After endless reading here and other forums, I decided to go for the do it yourself cam install. A couple friends and I finished the job in 14 hours. Everything buttoned back up perfectly, no extra parts, and it started up almost instantly. It definitely needs a tune which will be done this weekend. It doesn't want to idle in gear when stopped.

I went with a small cam- a used MTI B1- 221/221 .559/.559 114LSA I also changed springs and hardened pushrods.

Here's some things I noted-
the crank pulley came out easily with an impact wrench. Didn't need the flywheel locking tool.
we took the steering rack out completely from the driver's side after much twisting and spilling out fluid.
We used a homemade spring compressor tool made from an old rocker that was cut on one end to swap springs. The Autozone loaner tool was too big and I didn't want to buy a new one for a 1 time use.
A friend (not me) dropped a bolt into the oil pan which was a major pucker factor but luckily a pen magnet fished it out. Whew!
the 5/16" metal rods from Home Depot worked well. $3 each was a bargain compared to the tool you can buy online.

Everything else was pretty straightforward. No major issues.
Now a tune and I'll be good to go!
Check out the 1st startup video at the end. I was surprised how quickly it started up!
Jay



















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Pucker factor, LOL. Good job!

 

Any guesses for HP/TQ?
It dyno'd 313 rwhp and 328tq prior to headers and cam.
It's an '03 auto, with tune, MTI B1 cam, headers (no cats), Vararam, and muffler bypass pipes.
Jay

 

Good job !

Now all you need is a Z06 catback and she'll sound even better !

 

Very nice, I wish I had the guts to try to replace my cam.....

 

I predict 360/375 after tuning. Should be fun! (Except for that A/T)

 

so was it pretty easy? im looking to do the same thing this summer

 

With correct tools, patience, a good attitude, general mechanical knowledge, and some friends, it shouldn't be too hard to overcome any minor snags you hit. It was pretty straighforward. Having others there to lend a hand when you get frustrated cause you can't reach a bolt, or can't figure out how to pull the steering rack out is a big plus.
Go for it!

 

Nice job!!!

I am presuming that the rods from Home Depot were used to hold up the lifters while R & R'ing the cam. right?

 

Yea, they just slid right in, didn't have any resistance or anything. They were sold in 4' sections, so cut in half they were 2' each side.

 

 

Sounds like a great time was had by all, however, I would not let any of my friends near my car with tools. They know nothing about fixing anything.....

 

In this case it was more like me not touching the car and telling them to do it all and I watch. Usually I break something when I do it myself. It was a great learning experience. I really thought it would have been a lot harder.

 

Thanks for the pics, I like seeing other members projects.

Did you leave the oil pump and re use the timing chain/gears?

 

Yea, oil pump and timing chain stayed.
New parts were cam, springs, pushrods, gasket kit from Thunder Racing, oil/filter, dexcool

 

Very nice!!!

Any chance you can post a vid of the exhaust at idle? Id love to hear/see what it sounds like!!!!

 

Curious, why did you choose not to put in a new oil pump and timing chain? They are cheap insurance.

 

I have a lot of respect for any one willing to do such project on their own. Great Job!

 

I feel your pain, I think I need to get some new friends who are good with tools...

Are you going to the track to test your new cam?

 

Here it is at idle. I'm scheduled for a tune Saturday so hopefully it will run a lot better. Even though this is not a big cam, it is having serious issues holding idle while in gear stopped. The exhaust sounds different- most people say it sounds like a motorboat. I (as in another friend) welded in 2 small pipes bypassing a good amount of the muffler so it sounds weird. After the tune, I'll post up another video with some revs.
Jay