Cam Install Difficult?
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 91
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From: Springfield virginia
Cam Install Difficult?
On a scale of sixpack being easy to a Keg as being tough how would you rate the difficulty of replacing a cam in LS1 engine in the car.
Is it better installed with heads removed/replaced?
Thanks for your replys
Is it better installed with heads removed/replaced?
Thanks for your replys
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
http://ls1howto.com/index.php?article=1
I wouldnt attempt it without some mechanical experience or at least an experienced helper in the neighborhood. peace
I wouldnt attempt it without some mechanical experience or at least an experienced helper in the neighborhood. peace
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
I just did my first swap last weekend. If you don't have acces to a lift, it must be really difficult, I had a lift and it was a PITA! Not hard, just slow and annoying. It took about 14 hours including the springs. I have scratches all over my hands and arms, mechanics must have small hands!
Oh yeah, don't leave anything unplugged or you will think you have major problems and get very anxious as to what you have done wrong, then your mind will wonder what else you could have screwed up...I did. But all was well once I pluged in the throttle body...I would do it again, well, maybe not.
Oh yeah, don't leave anything unplugged or you will think you have major problems and get very anxious as to what you have done wrong, then your mind will wonder what else you could have screwed up...I did. But all was well once I pluged in the throttle body...I would do it again, well, maybe not.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 6
From: Alamosa CO
I just did mine a couple weeks ago. The install itself is not that difficult
once you get everything out of the way. If you are just doing a cam then there is no need to remove the heads unless you are going to install new lifters. I was fortunate enough to have a shop with a lift available to me which makes the install much easier. The biggest PITA
IMHO is getting the radiator out and back in without damaging the A/C condenser. Removing the steering rack is really no big deal, and once it and the sway bar are out of the way, there is plenty of room to work in there for getting the new cam set in and degreed properly. While I was in there I went ahead and replaced the oil pump with a ported unit and also installed a Katech timing chain as the stock chain had about 1/2" of slop in it at only 10K miles. I did get the instructions off ls1howto.com and printed them up. They are very detailed and right on the money. Just take your time and pay attention to detail and you should be able to do it, and when its all said and done you'll know
your car a whole lot better! And you can by more mods with the money you save!
Jim
once you get everything out of the way. If you are just doing a cam then there is no need to remove the heads unless you are going to install new lifters. I was fortunate enough to have a shop with a lift available to me which makes the install much easier. The biggest PITA
IMHO is getting the radiator out and back in without damaging the A/C condenser. Removing the steering rack is really no big deal, and once it and the sway bar are out of the way, there is plenty of room to work in there for getting the new cam set in and degreed properly. While I was in there I went ahead and replaced the oil pump with a ported unit and also installed a Katech timing chain as the stock chain had about 1/2" of slop in it at only 10K miles. I did get the instructions off ls1howto.com and printed them up. They are very detailed and right on the money. Just take your time and pay attention to detail and you should be able to do it, and when its all said and done you'll know
your car a whole lot better! And you can by more mods with the money you save!
Jim
