Camshaft issues..Help!

[grabber302]

I just installed a Mutha Thumpr cam into my 71 Ford Maverick Grabber. I got it running,with some issues with timing, however I have it resonably close. My problem I think is it may have something to do with rocker arm/valve clearance issues. It runs ,but not 'real smoothly' .I understand these cams are supposed to be rough idle,but it almost seems"flat sounding". (hard to describe). Could it be a valve clearance issue? I have my carb dialed in and seems to be ok. I have a mid '74 maverick 302 block bored out 30 thou.The pistons are flat top as well. The heads are off a '86 5.0 Cougar. The rockers are the non adjustable ,bolt thru the fulcrum type. How do I check rocker arm clearance to the valves? The rocker arms are stock as well. Another question is I just pulled the Xtreme energy x274 out, and replaced it with the Mutha Thumpr. I had the proper valve springs installed in the heads when i got the X274. Do I need different springs? Also does the Mutha thumpr produce really low vacuum? Do I need or do you make an adjustable valve train kit for this application?
Please help!!!
thanks!
Kris Carpenter

[jhnlntc]

i sounds like you need to convert the rockers to adjustable. It sounds like they are holding the valves open a little.

[amick]

It could be as suggested above but I would like to hear a little more about it. Is the motor making a noticeable ticking sound? Does it seem to have plenty of performacne or does that seem a little flat as well. Is it hard to start or does it seem like it is running rich or any thing like that? The Thumpr cams will make low vacuum due to the amount of overlap they have. This is what produces the sound we all love but it is also exactly what reduces the vacuum. The springs you have from the XE274 should be jsut fine. You can simply check them by geting it up at max lift and using a feeler gague inbetween the middle coils. You will want to see at least .050 of clearance there.

[grabber302]

Thanks for the quick reply! So my question is what does comp offer to make my non adjustable 5.0 heads adjustable? Do I simply need to install studs and adjustable rockers?is it going to be that easy?(is that all i need?). The valve train noise seems to be fine when it is cold but then gets way worse when warm. I ground off a couple thou off the fulcrums tonite, and that seemed to have helped a lot, but i'm still not comfortable with doing it that way....I'd much rather install something to make the valve train adjustable! Can you perhaps point me in the direction I need to go? Possible part numbers? Please review and advise.
Thanks!
Kris

[amick]

All you would have to have to convert your 5.0 to an adjustable valve train is our 1634-16 rocker arms and our 4504-16 rocker studs.

[68stang73]

funny how i have been askinf for help with my mutha thumper and i get ignored...anyways dude where is your timing at inital and total and where does it come all in at?

[amick]

68stang73 I am curious how you are being ignored? I do not see a post with your question in it anywhere. If I have over looked you I am sorry but maybe you could direct me to where your question actually is?


P.S. I located your question and have answered back. I am sorry for not noticing it sooner it just was not in the normal area where everyone else has posted. We have no intentions of ignoring any customers.

[68stang73]

well i have 2 post up here with the 351 timing and nothing. i also sent an email to whom it went to i dont know also the one post the most recent one started getting full of spam. i reported it then it happened again. i dont know whats going on because i see the posts and no replies.

[amick]

I have replied to your post now. Please let me know if you have any trouble seeing the response or any thing else. Thanks