Cam Change
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yes the engine can stay in the car, but the radiator can't, and maybe not the condenser if you have A/C.
Once those are out of the way, you'll have to drop the suspension to get the pan off so you can get the timing cover off as well. Obviously to get to that the fan, and water pump will have to come out too.
You'll also have to take the distributor out, and the intake off so you can get the lifter out, and to do that you'll have to pull the valve cover, loosen the rockers, and take the push rods out. Make sure you keep track of which lifter went in which bore...as it DOES matter.
Once all of that is done, you can change the cam.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Highland Mi
Thanks for the replies!! I know about the other stuff just wasn't sure what had to come out in front and if it was possible. Got a new cam, lifters and am putting some World Product Torqers on it with 67cc chambers.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 405
Likes: 15
From: Minneapolis
All of the above advice holds true with one other note... You don't have to drop the oil pan if you loosen the front bolts near the front and very carefully remove the timing cover. Re-installation of the cover will require a bead of silicone on it where it contacts the oil pan, but it is very do-able. Dropping the pan is a big PITA, because of all the other related items that must be dealt with (starter, steering rod, etc.)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Why fight leaning over the fenders. Take your time and do it right. Things go better without having to reach across, climbing under/over and droping things.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 9
From: Kalamazoo Mi
i changed the cam, with the engine in the car. Rad and condenser had to come out, so does everything else, as said above, dont forget the fuel pump rod.
Get some new lifters, two of mine were pitted really bad. and dot forget that assembly lube!!
Get some new lifters, two of mine were pitted really bad. and dot forget that assembly lube!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Highland Mi
Hey guys! Thanks for all the responses! It went very well and the engine runs great! Now I need to get my neighbor to help me put the hood back on and it will be complete! The old heads had deteriorating valve stem seals and oil was baking on the underside of the intake valves. I had two fouled plugs from that!
Thanks again
Thanks again