Cam removal?

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Jun 14, 2014 | 02:44 PM

alconk

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Cam removal?

Is it possible to remove the cam from a small block without removing the ac condenser? I thought we could but I still have about a inch to go and I'm up against it. Is there a secret or does it have to come out?

Jun 14, 2014 | 03:38 PM

mds3013

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On my '77 I removed the condenser. However you may be able to unbolt it and move it back. Headlight actuators are the next thing in the way. Good luck with it. mike...

Jun 14, 2014 | 03:45 PM

alconk

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Well I'm trying to find out where it's attached but no luck. I see it was attached with the rad bolts and those are out but it's still not able to move. I really don't want to remove it cause I'll have to remove the hood to get to it.

Jun 15, 2014 | 10:12 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Quote:

Originally Posted by alconk

...Well I'm trying to find out where it's attached but no luck...

Your AIM shows the mounting brackets. Two bolts at the top of the brackets; two at the bottom. You will also have the AC lines running to it.

Jun 15, 2014 | 10:55 AM

REELAV8R

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From: Hermosa

Yes you can. You have to remove the retaining bolts then pivot the condensor up, pivoting on the side that the lines are connected. I removed mine in my 77 this way.

Jun 15, 2014 | 11:38 AM

CA-Legal-Vette

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

Last time I changed a cam without removing the motor, I removed the engine mount bolts, loosened the transmission mount bolts and raised the front of the engine by putting a block of wood and jacking the front of the oil pan. The cam then went over the condenser.

Jun 15, 2014 | 11:31 PM

alconk

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I finally was able to remove it by what REELAV8R said, just tilting the condenser forward. Now I'm in a delimma of whether to just rebuild the engine or proceed with my original plan of cam and head swap. I have 94K miles on it and the cam bearings look good but one side feels smoother than the other. Also since I have the heads removed I can feel a slight ridge in the piston bore. The engine still carried over 40 psi of oil pressure so I don't know what I'm going to do. I'll call a machine shop tomorrow and see how much it will cost to build a short block plus I'd have to buy a engine hoist and engine stand. It just keeps getting more and more expensive.