So I have to do a cam swap in the ol' LT4. My current financial situation is such that I cannot pay a professional to do it. I am very reasonably mechanically inclined and have a good understanding of the pushrod v-8. I have read manuals, posts, asked questions from mechanics about this job. So I have a pretty good understanding of whats involved. The problem is this, I live in an apartment complex. Though they have a clause about automotive work, I've done a bit and no one has ever said anything. But I will need to get this done in a days time.(when the office staff is not there)

First cam swap, LT4, parking lot, one day. Y/N
(BTW the new cam is a hot cam, so there is a definite motivation)

Flame suit on

 

Rent a storage space for a month. Or find a local supportive who is willing to loan out his garage for a weekend.

 

Never happen, dont even try.

 

Heck, do it anyway so we can read about you getting evicted, thats a better read.

 

besides, i am not sure you would want to rush it.....

but that is my 0.02 cents

glenn

 

Aw, what the heck, the apartments ultra crappy anyway...

 

Plan for worst case scenario... so... plan for the engine to be out a week and hope it will only be out a day.

Funny thing is... the last apartment I ever rented. We pulled an engine... did a full swap on my firebird... did another swap on the same care... did a trans swap between two cars... did another trans install...

and when I finally get a "nasty-gram" from the complex... it's because I was installing a front bumper on my truck.

WTF?!

Did the multiple cops and EVERY maintenance guy not tell you before what i had been doing there?

Anyways... I doubt you'll be able to swap it in a day. Find a friend's house or rent a storage building. Most storage places go month to month and give you the first month free.

 

Try a local corvette club if you can't find a friend or rent a storage space, you might even be able to rent a garage from someone, you got allot of crap to remove and reinstall.

 

I agree, you can do a lot of work under pressure. A cam swap is not one of them. Its your first time also so it will probably take three times as long as normal. Don't ever rush engine work.

 

A few weeks ago I swapped the factory mechanical water pump for an electric one. I had a new Opti and timing chain to swap in at the same time if I had the time to get to it. I didn't. I started around 12pm with a 1 hour break for lunch and lots of stops for cursing, throwing, and kicking things around. There were also a few really long pauses for.. how in the **** am I going to get to that bolt or how in the hell is that going to come out. I was also on a time limit. I work on the car about an hour from my house where my parents have a garage, large driveway, all my jacks, stands, and tools. There's really not enough room by my house and whats most valuable is having an extra set of hands if needed. I had work the next morning. It became one of those projects where everything that could have gone wrong did. I thought I was completely done at about 10pm at night frustrated and turning into mosquito food all I had to do was refill the coolant. Then the P-valve breaks, oh ****! I could have done this project in 4 hours as some have suggested it should take but only on the second time around. I think you should allow at least three full days for a cam swap. Even then if something goes wrong it could end up taking longer. I've now pulled the water pump and radiator so I know all the little tricks for getting at those. I'm wanting to do the cam in mine also. Not sure if I'll let my mechainc do it. The second time around always seems to take at least half the time or less. At least thats my experience.

 

Good advice and you're right, it's always easier the second time and yes, it sure helps having a second pair of hands, but often that's only a luxury! Sorry it turned out to be such a nightmare. I believe the time-limit killed you. IMHO, I've learned that when I get to the point of getting seriously PO'd, it's best to walk away and take a five or ten minute break. Come back relaxed and take a look at what's pissing you off and often, you'll figure it out. My little bro, the master mech had often told me, "you've got to be smarter than the part" and when I was installing the passenger side exhaust manifold, I used that philosophy and it was a lot easier than the initial wrestling match getting it out!