Installing a new cam in the old beastie and wondering if anyone has changed cam bearings while the engine is in the car. 1986 vert. Lots of miles (150000) but runs well, no smoke but cannot keep the rockers from making noise and a while back there was a lifter that lost it's keeper ring.
The trans is coming out so I'll have access to the rear of the engine as well.
Easier to just pull the motor and freshen it all at once?
Thanks all.

 

You would need to remove the hood to get enough clearance for the cam tool. Even then it would be easier to pull the engine in the long run. If you're trying to up your oil pressure, a high volume pump would be a whole lot easier.

 

Looking at cam bearings is what makes them go bad. So don't look at them and you'll be just fine.

Seriously though if you already have the trans out then I would just pull the motor and freshen everything up you can. Cam bearings are easy with the motor out. They can be a nightmare with it still in the car.

 

Thank you all,
You have confirmed my suspicions'.
With all of my investment in this motor in the last three years I would have been money ahead with an LS swap from the beginning. That is a project for next year. This year its trans /clutch rebuild and apparently a motor freshening.
on the high volume oil pump. Pressure is below 20 at idle when the engine is warm.

 

There are ways to rebuild your engine properly and then there are ways they don't recommend. Another LS swap might be fun to drive and so on but keeping the C4 the way it designed is kind of a cool thing to do as well. It is a Corvette will always be one.

My L98 was at 100,000 miles and I did a Compression test and they were all well within 10% of each other. The L98 (or Anything for that matter) IF taken care/maintained properly can last a long time.
Maybe consider pulling it out early and rebuilding it at "Your" convenience. It is much cheaper that way. I would get the block done and then start the rotating assembly and on to the Heads. Once you have the parts you can build it or you can take your time and double check everything twice before moving on.

The winter season is a Great time by Sit in a Warm garage, stereo playing, Beveridge in hand and build yourself an Engine!

 

ctmccloskey,
I have resigned myself to do just that. My original plan this winter was to freshen up the 4 speed and OD only but the un-adjustable lifter tick has been gnawing at me all summer.
I've already replaced the heads and intake two years ago with all new after market items so from the cam up it's all fresh.
I'll pull the engine as well and redo it while the rain pours here in the NW.
I'm unsure of the mileage on the engine. When I purchased the car 3 years ago it came with hooker headers and 211/219 geared cam, so someone was in there before me. Not the elderly gent I bought the car from so it's been a good 20 years since those items were installed. The gears were one of the first things I changed. (Free for the price of shipping if anyone wants them.)
I haven't checked the engine code but it's a 4 bolt block at least. That was checked when I changed the oil pan seal when removing the cam gears.
So I'll rebuild this engine and over the summer I'll get together all of the LS items I'll need for next winter.
I'm close to Tom Wong so I'll take his most expert advice as to what I'll need for a streetable tire shredding LS.
Thanks for the advise...Depending on how much this new cam wakes the engine up, this motor might just hang out for awhile.