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Cam installation tips. Anyone?

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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 09:28 AM
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Default Cam installation tips. Anyone?

Anybody got any suggestions or step by step tutorials on how to go about installing Cam and lifters in a 78 with an L82? Pictures would be great too!! I want to do this myself. Thanks!!
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by VETTE N ME
Anybody got any suggestions or step by step tutorials on how to go about installing Cam and lifters in a 78 with an L82? Pictures would be great too!! I want to do this myself. Thanks!!
You're asking for a lot of information here-
There are plenty of SBC 'How-To' books available not to mention the factory GM shop manuals.
You should probably start there and then if you have any specific questions based on what you've read, the folks out here would be more than happy to assist.
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 10:34 AM
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First of all, its is a lot of work in a vette to swap anything.lol what kind of shape is the rest of the motor in?
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by ezobens
You're asking for a lot of information here-
There are plenty of SBC 'How-To' books available not to mention the factory GM shop manuals.
You should probably start there and then if you have any specific questions based on what you've read, the folks out here would be more than happy to assist.
Thanks

Originally Posted by Grumpy 427
First of all, its is a lot of work in a vette to swap anything.lol what kind of shape is the rest of the motor in?
The engine seems fine I'm going to be doing a top end swap Heads, cam, and lifters. Just trying to get a little more from it.
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 12:18 PM
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Here is a short list:

Drain all fluids.
Remove hood and radiator, unbolt condensor so it can be pushed forward. Remove AC compressor (You "may" be able to unbolt it and push it out of the way.)
Remove or unbolt power steering cylinder and power steering pump.
Remove fan, pulleys, belts, alternator.
Remove oil pan.
Remove timing cover. You will need a puller to remove the balancer.
Remove Intake manifold and Smog pump and distributor.
Unbolt exhaust manifolds and remove them.
Unbolt heads and remove. Remove lifters and pushrods first.

do a search for my L82 upgrade thread.
Unbolt timing sprocket from cam, remove timing chain. Reinstall cam sprocket and pull cam out. Hopefully you have enough room to clear the condensor...otherwise remove condensor.

Install is reverse of the above with a manual to check sequence and bolt torque.

do a search for my L82 upgrade thread

Last edited by DucatiDon; Oct 22, 2014 at 12:22 PM.
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 02:34 PM
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^^^^^TREED^^^^^ Dissconnect battery too just to be safe. lol
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 03:51 PM
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Taking it apart is easy. Cleaning, surfacing and reinstalling is the hard part.
What heads are you considering?
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 05:14 PM
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What cam are you considering, are you fully understanding on how to degree it in or are you just going to install it straightup.This is a big job, best of luck will keep an eye on this thread.

Last edited by Grumpy 427; Oct 22, 2014 at 05:32 PM.
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 06:00 PM
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the important question is flat tappet or roller cam? if it is a flat tappet moly lube on the lobes and lifter bottom and side edges. oil with a good amount of zinc. good luck.
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by DucatiDon
Unbolt timing sprocket from cam, remove timing chain. Reinstall cam sprocket and pull cam out. Hopefully you have enough room to clear the condensor...otherwise remove condensor.

Install is reverse of the above with a manual to check sequence and bolt torque.
So there is enough clearance for a cam swap (350) without pulling the motor?
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Mtl-Marc
So there is enough clearance for a cam swap (350) without pulling the motor?
Yes!
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Old Feb 6, 2015 | 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by ezobens
Yes!
I think there is, but with that said I did mine with a buddy that is a skilled mechanic and we pulled the engine to do it;.
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Old Feb 6, 2015 | 02:31 AM
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Originally Posted by DucatiDon
Here is a short list:

Drain all fluids.
Remove hood and radiator, unbolt condensor so it can be pushed forward. Remove AC compressor (You "may" be able to unbolt it and push it out of the way.)
Remove or unbolt power steering cylinder and power steering pump.
Remove fan, pulleys, belts, alternator.
Remove oil pan.
Remove timing cover. You will need a puller to remove the balancer.
Remove Intake manifold and Smog pump and distributor.
Unbolt exhaust manifolds and remove them.
Unbolt heads and remove. Remove lifters and pushrods first.

do a search for my L82 upgrade thread.
Unbolt timing sprocket from cam, remove timing chain. Reinstall cam sprocket and pull cam out. Hopefully you have enough room to clear the condensor...otherwise remove condensor.

Install is reverse of the above with a manual to check sequence and bolt torque.

do a search for my L82 upgrade thread
Why are you removing the heads for a cam swap? (and consequently the exhaust manifolds / headers?)
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Old Feb 6, 2015 | 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Ibanez540r
Why are you removing the heads for a cam swap? (and consequently the exhaust manifolds / headers?)
OP's doing a top end swap....
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Old Feb 6, 2015 | 08:39 AM
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This tool helps alot when installing , if you have room for it.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-900134
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Old Feb 6, 2015 | 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by speedreed8
This tool helps alot when installing , if you have room for it.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-900134
Cool!

Thanks for the reply. Now off to Summit to get a cam.
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Old Feb 8, 2015 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by jim2527
OP's doing a top end swap....
No, "cam & lifters" is not a top end swap and does not require him to pull the heads or exhaust manifolds.
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Old Feb 8, 2015 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by VETTE N ME
Thanks

The engine seems fine I'm going to be doing a top end swap Heads, cam, and lifters. Just trying to get a little more from it.
OP indicates a top end swap.
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Old Feb 8, 2015 | 12:25 PM
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Damn. I made sure to go back and read the OP, and still saw cam swap. NOW I see a few posts down he mentions top end.
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