Vortec & Cam Swap?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Simpsonville SC
Vortec & Cam Swap?
I'm about ready to rebuild the top end on my 78 L-82 and do a Vortec head and cam swap. I have learned a lot about what to expect and what to look out for on the forum. However, I have two areas that seem to have conflicting opinions.
First, do I need to remove the radiator to swap the cam?
Second, do I need to remove or loosen the oil pan to remove the timing cover?
I would like to get some feedback or pics from other forum members that have been through this before.
Thanks,
First, do I need to remove the radiator to swap the cam?
Second, do I need to remove or loosen the oil pan to remove the timing cover?
I would like to get some feedback or pics from other forum members that have been through this before.
Thanks,
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yes, the radiator will have to be removed...same for the condenser if you have A/C.
Yes, you 'can' just loosen the oil pan to get the timing cover off, but if you're going to do that much you might as well just drop the pan, change the rear main seal while you're down there, and replace the pan gasket with a Fel-Pro one piece gasket for a good long lasting seal.
To get the pan off, simply remove the two idler arm bolts, drop the idler arm and suspension, and you can get the pan down and out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,360
Likes: 429
From: Seattle Area WA
Yes you have to remove the radiator for enough room to remove the cam.
Make sure you have a cam with enough duration to match the 10:1 compression you will have with 64cc Vortec heads. The stock cam is pretty nice with that compression range, I'd advance it 4 degrees for some more bottom end.
Make sure you have a cam with enough duration to match the 10:1 compression you will have with 64cc Vortec heads. The stock cam is pretty nice with that compression range, I'd advance it 4 degrees for some more bottom end.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Simpsonville SC
Yep, I'm going with the Lunati Bracket Master II Cam 224/224.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...2118109&page=2
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...2118109&page=2
