Question about the 2.5L

[radtap]

So I've got a 98 ranger with the 2.5L, I want to cam it but I've learned there's an issue with valve stem size making it hard or outright impossible to fight a cam kit that'll work, is it possible to take the head off a 2.3L and use the numerous cam kits for those as the only other difference I know of besides the valve stem size is that the 2.5 is just a stroked 2.3

 

[poondobber]

I have not heard of the valve stem issue. Dual plug heads are the same regardless of the the engine. There is a difference with the valves between the single plug head and the dual plug head but many of the old mustang guys use the cam followers from the dual plug heads. I think you will be fine with just the cam.

If you switch to the older style head with four plugs you will lose air flow and have to deal with check engine lights.

 

[tomw]

To use the dual plug followers, the valve stem diameter should be taken into account. Read the details in the tech listing.

Older 2.3 Lima can use the 89-94 cam & followers, and the newer cam followers have narrow inlets for the valve stem which won't fit the older valve stem diameter. I suppose you could grind a relief to make them fit.
Any cam for a 2.3 would not be 'emissions neutral', and may cause OBD-II to gripe. The heads should be a bolt-on, the cam would work but you should take into account valve stem diameter in choosing parts. The replacement cam should flow as well or better than the 2.5 factory cam, and if not, then why buy it? If you use a dual plug ignition, you may get lights for a missing coil, but it could be left sitting there sparking to itself...
tom

You can read about cams/followers/etc here, on site:

2.0/2.3/2.5L Family

Ford’s 2.0/2.3/2.5 litre engine family These motors are commonly referred to as either the Lima or simply the 2.X OHC (Over Head Cam) engines. They started life based on the German designed 2.0 EAO Sport motors that were first introduced to this country in the Mercury Capri’s from the early...

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