2.3 Cam questions

[Daniel Black]

I finally got a newly built 2.3 going in one of my Rangers. I used an old Ranger roller cam because I didn't want to ruin a new cam if the truck didn't run right for break in. I ripped out all the computer and wiring from the '87 2.0 Ranger so I was pretty nervous about my wiring skills to get it running. The roller cam does seem like an upgrade but I'm basing it off my daily driver '86 EFI Ranger with 260K so a new motor should have more pep. But it's still a stock camshaft. I have two hydraulic slider Engle Cams brand new. A DZ-11 and a DZ-12 but the rpm range is crazy for street use. My questions. 1. Can I take a cam with a range of 3000-6500 or 4000-7500, use an adjustable cam gear and make it pull around 1500rpm or does it just not work that way? 2. I've heard the head needs to be milled somewhere if you go past a certain amount of valve lift, is that true? One cam is .464 and one is .485. I imagine the truck would have the idle and sound I want to go with everything else I've done to the motor but I'm a realist and the motor rarely turns past 3k rpm in normal driving unless I'm on the interstate but that doesn't happen much. Any help would be greatly appreciated.