Yes, the factory billet roller cams can be swapped and old lifters reused if they pass inspection.  The roller lifters are only about $150 a set, though and are some degree of insurance.  Don’t ask me how I know what a busted Ford roller lifter looks like, or what the resulting carnage looks like.

i bought this 89 mustang GT a few years back only wanted the t5 but I thought what the heck, but an old distributor in it and a intake with carb and fired it up in the garage floor. no idea how many miles were on it but I do know the owner street raced the car. it sounded ok but never got much above idle.
 

After all the "glitter" my failed main bearings ran through the engine I bought new lifters.  The standard Ford roller can be had from various outlets for around $130.  I stepped up to the high performance ones at $170 from Summit which I don't need but maybe they'll hang together for a while.  These are made in Old Mexico and I have no idea where the lower priced spread is made...Upper Slobovia?

BB

My truck got the engine built up with a 300,000 mile 2001 Explorer 5.0.   It got rings and bearings and a 5.0 GT cam with the GT40P heads that got a valve job.  The intent was to not spend a ton of money.  Once the truck is on the road, it will likely get another block assembly that I will bore .030 and put new lifters in it.  Maybe a 270 cam like Warley’s. And a new set of lifters.  And STILL not have a bunch of money in it!

val fulesday wrote:

i of the ford factory cams which one would be the better choice for street/performance 5.0? is there any markings on the ford cams that would tell me what is currently in the engine, what might they be and where?
 

 
Did you get an answer to this part of your question?
I’m interested too.

The Mustang 5.0 HO cam was the best of the bunch, but like 6Sally6 said, its kind of like being the smartest person with Downs Syndrome. 

Even the letter cams from FRRP at this point are super dated.  A lot of them are single pattern cams too, which boggles the mind when you consider how bad the I/E flow relationship is on a set of stock 5.0 heads.  If you're going to run aftermarket heads anyway then its time to match the cam to the heads, engine size (if stroking it), vehicle weight, trans, etc. 

When selecting a cam I just call Crane and talk to their tech department and get their recommendation.  Their tech department answers the phone and is very knowledgeable.  I've always been happy with the cams they've sent me.  There are definitely other good companies as well though.