Cam install on C5?
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Dallas
Re: Cam install on C5? (Phil97SVT)
The few surprises/challenges I encountered in my change were:
Steering rack would not slip out between frame and crossmember. I had to loosen the crossmember to get it out.
Torque required to loosen the harmonic balancer bolt was significant. My old 1/2" impact would not loosen it at 175 psi. I had to upgrade to an IR 2131 with 600 lb/feet.
Use a good puller on the balancer, with a socket or puller insert for the crankshaft to prevent scarring of the crankshaft end.
I had a scare trying to get the lifters up in their bores to be able to get the cam out. It took a few fooseball-like flicks of the wrist to get all of them to pop up high enough.
It takes creative use of bungee cords (or a buddy) to get the AC condenser out of the way (without disconnection) for cam removal/install clearance. Tape some cardboard on the condenser for protection.
It is a beautiful engine to work on.
Steering rack would not slip out between frame and crossmember. I had to loosen the crossmember to get it out.
Torque required to loosen the harmonic balancer bolt was significant. My old 1/2" impact would not loosen it at 175 psi. I had to upgrade to an IR 2131 with 600 lb/feet.
Use a good puller on the balancer, with a socket or puller insert for the crankshaft to prevent scarring of the crankshaft end.
I had a scare trying to get the lifters up in their bores to be able to get the cam out. It took a few fooseball-like flicks of the wrist to get all of them to pop up high enough.
It takes creative use of bungee cords (or a buddy) to get the AC condenser out of the way (without disconnection) for cam removal/install clearance. Tape some cardboard on the condenser for protection.
It is a beautiful engine to work on.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Re: Cam install on C5? (C5 Tweaker)
Hey Eric, thanks for the link! Its amazing how much redundant unnessisary crap is in that article, but it does show the extra front suspension/steering tasks I'd have to do. Doesnt look like too big of a deal.
C5Tweaker, you can just leave the crank pulley bolt in and let the puller press against that. No need to shield the crankshaft end from the puller with the bolt in there (but mostly unthreaded).
Also, FYI, after my 5th cam swap, the "foosball" method didnt work any more and I had to buy some retractable magnets to hold the lifters up. DOH.
C5Tweaker, you can just leave the crank pulley bolt in and let the puller press against that. No need to shield the crankshaft end from the puller with the bolt in there (but mostly unthreaded).
Also, FYI, after my 5th cam swap, the "foosball" method didnt work any more and I had to buy some retractable magnets to hold the lifters up. DOH.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Re: Cam install on C5? (Rhys)
why can't you just pull the lifters out with a lifter puller?
This aint no SBC guys :D
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Re: Cam install on C5? (Rhys)
Check out my site and look at the head swap document...I put LOADS of pics up of the LS1 with the heads off, and what you need to do to do the swap.
http://ls1.fbody.com
^^^ there ya go
http://ls1.fbody.com
^^^ there ya go
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,425
Likes: 1
From: Traveling the US
Re: Cam install on C5? (jmX)
It would be nice if someone has that amount of detail on a vette instead of a TA
Let me say that is an awesome documentation job.
[Modified by Rhys, 11:21 PM 1/23/2002]
Let me say that is an awesome documentation job.
[Modified by Rhys, 11:21 PM 1/23/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Re: Cam install on C5? (Rhys)
Thanks Ryhs....I'm buying a C5 in the next two weeks and guess what the first mod is, taking the heads off my SS (NOT A T/A!) and putting them on the C5. I'll note any differences between the two on that webpage for others to use.
Its the same dang engine though so the engine stuff will pretty much be the same reguardless.
Its the same dang engine though so the engine stuff will pretty much be the same reguardless.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Auburn WA
Re: Cam install on C5? (jmX)
Outstanding piece of work! I don't know what you do for a living, but I hope you are writing training materials for mechanics. Made me want to go rip into my new Vette and see my wife's jaw drop and her face go pale, again. :eek:
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Auburn WA
Re: Cam install on C5? (jmX)
Video games??? Anyway, you did an outstanding job with that presentation. HMM, how about using computer animation on the next one? Little screws backing out, animated antifreeze dropping onto the garage floor, blood flowing from the knuckles..I'm sure you get the idea. It's late I'm at work and it's time to get out of here. :smash:
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,425
Likes: 1
From: Traveling the US
Re: Cam install on C5? (jmX)
Thanks Ryhs....I'm buying a C5 in the next two weeks and guess what the first mod is, taking the heads off my SS (NOT A T/A!) and putting them on the C5. I'll note any differences between the two on that webpage for others to use.
Its the same dang engine though so the engine stuff will pretty much be the same reguardless.
Its the same dang engine though so the engine stuff will pretty much be the same reguardless.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,925
Likes: 0
From: A FEW CLICKS NORTH OF THE CANAL
Re: Cam install on C5? (Phil97SVT)
Thats what I want to hear. :yesnod: I want to install Long tubes, cam, and an underdrive pulley. Hopefully 40-50rwhp for 1600. :smash:
