rcwilbur

I did a head a cam swap on my 99 C5 a few years ago and followed the LS1Howto process. I must not have gotten the timing cover aligned correctly and am going to have to replace the seal. When I swapped the cam, I had to remove radiator to allow enough room to pull the cam out of the block. I'm thinking there should be enough room to pull the balancer (after moving the steering rack) and remover the timing cover without removing the radiator, but just checking to see if anyone has done it and knows whether the radiator can stay. Thanks

neutron82

yep it can stay there, you should have no problem... I would suggest getting the front cover alignment tool from saccitycorvette, I've been in your position before and after using that tool to center the cover on the crank it is now bone dry

leadfoot4

I replace my harmonic balancer a couple of years ago, and decided to put as LS2 timing chain on, while I had it that far apart. The radiator can stay in place, but yes, the rack has to come out. Also, with he saccitycorvette tool, it not only aligns the front cover using one side of the tool, you can flip it around and use it to press the seal in place.

rcwilbur

Thanks very much to both of you for responding.

I already ordered the saccity alignment tool and plan to use it. I am really disappointed that I didn't know it was that important when I changed the cam because for $35 it is well worth the peace of mind knowing it is done right and I won't have to tear it all apart again. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks again.

ArtGle

Little threads like this are why I live here....

SACCITY??

Anybody got a link?

neutron82

http://www.saccitycorvette.com/AlignItTools.html , well worth the money if you do your own work

rcwilbur

Do you have preference in brand of timing cover seal? Last one I used was Cometics. I am thinking of just buying the Chevy Performance part this go round.

feeder82

I have to ask since you used the ls1how, did you use the proper tool to replace the balancer? The method mentioned in that how to is use the bolt to pull it on, which can end up with stripped crankshaft threads.

neutron82

I have had good luck with oem or felpro

rcwilbur

Thanks very much.

rcwilbur

No I didn't use a tool, but I didn't use the stock bolt either. I bought an extra long bolt from the Chevy Dealer. I think it is used on an LS7 engine, but in any event it is longer than the stock LS1 bolt and gives you plenty of threads to make sure you can safely pull the balancer back on. It worked well for me.