cam swap 89 corvette
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9
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cam swap 89 corvette
Hi Guys.
I've got an 89 Vette that I've been modifying over the last few years.
I've done the usual stuff Hooker long tube headers, Y pipe, air pump delete, egr delete, cat back exhaust, removed the frisbee.
So now I'm ready to install a ported intake, plenum & runners and a comp cams 266hr-14 cam with reworked stock heads.
I purchased the complete cam kit but it didn't include the roller rockers.
Now I was told by the tech at comp cams that I need to determine what kind of rockers are in the stock setup before they can recommend something for the new cam.
Now has anyone ever done this cam swap and if so what did you use?
and were you able to retain the factory valve covers?
I would really like to keep the motor looking as stock as possible.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
I've got an 89 Vette that I've been modifying over the last few years.
I've done the usual stuff Hooker long tube headers, Y pipe, air pump delete, egr delete, cat back exhaust, removed the frisbee.
So now I'm ready to install a ported intake, plenum & runners and a comp cams 266hr-14 cam with reworked stock heads.
I purchased the complete cam kit but it didn't include the roller rockers.
Now I was told by the tech at comp cams that I need to determine what kind of rockers are in the stock setup before they can recommend something for the new cam.
Now has anyone ever done this cam swap and if so what did you use?
and were you able to retain the factory valve covers?
I would really like to keep the motor looking as stock as possible.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
They probably meant self aligning or non self aligning.
For a mild cam you can use a good roller tip rocker and not have issues clearing valve covers. Full rollers a waste imo for what they do vs money spent.
For a mild cam you can use a good roller tip rocker and not have issues clearing valve covers. Full rollers a waste imo for what they do vs money spent.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9
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[QUOTE=cuisinartvette;1581342707]They probably meant self aligning or non self aligning.
Thanks for the reply!
That is what they meant self aligning or non self aligning.
"sorry I left that part out"
would these work?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-1418-16/
Also could you recommend someone to do the tune?
Thanks Again!
Thanks for the reply!
That is what they meant self aligning or non self aligning.
"sorry I left that part out"
would these work?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-1418-16/
Also could you recommend someone to do the tune?
Thanks Again!
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Pretty sure 89s are self aligning so yes unless Im wrong (someone will jump in)
mseven
TJ Wong (google wongs performance)
Lotsa guys have their favorites had good luck with the 2 above though. '
Couple great guys who know thier stuff backwards and forwards.
mseven
TJ Wong (google wongs performance)
Lotsa guys have their favorites had good luck with the 2 above though. '
Couple great guys who know thier stuff backwards and forwards.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
My '88 had stamped self-aligning rockers.
I installed Comp Cams ProMagnum non self-aligning 1.6:1 RRs for 7/16" studs, installed 7/16" studs, guide plates and new springs along with hardened push rods. I also installed Ti retainers with 10deg locks, to reduce the dynamic mass as I raised the shift points to 5,800rpm.
I had to grind down the drip tabs and narrow the bolt bosses to get the OEM rocker covers to fit; there was then no clearance problem.
BTW, when you remove a valve cover you will notice that, though the OEM rockers are self-aligning, there is installed guide plates. These guide plates were only used to hold the push rods during assembly and so do NOT touch the push rods during operation.
These guide plates must be removed when you change the cam and/or rocker ratio so I decided to change to the stiffer studs and guide plates with non self-aligning RRs.
I installed Comp Cams ProMagnum non self-aligning 1.6:1 RRs for 7/16" studs, installed 7/16" studs, guide plates and new springs along with hardened push rods. I also installed Ti retainers with 10deg locks, to reduce the dynamic mass as I raised the shift points to 5,800rpm.
I had to grind down the drip tabs and narrow the bolt bosses to get the OEM rocker covers to fit; there was then no clearance problem.
BTW, when you remove a valve cover you will notice that, though the OEM rockers are self-aligning, there is installed guide plates. These guide plates were only used to hold the push rods during assembly and so do NOT touch the push rods during operation.
These guide plates must be removed when you change the cam and/or rocker ratio so I decided to change to the stiffer studs and guide plates with non self-aligning RRs.
Last edited by 65Z01; Jul 18, 2012 at 04:59 AM.
