So Cal Heads and Cam install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Tustin CA
So Cal Heads and Cam install
Hey Guys,
So, I have a set of Dart Iron Eagle heads sitting in the garage and in about 2 weeks I should have my cam and I am not too sure what to do about the install.
I can install the heads myself and that won't be an issue but I am a little intimidated by the cam install. Is is that hard? Should I take it to a shop? Are there any shops that would let me hang around and watch them?
If I do take it to a shop should I have them do the heads and the cam or should I do the heads first myself and just let them do the cam to save some cash?
What would you guys recommend? I am all up for trying the install myself I am just afraid that I will mess something up with the cam.
Thanks,
John
So, I have a set of Dart Iron Eagle heads sitting in the garage and in about 2 weeks I should have my cam and I am not too sure what to do about the install.
I can install the heads myself and that won't be an issue but I am a little intimidated by the cam install. Is is that hard? Should I take it to a shop? Are there any shops that would let me hang around and watch them?
If I do take it to a shop should I have them do the heads and the cam or should I do the heads first myself and just let them do the cam to save some cash?
What would you guys recommend? I am all up for trying the install myself I am just afraid that I will mess something up with the cam.
Thanks,
John
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,696
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Cam install is very easy if the engine is out. Fairly easy with the engine in.
Make sure that you get the timing chain gears aligned properly. Also make sure that you use cam lube and follow the manufacturers recomendations for cam break in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
If you're comfortable changing heads, you'll do just fine with a cam swap.
The places where these typically go wrong are (as noted above) incorrect timing gear installation, incorrect valve lash and finally incorrect or insufficient lobe lubrication. If you take your time and double-check everything you'll have NO troubles at all.
The places where these typically go wrong are (as noted above) incorrect timing gear installation, incorrect valve lash and finally incorrect or insufficient lobe lubrication. If you take your time and double-check everything you'll have NO troubles at all.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Tustin CA
Do you guys know of any videos that show an in car installation? What about degreeing the cam, do I have to do that if I have my timing gears installed correctly? And by installed correctly do you guys just mean that the dots have to be aligned?
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,349
Likes: 419
From: Seattle Area WA
Degreeing is a good idea for aftermarket cams and is very straightforward as well. You'll need a degree wheel and a method to locate TDC. A quality timing chain set that allows for 2 or 4 degree advance and retard is recommended too.
What cam and engine build is this?
Why don't you at least fill out your location in your profile, maybe someone close by can help or recommend a shop in your area.
What cam and engine build is this?
Why don't you at least fill out your location in your profile, maybe someone close by can help or recommend a shop in your area.
Last edited by Scott Marzahl; Jan 9, 2008 at 01:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Tustin CA
Degreeing is a good idea for aftermarket cams and is very straightforward as well. You'll need a degree wheel and a method to locate TDC. A quality timing chain set that allows for 2 or 4 degree advance and retard is recommended too.
What cam and engine build is this?
Why don't you at least fill out your location in your profile, maybe someone close by can help or recommend a shop in your area.
What cam and engine build is this?
Why don't you at least fill out your location in your profile, maybe someone close by can help or recommend a shop in your area.
