Cam change "in car"
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Milford PA
Cam change "in car"
Is it possible to change the cam on an 84 with the engine still in car? I've already pulled the radiator for repairs. Or is it just easier to pull the engine? I'm a bit behind on things to do so I'm trying to save a few steps.
RichK
RichK
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: S.L.C. UT
Re: Cam change "in car" (RichK)
You can change cams with the engine in the car.I loosen the bolts on the C beam, and jack the engine up as high as you can get it . The cam is close to the front crossmember, but it will clear.Alot of people pull the engine to swap cams.It's a toss up, it probably is faster to change cams in the car, but it is more tedious, and you will probably end up with a sore back!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Tracy California
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Cam change "in car" (RichK)
As much as I hate to admit it, I do it all the time with my Vette. After the radiator is out and the W/pump removed. I usually un-do the passenger side motor mount and lift the engine slightly from beneath on that side. That gives me the room I need to clear the crossmember and slide the cam out.
KM
KM
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From: What did the 5 fingers say to the face? SLAP!!
Re: Cam change "in car" (RichK)
Chiltons calls for 10 hours to R&R the camshaft, and 12.5 hours to R&R the entire motor. Just pull it and rebuild the whole thing :D Hey, it's easy to spend money when it's not mine!
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Re: Cam change "in car" (RichK)
getting the radiator out is okay, but what about the a/c condensor? Does that need to come out? Will you lose the a/c charge?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
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From: S.L.C. UT
Re: Cam change "in car" (88-406)
88-406, you are right. I forgot to mention you need to unbolt 1 of the motor mounts. I have never been able to get the cam out without jacking up the engine.Maybe a flat tappet cam will clear, rollers don't.
[Modified by tpi 421 vette, 2:36 AM 1/15/2003]
[Modified by tpi 421 vette, 2:36 AM 1/15/2003]
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Re: Cam change "in car" (88-406)
88-406,
since you do it so frequently, is it a one day job? I can pretty much get all the accessories and intake off fairly quick. I guess jacking the motor up and getting the radiator out is not much more!
since you do it so frequently, is it a one day job? I can pretty much get all the accessories and intake off fairly quick. I guess jacking the motor up and getting the radiator out is not much more!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Tracy California
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Cam change "in car" (Marcho Polo)
Yup, One day is plenty of time. Even if it goes till the next day you wouldn't have much if anything left to do.
A word of caution though. I put a two piece timming cover on my car a LONG time ago! You may have to **** around with your front seals and they can take some time. Change all your seals/gaskets otherwise you may have to do it again sooner than you thought. TAKE your time and be meticulous!
Oh yeah, you do know you have to pull the manifold and pluck the lifters out first right? Also you didn't say what cam you're putting in so I'll assume your rocker geometry will be unchanged right? Coil bind wont be an issue right? Piston to valve clearance wont be an issue right? Your valve springs aren't too old with a 100,000 miles on them right?
Good Luck budy
KM
[Modified by 88-406, 10:21 PM 1/14/2003]
A word of caution though. I put a two piece timming cover on my car a LONG time ago! You may have to **** around with your front seals and they can take some time. Change all your seals/gaskets otherwise you may have to do it again sooner than you thought. TAKE your time and be meticulous!
Oh yeah, you do know you have to pull the manifold and pluck the lifters out first right? Also you didn't say what cam you're putting in so I'll assume your rocker geometry will be unchanged right? Coil bind wont be an issue right? Piston to valve clearance wont be an issue right? Your valve springs aren't too old with a 100,000 miles on them right?
Good Luck budy
KM
[Modified by 88-406, 10:21 PM 1/14/2003]
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Re: Cam change "in car" (88-406)
Yup, One day is plenty of time. Even if it goes till the next day you wouldn't have much if anything left to do.
A word of caution though. I put a two piece timming cover on my car a LONG time ago! You may have to **** around with your front seals and they can take some time. Change all your seals/gaskets otherwise you may have to do it again sooner than you thought. TAKE your time and be meticulous!
Oh yeah, you do know you have to pull the manifold and pluck the lifters out first right? Also you didn't say what cam you're putting in so I'll assume your rocker geometry will be unchanged right? Coil bind wont be an issue right? Piston to valve clearance wont be an issue right? Your valve springs aren't too old with a 100,000 miles on them right?
Good Luck budy
KM
[Modified by 88-406, 10:21 PM 1/14/2003]
A word of caution though. I put a two piece timming cover on my car a LONG time ago! You may have to **** around with your front seals and they can take some time. Change all your seals/gaskets otherwise you may have to do it again sooner than you thought. TAKE your time and be meticulous!
Oh yeah, you do know you have to pull the manifold and pluck the lifters out first right? Also you didn't say what cam you're putting in so I'll assume your rocker geometry will be unchanged right? Coil bind wont be an issue right? Piston to valve clearance wont be an issue right? Your valve springs aren't too old with a 100,000 miles on them right?
Good Luck budy
KM
[Modified by 88-406, 10:21 PM 1/14/2003]
Yup, pull the lifters first! I've done a few cam changes, but the only one I did in the car was on a 1970 Formula Firebird and there was plenty of room in that car to pull the cam!
I just put a new timing chain in last May, along with a new oil pan gasket. I wonder if I can get the timing cover off without ruining the new gasket? Probably have to do them again. I wish I had the cam back when I had the motor apart!