Cam gears for V6. Add power AND mpg

I just wanted to report back after driving around with my new cam gears for a few days that I'm very pleased. The engine feels much happier, like it's not working quite as hard. There is definitely alittle more power down low and it helps offset the 285s I put on last fall. I think the most significant place I notice is when stopped the idle is much smoother than before. As others have mentioned these have also made the truck coast much better, there is no longer an immediate engine brake effect as soon as you take your foot off the gas (but it still engine brakes just fine when you downshift).

All in all I'm really happy and my only regret is that I didn't install these sooner. I'll report back on mileage once I go through a few tanks of gas. I was consistently getting right around 15.5 mpg before installing so hoping to see some slight improvements. Even if I don't the drivability improvements alone are worth the install. These trucks should've come from the factory this way!

 

Yes this. I’m just saying the truck burns through gas above 75mph no matter with gears or not in response to @gpdx 's update after installing the gears on their truck:

 

Hell yeah thank you for the update! I threw 285s on last year so this sounds really good.

 

But what about 315s and 4.56? Just awesomeness?

 

Ordered up. Mods about to get real, I haven't cracked the engine yet. Suspension jobs are pretty plug and play. Should be fun!

 

Passenger side only took an hour, after taking valve cover off

 

3 hours total. Now to wait for gasket to dry for an hour

 

Watch Carefully, pull tab on easy opening can.

 

Nicely done sir!

 

Test driving now, but i dont want to get it that hot. Going to let it sit for a few hours, and then maybe this evening take it out for a longer drive

 

So i didnt feel anything on the butt dyno. But someone else suggested cleaning the maf and reset the ecu for 5 min, and I should feel something.

@mightytacoman agree?


Edit: how can i clean the maf without special cleaner?

 

Pretty sure that maf is a $600 part, I’m buying the crc special cleaner. But I think it’s what $12?

 

Yea I think so. Im going to wait until tomorrow to get the right stuff

 

You want the right stuff. The MAF is easily damaged.

 

Would like to see pics of the gears installed to confirm they are correct. I assume you pulled the negative battery wires during install per the directions so that should reset the ecm. If you're not sensitive to changes in performance I suppose you might not notice much butt dyno difference but you should notice some.
Crc maf cleaner is tough to find these days due to supply chain issues.

 

I did not pull the negative battery wire.

Hmm, i didnt take many pics during install. Just this one for driver side. But we definitely got the painted link on the chain/tooth on the gear lined up with the tdc mark on both sides.

 

Well all the local parts stores near me do not have the crc one in stock. What about the gunk brand?

will it be ok? *about to click buy*

Gunk MAS6 Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner - 6 oz.

Gunk MAS6 Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner - 6 oz.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJ5XWGI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B42F669QBHWVEEAZAFGF

 

Haven't personally tried it but I would use it

 

Wait, august 10-11 delivery.. ugh

 

Finally fired my truck up today after installing the cam gears did not drive it as the front clip is off it currently pic below. It did make a bit of racket when I started it but it has been sitting for over a month while working on it so not surprising. Once the oil temp got up to operating temp the motor was the smoothest I have ever experienced from it. It has Solid off-road motor mounts so normally it's giving me a bit of a massage especially when the AC compressor kicks on lol... Now it's just super smooth even just revving it sounds different. Can't wait to get my fenders back so I can button the truck up and take it for a drive.