cam install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: seattle wa
cam install
ok im planing on installing a new cam my car is a77 just bought two months ago previous ownr said was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago around 08 the cam im phting in ia thumper 279 with new lifters my ?is can i use the same springs im running now cam lift is under 500 and also can i get by with removing radiator and hood and do i need to remove the oil pan or drop front of ot to get timing cover off thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
You can just loosen the front oil pan but its a pain to work with. If the motor was rebuilt that recently and the springs were replaced then they should be alright. as far as pulling the rad see if you can hold the cam straight out agains the timing cover without touching rad itwould be possible. If it comes close to rad Your taking a risk. If it touches rad then rad has to come out. If its not a double roller timing chain I would replace it. Don't forget breakin lube and run engine 2500 to 3000 for twenty minutes then change oil.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 7
From: l In
The radiator has to be removed as well as any air cond equip.
I would recommend removing the oil pan to avoid having oil leaks because you did not want to take the time to take the pan off.
Fuel pump also has to be removed.
Just take your time and all will be well, you will swear with the radiator, but take your time.
You will thank yourself for removing the oil pan and doing it right. while you are at it put the 1 piece pan gasket on when you reassemble.
I would recommend removing the oil pan to avoid having oil leaks because you did not want to take the time to take the pan off.
Fuel pump also has to be removed.
Just take your time and all will be well, you will swear with the radiator, but take your time.
You will thank yourself for removing the oil pan and doing it right. while you are at it put the 1 piece pan gasket on when you reassemble.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
If You have never done this before, be carefull that You find out what springs You have and what the cam needs.Make sure You get Your distributor set pointing at #1 wire. mark the distributor position of housing to intake. Your balancer should be right at "0" on timing tab. Then when Your puting it back together make sure that #1 cylinder is on compression at the "0" mark. When You go to start it it will fire on first crank.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Boise Idaho
Just a tip to help reduce the frustration.
Don't forget to remove the mechanical fuel pump. You'll have to remove the pump so you can drop the fuel pump rod out of the way. If not the pump will push the rod up and it will catch on the cam and not allow it to slide out.
Yes, my first cam change this happened to me. After walking away a couple times I remembered the mechanical fuel pump......duh!
Good Luck!
Don't forget to remove the mechanical fuel pump. You'll have to remove the pump so you can drop the fuel pump rod out of the way. If not the pump will push the rod up and it will catch on the cam and not allow it to slide out.
Yes, my first cam change this happened to me. After walking away a couple times I remembered the mechanical fuel pump......duh!
Good Luck!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
The cam will have a spring requirement pressure wise. Take an intake and an exhaust spring at random and take them to a shop, have them check the spring pressure. You'll need the installed height. So after you have them removed, replace the retainers and keepers and measure the the distance from the spring seat to the retainer. (cover all holes leading into the engine, as one of the keepers will find it's way inside)
A cheaper way to give them the distance ould be to take a piece of welding rod or some other firm wire and clip it of a little at a time untill it is the exact length of that distance.
Or just buy the cam kit that comes with all the parts you'll need!!!!
A cheaper way to give them the distance ould be to take a piece of welding rod or some other firm wire and clip it of a little at a time untill it is the exact length of that distance.
Or just buy the cam kit that comes with all the parts you'll need!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: seattle wa
so todays the day for install any recomendations for a stall converter keep in mind this is not a drag im not sure what is on now or what stock is but from what i understand from previous owner sipose to be 350 350hp it has a new converter now just dont know what it is and of cam says stock or 2000 stall .. let me know thank everyone
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: seattle wa
ok i got it runnig good i will try and get a video tonite I've never uploaded on here so I'm not sure how to do it also my freind just gave me a brand new 1407 edelbrock think its a 750 I'm running 1406 now600 should i upgrade so she has thumper cam patriot pipes and geardrive i hope i can upload any help for uploading
