How to reinstall camshaft and crankshaft

1993 FORD THUNDERBIRD
130,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • MANUAL
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AKIRK18
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I’m putting my 1993 3.8L Essex Supercoupe block in my 1989 Thunderbird with a Manual 5 speed transmission. I successfully got the engine out and am taking the old heads off and plan on taking it to a machine shop to get a valve job with my new heads. I also have a new aftermarket camshaft I would like to install. This is my first time installing a new camshaft and also reinstalling a crankshaft. First how do I correctly install both cam and crank without ruining anything and then second how do I tune them timing wise so I don’t blow anything?
Sep 15, 2020 at 8:38 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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DANNY L
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Hello, I'm Danny.

Just a quick question first.Do you have the cam card on this aftermarket camshaft? What brand name is the camshaft?That will help with your timing question.Let me know and we'll go from there.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Sep 16, 2020 at 4:52 PM
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AKIRK18
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It’s a comp cam and yes I have the card.
Sep 18, 2020 at 5:48 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello, here are two videos that show how to install a camshaft and crankshaft on a similar engine which the process is the same:

https://youtu.be/L38Ul2zwquE

and

https://youtu.be/ubgZ13Br9Pw

Please run down these guides and report back.


Sep 19, 2020 at 12:42 PM
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AKIRK18
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Cam card.
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Sep 20, 2020 at 11:06 AM
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STRAILER
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Lift @.500 you should not have a problem with valve stem seal clearance issues.
Sep 22, 2020 at 12:25 PM
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AKIRK18
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Those videos don’t really show me how to align camshaft and get timing right.
Sep 22, 2020 at 12:36 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

I'm having a hard time finding info for you. What brand of timing chain are you going to install? I contacted Comp Cams and they mentioned on your grind cam you will just install straight up and no need to advance or retard the cam upon installation due it having 4 degrees of advance built into it. Let me know about the timing chain and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Sep 23, 2020 at 9:07 PM