C5 Cam Change
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Fort Mill Sc
C5 Cam Change
Hey guys, trying to get an idea how long it will take in hours to change cam only in a c5. I'm also going to change the pump and timing chain. I am an aircraft mechanic by trade, so I have pretty fair mechanical skills. Just trying to get an idea how much time to set aside. Thanks in advance for all replies.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 166
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From: East Coast!
If you have the mechanical aptitude and are at least somewhat familiar w/ the LS1/LS6 motor then you should be able to do a cam only in 6 hours (taking your time). After doing 1 or 2 installs, the learning curve will allow you to do it in around 3 hours or so.
If you're going to do the pump and chain as well...tack on another couple of hours for your first time. The pump can be a PITA. Be CAREFUL w/ the O-ring.
If you're going to do the pump and chain as well...tack on another couple of hours for your first time. The pump can be a PITA. Be CAREFUL w/ the O-ring.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Fort Mill Sc
Thanks for the replies! Yeah I have heard the pump and o-ring are chalenging. I have heard and read that some people take the pump apart and install the housing without the rotor, and then reinstall the rotor after the housing is on. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 334
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From: Canton CT
I just completed a heads/cam/headers installation and it took me about 16-20 hours of work time to complete by myself on jackstands. I went very slowly and carefully because this was the first time I've done this on a Y-body (have done it on my old LS1 F-body a couple of times). There weren't any particularly tricky parts to the install but it was a lot of work (very inconvenient placement of the steering rack).
I would guess that it would have taken me about half the time to just do the camshaft (next time it will be a bit quicker- but I like to take my time and make sure I don't miss anything). I did install a ported oil pump and a Rollmaster double timing chain but it probably only added about 30 min. of work. BTW, there is absolutely no need to take the oil pump apart, just be patient and it will go on the crank (just watch the O-ring very carefully).
I wouldn't try to tackle this job without reading through JMX's excellent "walk-through"! His website is: www.LS1howto.com and the information there is superb
-Ken
I would guess that it would have taken me about half the time to just do the camshaft (next time it will be a bit quicker- but I like to take my time and make sure I don't miss anything). I did install a ported oil pump and a Rollmaster double timing chain but it probably only added about 30 min. of work. BTW, there is absolutely no need to take the oil pump apart, just be patient and it will go on the crank (just watch the O-ring very carefully).
I wouldn't try to tackle this job without reading through JMX's excellent "walk-through"! His website is: www.LS1howto.com and the information there is superb
-Ken
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Fort Mill Sc
Well the cam is in and i couldn't be happier! Took me about 20 hours, but I really took my time. Had it tuned at More Performance in Charlotte yesterday, and I wound up with 356rwhp and 350tq. This is an A4 car with a stock stall, so I think that is pretty good. Mike at More Performance was building an LS7, and gave me a chance to look at it closely. This is an awesome engine. He said he would have pics of it on his web site this week for those who want to see the internals. 
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: San Antonio TX
centering of the back part of the case of the oil pump is needed to make sure that it is not rubbing on the drive for the oil pump, this could lead to premature oil pump wear. (not required and yes you can get it on without centering, but I do it anyway) and yes this requires that the pump be take apart.
More Than Zero
More Than Zero
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Fort Mill Sc
Hey dcblackc5, it was a comp custom grind 218/224 with 562 lift intake & 567 exhaust. It's on a 114 center with 2 degrees advance ground in it. I purchased it from More Performance in Charlotte NC. Hope that helps.
