Change Cam: Engine In or Engine Out?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Racine Wisconsin
Change Cam: Engine In or Engine Out?
I have done things like replace heads and intake on a SBC but I have never attempted a cam swap. I would like to install an improved roller cam and better heads (as a minimum Vortec). This would normally be done by renting a hoist and removing the engine, etc. I have heard that this can also be done with the engine in the vehicle by removing the radiator. In vehicle seems a little easier to me. I know the radiator shroud can be a little bit of a pain. Those with experience of both approaches may have a preference. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Personally I would do it with the engine in the car. The added work of pulling the engine is not all that bad, but once the engine is out, it's still the same amount of work. With the engine out, it becomes a problem if you don't have an engine stand to mount the engine to. The engine would have to be blocked up or otherwise supported so it doesn't tip over and damage something, then there's exhaust pipes or headers to deal with when pulling the engine, the bolts are often rusted or broken off. The less things disturbed, the less to go wrong.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 733
From: Youngstown Ohio
Easy to do with the engine in. Remove the fan first, then it's easier to remove the shroud. Next , the radiator, then its smooth sailing. Some folks like to remove the hood, too, for easier access, but it's not manditory.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I've done it both ways, but since I now own an engine picker and stand, I just pull it now. Much easier to work on, and good opertunity for clean up and painting. Problem is, you'll probably want to replace other things while at it. If you do end up buying a picker, careful of the cheapo's, as some don't have very long booms, that end up being worthless.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,444
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
That's good to know! I guess I am confused about the difficulty in removing the radiator on a C3? I have done it twice over 30 years on my 78 and it's a piece of cake. Just did it a couple of years ago installing a Dewitts radiator and it is not hard-may require 2 people to pull out the old and install the new.
