Cam install question:

[hixtrix]

I'm considering buying intake and exhaust cams for my MP3. I know the initial install is fairly easy, but what else do you have to do when you replace the cams w/ the FS-ZE and Mazdaspeed ones. Do you have to adjust timing, replace valve springs, etc. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm learning everything I possibly can and would like to do the work myself if I can.
Thanks in advance,

 

[Bradsbadride]

Hey buddy I wish I could help you Im looking for the same thing,I am not a mechanic but I really enjoy doing everything myself..good luck. Brad

 

[mp3_moran]

I know from my Bseries Honda days that changing out the valve springs and retainers were only necessary when you were going to raise the redline or when the lift and duration were dramatically altered. When you swap out the other parts of the valvetrain you should use valvesprings with lower spring rates, this helps with the faster movements. Two other ways to see if you need to upgrade other parts of the valvetrain when swapping cams either call the manufacturer of the cams to see what they recommend, or if you are using Mazda OE parts, check the part numbers for the springs and retainers from the donor engine...if they match our part numbers, you don't need to change them. Hope this helps at all.

 

[Horn77]

I will let you know later today. My freinds who works at the mazda dealer is installing both cams today.

 

[hixtrix]

Thanks Horn, I'll really appreciate the info!!!

 

[Horn77]

Well I got them installed and it only took 3:30 hours. And no they didnt need to change the spacers or anything like that. Well as for the change. The guy that put them in said that I should be good to go, but srmotorsports said I should break them in for 500 miles. But It does feel different down low.

 

[hixtrix]

So was it pretty much just a drop-in install? Nothing had to be changed internally? Any tuning after the install? Sorry to ask so many questions but I am really curious.
Thanks for the response btw, you'll have to post once you get them broken in. Everything that I have read so far says you should be careful for xxx amount of time (they vary, but all agree on a break-in period). Looking forward to more news-

 

[Horn77]

No it was just a basic install so dont let the dearler try to screw you with adjusting crap. All he did was take of the cover and install them. Nothing else was done. Yeah I plan on doing some driving so I will post soon

 

[CrappyBoy]

What about the cams. Does the car idle right !? First impressions ?

Crappyboy

 

[PaulMP3]

what did it cost for everything with install???

 

[Horn77]

Well it was $230.00 to put them in and I think I paid $160.00 for one and $130 for the other so that is like $520.00. Well I can tell a difference. It pulls alot better in the high rpms.

 

[hixtrix]

Hey, thx for the info Horn- I'm glad to finally get some real feedback on these cams, they are the exact same ones that I want. Thanks again for posting!