Cam install questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte NC
Cam install questions
Ive got a few questions about installing a cam in my 1994.
1: Is it wise to install a performance cam in a high mileage motor? (123,000 miles)
2: Is it possible to install a new cam in a 94 without pulling the engine if you remove the radiator support?
3: When installing a new cam with the engine installed do you replace the bearings? I'm guessing you would, But how could you do it with the engine still in the car?
4: With a higher ratio roller rocker (1.6) is it wise to install a performance cam in an other Wise stock motor?
5: If questions 1,2 are answered "yes" What cam is most recommended for a exhaust only LT1 ? (long tubes, no cats performance mufflers)
Thanks
1: Is it wise to install a performance cam in a high mileage motor? (123,000 miles)
2: Is it possible to install a new cam in a 94 without pulling the engine if you remove the radiator support?
3: When installing a new cam with the engine installed do you replace the bearings? I'm guessing you would, But how could you do it with the engine still in the car?
4: With a higher ratio roller rocker (1.6) is it wise to install a performance cam in an other Wise stock motor?
5: If questions 1,2 are answered "yes" What cam is most recommended for a exhaust only LT1 ? (long tubes, no cats performance mufflers)
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
1. I see alot of guys on the Camaro forums installing camshafts in high mileage cars, it would make me a little nervous.
2. Yes you can install a camshaft in your 94 with the engine in car, I've done it 3 times in mine.
3. You can't replace the cam bearings with the engine intact.
4. Most use 1.6 roller rockers with cam upgrades.
5. Cam recomendations depend on your goals. But, a pretty good overall performer is the Comp Cams 503.
2. Yes you can install a camshaft in your 94 with the engine in car, I've done it 3 times in mine.
3. You can't replace the cam bearings with the engine intact.
4. Most use 1.6 roller rockers with cam upgrades.
5. Cam recomendations depend on your goals. But, a pretty good overall performer is the Comp Cams 503.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Ive got a few questions about installing a cam in my 1994.
1: Is it wise to install a performance cam in a high mileage motor? (123,000 miles)
2: Is it possible to install a new cam in a 94 without pulling the engine if you remove the radiator support?
3: When installing a new cam with the engine installed do you replace the bearings? I'm guessing you would, But how could you do it with the engine still in the car?
4: With a higher ratio roller rocker (1.6) is it wise to install a performance cam in an other Wise stock motor?
5: If questions 1,2 are answered "yes" What cam is most recommended for a exhaust only LT1 ? (long tubes, no cats performance mufflers)
Thanks
1: Is it wise to install a performance cam in a high mileage motor? (123,000 miles)
2: Is it possible to install a new cam in a 94 without pulling the engine if you remove the radiator support?
3: When installing a new cam with the engine installed do you replace the bearings? I'm guessing you would, But how could you do it with the engine still in the car?
4: With a higher ratio roller rocker (1.6) is it wise to install a performance cam in an other Wise stock motor?
5: If questions 1,2 are answered "yes" What cam is most recommended for a exhaust only LT1 ? (long tubes, no cats performance mufflers)
Thanks
2. I installed the cam in my 95 with the motor in the car. I had to remove the radiator, shroud, and move the condensor out of the way.
3. I did not change the bearrings.
4. I installed 1.6rr with the cam install.
5. I went with a custom cam.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte NC
Thanks for the advice. I'm going to need to do some thinking about this one. I'm not sure I like the idea of installing a new cam with old barrings. Can a cam spin a barring like the crank can?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Ive got a few questions about installing a cam in my 1994.
1: Is it wise to install a performance cam in a high mileage motor? (123,000 miles)
2: Is it possible to install a new cam in a 94 without pulling the engine if you remove the radiator support?
3: When installing a new cam with the engine installed do you replace the bearings? I'm guessing you would, But how could you do it with the engine still in the car?
4: With a higher ratio roller rocker (1.6) is it wise to install a performance cam in an other Wise stock motor?
5: If questions 1,2 are answered "yes" What cam is most recommended for a exhaust only LT1 ? (long tubes, no cats performance mufflers)
Thanks
1: Is it wise to install a performance cam in a high mileage motor? (123,000 miles)
2: Is it possible to install a new cam in a 94 without pulling the engine if you remove the radiator support?
3: When installing a new cam with the engine installed do you replace the bearings? I'm guessing you would, But how could you do it with the engine still in the car?
4: With a higher ratio roller rocker (1.6) is it wise to install a performance cam in an other Wise stock motor?
5: If questions 1,2 are answered "yes" What cam is most recommended for a exhaust only LT1 ? (long tubes, no cats performance mufflers)
Thanks
1. I did and after 6K miles plus its running just fine. Actually much better!
2. Pulled the radiator and moved the A/C condensor out of the way.
3. No.
4. I did and didn't have to modify the stock valve covers.
5. Sorry mines an L98.
Used the Comp Cams XE-262 with their lifter/chain/spring and 1.6 roller tip rockers.
The sound is "Corvette correct". The power is VERY MUCH improved over stock.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
I don't know of anyway to change cam bearings with the engine in the car; clearance issues abound.
If you use care in removal and installation of the cams and if your existing cam bearings weren't causing a problem, you can continued to use them with confidence. It's what I did last year when doing a cam swap on my son's 96 LT1; 115k miles.
Over the years I've only changed cam bearings when doing a complete rebuild which included all the bells and whistles.
Hope this helps.
Jake
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