Hello. New to the forum. I have a '94 XLT with the 5.0l 302, automatic, 3.55 limited slip differential. Truck is completely stock. 156k miles. Runs beautifully and I love it.

Recently I got an 18' car hauler to tow my '78 MGB (2500 lbs) to different events. My truck could be just tired but I'd like to do something to get some additional power. I've read threads here and elsewhere and it seems I should start by upgrading the cam. I'm thinking of going with the Comp Cams 35-512-8.

My question is if I add the new cam would I need to upgrade the original auto transmission it has?

 

In my very non-professional opinion and assuming you have an E4OD, I would think you would not need to change the transmission since the E4OD was used with so many motors. I would think it would work fine if you are using the truck to have an easier time to pull things. If you are going to run it hard as a street runner, then you may want to upgrade. But, I would first do a once over with the transmission to make sure it is still in good running condition. You should add a cooler if you don't have one. If you are not familiar with the history of this transmission, you may want to take to a shop to check it out. If your truck is 2wd with a E4OD, you can get a new pan that fits a 4wd. It is deeper so it will hold more fluid. Make sure you get the right filter for the deeper pan. It also has a plug which can make it easier to change fluid.

 

I checked my door label and I have the 4R70W transmission.

 

The trans should be fine as long as you keep it cool. Adding power is tricky, especially since most "performance" mods add power, while also moving the power band further up in the rev range. RV cams are generally a decent option for increasing low end torque. Re-gearing the axle is the best way to increase pulling power, but at the sacrifice of having higher cruising rpms.

 

I’d budget a 351 swap then. Those speed density models aren’t that fond of modding and a cam is kinda stunted with those garbage heads.