Big Block cam change
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 293
Likes: 1
From: AR
Big Block cam change
I am thinking of swapping over to a roller cam in my 72 with a 454. Will the engine have to be pulled to swap the cam? I also have a Spal dual electric fan installed if that complicates things. I thought about a complete rebuild but the motor only as 3000 miles or so on it now and not worth it to do so. Just curious how much headache the cam change would be.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 293
Likes: 1
From: AR
I have aftermarket pistons, around 10:1. I have a flat tappet cam in it and want to switch to a roller but not if I am going to have to pull the engine out of the car to do it. That's my question if the cam can be swapped in the car or if the block will have to be pulled to do so.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
You have to pull the radiator and easier to pull the hood, the dizzy has to come out and the old lifters of course...
It's a lot of work not too hard, in my younger days we would swap SBC cams in 1/2 a day, start sat am be cruising that night,
But why? to me just going roller on a street engine would not be worth the $$$ and work, did you want a different grind than what you have?
It's a lot of work not too hard, in my younger days we would swap SBC cams in 1/2 a day, start sat am be cruising that night,
But why? to me just going roller on a street engine would not be worth the $$$ and work, did you want a different grind than what you have?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 293
Likes: 1
From: AR
Yeah, the cam in it is not as aggressive as I would like. I will be throwing a set of Brodix Race Rites and an RPM Air Gap at the same time The previous owner built the motor but now how I would have done it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I have a 454 that has a unknown rebuild on it, the block is truck but it should have peanut port heads it doesnt the heads are oval ports so someone knew to toss the peanuts, the cam isn't stock but I believe more "rv" style than what I really want...I am waiting to get my car back try a different carb then decide if I really want to put a different bump stick in there,
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If I was doing heads and cam...I'd pull the engine. It will come out without messing with radiator and it's a lot easier to swap parts and ck everything closely on the stand than in the car. Like P/V clearance, degreeing it in etc. not to mention getting the front cover back in place with no leaks after messing with the oil pan.
But yes..you can swap the cam while it's in the car.
JIM
But yes..you can swap the cam while it's in the car.
JIM
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
I did a big block cam change recently on my 69 and found the easiest way was to remove the hood, remove the fan then the 3 rad support bolts in each fender well and two underneath with the support strut bolt and ground strap, disconnect the hoses and lift the rad/shroud/support out as a unit. You then have tons of room to work on the front of the engine. Heck, you can climb right in there if you want too.
Takes just over an hour to do the above and makes a cam change pretty easy.
Takes just over an hour to do the above and makes a cam change pretty easy.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Jan 29, 2015 at 07:15 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 280
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From: Glendon Alberta
Pulled my first corvette engine this week, first Time I pulled any engine in 15+ years, once I bit down and said I'm doing this.... Piece of cake. All alone too. Working off a stand is so much more, ...pleasurable, than leaning over anything
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Orange Ca
Hopefully a hydraulic roller with roller rockers...Be sure to get a push rod checker for the intake and exhaust because you will most likely need different length push rods. I use the ones from CompCams that you can rotate to fit then order online..
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
I am thinking of swapping over to a roller cam in my 72 with a 454. Will the engine have to be pulled to swap the cam? I also have a Spal dual electric fan installed if that complicates things. I thought about a complete rebuild but the motor only as 3000 miles or so on it now and not worth it to do so. Just curious how much headache the cam change would be.
PS- This is also a shameless plug for Straub Tech. I bought my hyd roller package from Chris a while back (over a year) . He's STILL answering my emails when I have questions. Tell Chris your specifics and he will match a cam that will work best with your heads. If you havnt realized it yet, camming a big block is a frigging science.