[redace72374]

I have an '02 Mustang GT with about 90K miles on it. Recently, I had to have a plug helicoiled back in. Since then, I've been hearing a progressively louder tap. It sounds like its coming from the heads. If I'm in the gas hard, you can't hear it, and it is loudest when cruising at about 2000 rpm. I'm thinking something fell in there when they were doing the helicoil job, but I'm no expert.

Also, I'm looking at have a cam/head swap. So far, the only mods I have are cat back exhaust, and CAI. I'm gonna have gears done soon also. 3:73's probably. My question is what are some good cam/head packages, and how much money am I looking at. I'm gonna have this done at a shop. I don't know my way around the internals of an engine too well. I'm looking to put about $3500-$4000 out for this job if feasable.

[tripleblack]

Originally Posted by redace72374

I have an '02 Mustang GT with about 90K miles on it. Recently, I had to have a plug helicoiled back in. Since then, I've been hearing a progressively louder tap. It sounds like its coming from the heads. If I'm in the gas hard, you can't hear it, and it is loudest when cruising at about 2000 rpm. I'm thinking something fell in there when they were doing the helicoil job, but I'm no expert.

Also, I'm looking at have a cam/head swap. So far, the only mods I have are cat back exhaust, and CAI. I'm gonna have gears done soon also. 3:73's probably. My question is what are some good cam/head packages, and how much money am I looking at. I'm gonna have this done at a shop. I don't know my way around the internals of an engine too well. I'm looking to put about $3500-$4000 out for this job if feasable.

Odds are that yes, some trash from the helicoil repair fell into that cylinder. The head will have to be removed to analyze the problem.

I like the Comp Cams for these cars (262 or 270 series for most street cars). There ARE no aftermarket heads such as are available for the 5.0s, really, but several companies (FoxLake, Livernois, Patriot) sell ported heads. I like FoxLake, personally, though they are a bit pricey.

The budget you mention should be ample for the cams and head IF the helicoil repair has not destroyed that cylinder and you need a new block or a complete overhaul.

[redace72374]

If some trash or debris fell into the cylinder during the helicoil job, the shop that did the it is gonna know about it, and hopefully, take care of most of the cost of the repair. HOPEFULLY!!! They seem like a pretty good company....I've been trying to contact them for a price on a head/cam swap. Hopefully, I'll hear something by the beginning of next week from them. About how many HP can I expect to gain??

[tripleblack]

Originally Posted by redace72374

If some trash or debris fell into the cylinder during the helicoil job, the shop that did the it is gonna know about it, and hopefully, take care of most of the cost of the repair. HOPEFULLY!!! They seem like a pretty good company....I've been trying to contact them for a price on a head/cam swap. Hopefully, I'll hear something by the beginning of next week from them. About how many HP can I expect to gain??

That depends on which cams and heads you select. Figure 40 or 50 hp, if the tune is right on and your exhaust is upgraded to match (if it needs it - I'd recommend long tube headers and a catted x pipe for max power production). A custom tune would be needed to extract the best performance.