Can I handle a cam install?

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Apr 16, 2007 | 11:18 AM

MJD

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 4,762

Likes: 0

Can I handle a cam install?

To give you some background on where I'm at I just installed a set of TSP headers and I also removed the AIR system. I just put the intake manifold back in last night. I went ahead and drained the radiator since it needs to be done. I've got the alternator out still (removed for header install) and the steering linkage is still disconnected. Over the weekend I swapped my valve springs so that 1.8 ratio rockers could be used and I pulled my aftermarket intake to clean the filters. How difficult would it be to do a cam install from here? Should I be able to handle it?

Apr 16, 2007 | 12:41 PM

bennettrp

Pro

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 538

Likes: 9

From: Geneva, IL Bring back the Chief!

St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10,'13-'14,'19-'20-'21-'22

Sounds to me like you can handle it. Its not hard and you're part way there.

I did mine.

Just pay attention to www.ls1howto.com, and it also sure helps to have a shop manual.

good luck.

Apr 16, 2007 | 01:15 PM

FRC Joe

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 199

Likes: 0

From: Chesapeake VA

I'll second LS1 How To. And with so many people having done their own swaps I'm sure there is enough pics and know how on the board to see you through. If you decide to pull the trigger I'll send you links to all my camswap pics.

Apr 16, 2007 | 02:45 PM

cam99

Pro

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 590

Likes: 1

From: Suffolk New York

Ditto the above guys!

The 1.8 rockers may have to go though depending on the cam you select.

Pick the cam you want and then go a bit bigger!

Apr 16, 2007 | 03:25 PM

JJ 86

Safety Car

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 3,849

Likes: 95

From: Springfield MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Addict

Could you send those links my way as well? I'm contemplating on doing a cam swap in the near future.

Apr 16, 2007 | 04:21 PM

KapUSMC

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,164

Likes: 0

From: Edmond Ok

Quote:

Originally Posted by cam99

Pick the cam you want and then go a bit bigger!

Wish I would have heard that awhile back... I was thinking of the g5x3 originally, talked myself out of, and now am going through the expense of of a second cam swap to put one in

Apr 16, 2007 | 04:55 PM

Corvette-Chris

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 7,121

Likes: 3

From: Shreveport/Bossier Louisiana

St. Jude Donor '08

Do it.....Read the LS1howto print out and take your time. Get all the right parts so you only have to do it one. Like said above, Go bigger than the one you want. You wont regret it

Apr 16, 2007 | 05:35 PM

FRC Joe

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 199

Likes: 0

From: Chesapeake VA

My whole install with pics and narrative can be found in this post on my local board, complete with wisecracks by "AllThrottle&NoBottle"

.

Links to individual pics
Hoodless
Side View
Looking down at rack connections
Looking at rack connections from wheel well
Swapping Springs
Balancer Removal
Modified Bolt
Homemade Lifter Tools
Pulling Cam Out
LS1 vs LS4 geroter comparison
Looking down at Rack
Elite Engineering Catch Can
Stock vs A&A Radiator Comparison
View of Crank Snout with Dutch Pin
Vortech Return Line Rotary Broach
Oil Return Line Hole Cut in Pan
Stock O-Ring in Cutaway Oil Pump Housing
Oversized (125577520) O-Ring in Cutaway Oil Pump Housing
Blower Oil Feed Line

Last edited by HP Addict; Apr 16, 2007 at 05:40 PM.

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Apr 16, 2007 | 06:49 PM

Mike04

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 4,353

Likes: 22

From: Bella Vista Ca

Go for it, I just finished mine with the instructions linked above

Apr 16, 2007 | 07:13 PM

#10

Marcs c5

Racer

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 436

Likes: 0

From: Chatham Ontario

give it a go, theres lots of people on the forum to help with any questions you may have along the way.

Apr 17, 2007 | 01:25 AM

#11

Flash99

Pro

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 573

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From: CA

If you have to ask, then its not the job for you.

Apr 17, 2007 | 02:52 AM

#12

pdd000

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 6,799

Likes: 11

From: dudley MA

sounds like u can manage

Apr 17, 2007 | 06:41 AM

#13

madeouttaglass

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 6,059

Likes: 12

From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin

Senior Member

Cruise-In V Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flash99

If you have to ask, then its not the job for you.

Some of us weren't lucky enough to be born with all the knowledge the world has to offer.

Apr 17, 2007 | 01:02 PM

#14

Bill Curlee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 32,910

Likes: 2,402

From: Anthony TX

CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet

St. Jude Donor '08

Its not rocket science. If you have the will, get a MOD party together! Post on the events and regional section of the forum for your region and get the people in your region to give you a hand. Pizza, bear and C5's always draws a crowd!

We have MOD parties here in CT all the time!

Apr 17, 2007 | 02:11 PM

#15

birch64

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 2,284

Likes: 3

From: NW Chicago, IL/Clearwater Beach, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cam99

Ditto the above guys!

The 1.8 rockers may have to go though depending on the cam you select.

Pick the cam you want and then go a bit bigger!

i just had a cam installed and had to get rid of my SLP 1.85 rockers. they told me that it would be too much lift.....

Apr 18, 2007 | 10:05 AM

#16

MJD

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 4,762

Likes: 0

You guys have convinced me to give it a shot. I started another thread on the install since I've already ran into some trouble.

Apr 18, 2007 | 10:38 AM

#17

Scoundrl

Racer

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 454

Likes: 1

From: Portland Oregon

Its so easy a caveman could do it! Go for it, I did mine in 16 hours, first time I had been that deep. I could do another in 8. Do what they are saying... pick a cam and go bigger! I have a g5x3 and love it, my last one was a custom grind a little smaller and drivablily is pretty much the same, just need a good tune.

-Ken