1976 cam replacement
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: here there
1976 cam replacement
Could the more knowledgeable members tell me if the cam can be replaced without removing the engine? The victim is a 76 350 l-48 stock smogger with auto and a/c.
Many thanks for any clues....
BSA
Many thanks for any clues....
BSA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
i can tell you about what i did on my 82.take off the hood [you dont have to but its best]bring motor up to no1.take out the radiator .you may have to loosen the ac radiator.take off the front of the motor.take off the intake and the valve covers,i would replace the valve seals. you should not have to take out the motor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,229
Likes: 656
From: Thunder Bay
Yes I believe it can be done, although I've never done it myself. The problem will be removing the air conditioner condensor as it will be in your way. You will have to have the system evacuated and recharged after you're done.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I just did it. Yes it can be done in the car. The hood has to come off and the radiator out. I guess you could measure the cam and the distance to the radiator and see if you have enough room. My car does not have A/C so I am not sure how that is going to get in your way. You also have to drop the steering linkages under the car in order to remove the oil pan so you can remove the front cover. Perhaps you can just lower the pan but thats not how I did it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
you should not have to lower the steering.you can get to the pan bolts from underneath you only have to drop the front 1/4 inch.dont disconnect the ac lines you only have to move it a little to get the cam out
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville IL
just did this last month on my '75. didn't have take the hood off but did have to close it and slide the cam in from below to make that work. only real trouble might be getting it done without removing the a/c stuff, as I don't have a/c I can't comment on getting it done without removing it.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I did it on my 75 with A/C twice. Remove the hood, radiator and the top bolts holding the A/C condensor. Loosen the bottom A/C condensor bolts so it will pivot. Have someone pivot the top of the condensor toward the front while you slide the cam out.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Wow! That almost makes it sound easy!
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Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: here there
Sounds good - thanks.
I already had the hood off last year when I had to replace the radiator support and all that involved. lol. It's not bad as long as you have an extra set of hands to assist.
Sounds like this is something I can conceivably handle. I guess now I'll have to research new lifters, rods and a cam. I see some suppliers offer a cam/lifter combination.
Any clues on good pricing and good products with high customer satisfaction for all the bits I'd need (lifters, rods, cam, double roller gears and chain, gaskets, etc..)?
I already had the hood off last year when I had to replace the radiator support and all that involved. lol. It's not bad as long as you have an extra set of hands to assist.
Sounds like this is something I can conceivably handle. I guess now I'll have to research new lifters, rods and a cam. I see some suppliers offer a cam/lifter combination.
Any clues on good pricing and good products with high customer satisfaction for all the bits I'd need (lifters, rods, cam, double roller gears and chain, gaskets, etc..)?
