit in the correct position. Swapping the cams is pretty easy. Take your time, and you will be fine. DO NOT OVER TORQUE THE CAMSHAFT CAPS!!!!!!

 

[freakaftr8]

Hey Randall, let me know when you want to do that work to your'e engine, and when you do, I wanna watch and help in any way I can, I have a 92 MTX. My pops owns a machine shop and we modified a 3.2 to fit in my engine bay. I wanna swap in the 3.0 heads, because I heard this gives you alot more punch, especially after they were decked down..

 

[sho_bc]

Hey Randall, let me know when you want to do that work to your'e engine, and when you do, I wanna watch and help in any way I can, I have a 92 MTX. My pops owns a machine shop and we modified a 3.2 to fit in my engine bay. I wanna swap in the 3.0 heads, because I heard this gives you alot more punch, especially after they were decked down..

3.2 heads vs 3.0 heads are essentially the same and neither is better than the other. the 3.2 heads have some extra casting that needs to be ground off so the alternator fits.

 

[Randall]

Hey freakaftr8, you are welcome anytime you want to drive over, but after looking at both heads today in detail, SHO BC is dead on, they look to be identical as far as dimensions. I will probably swap the cams this week, and then rent the valve tools or make my own to check clearances. I still am a little unsure of how to do the swap, but it looks as if all you have to do is line up the markings on the cams and crank when the swap is complete and you're good, so that is what I will shoot for. Does this sound good?

 

[FoeSho]

 

[Racer X]

3.2 heads vs 3.0 heads are essentially the same and neither is better than the other. the 3.2 heads have some extra casting that needs to be ground off so the alternator fits.

You left out the part that the intake cams in the 3.0L head are slightly more aggressive that the intake cams in the 3.2L head.