Question regarding components when doing a cam install.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 37
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Question regarding components when doing a cam install.
Hey guys, I will be installing a ECS big blower cam and will be going with some Patriot performance or comp 921 springs. Do I need to upgrade lifters, rockers or pushrods while I am doing this? I know on the ECS cam install package they only list these items:
ECS Custom Cam of choice
Comp Cams 921 Springs
Comp Cams Titanium Retainers
New Valve seals
160 Degree Thermostat
NGK TR-5 plugs
ASP Under Drive Pulley
GM crank bolt
2 new belts
Ported oil pump
Ported throttle body
Front main seal
Water pump gaskets
Double Timing Chain
Full Dyno Tuning
I am not that knowledgeable on cams and necessary components, so didn't know if I needed to upgrade the lifters, rockers or pushrods. I know in the above list, I don't need a under drive pulley if I plan to go forced induction later on down the road, hence the blower cam I am installing. The only thing I don't have in the list above is the NGK plugs and 160 degree thermostat. Are these necessary too? TIA for any help you can provide on this.
-Jason
ECS Custom Cam of choice
Comp Cams 921 Springs
Comp Cams Titanium Retainers
New Valve seals
160 Degree Thermostat
NGK TR-5 plugs
ASP Under Drive Pulley
GM crank bolt
2 new belts
Ported oil pump
Ported throttle body
Front main seal
Water pump gaskets
Double Timing Chain
Full Dyno Tuning
I am not that knowledgeable on cams and necessary components, so didn't know if I needed to upgrade the lifters, rockers or pushrods. I know in the above list, I don't need a under drive pulley if I plan to go forced induction later on down the road, hence the blower cam I am installing. The only thing I don't have in the list above is the NGK plugs and 160 degree thermostat. Are these necessary too? TIA for any help you can provide on this.
-Jason
Last edited by NVTHIS; Nov 2, 2009 at 11:41 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Jason,
Unfortunately on the LS1, the only way to change the lifters is to pull the heads, which is a big job. Most who go cam only leave in the orignal lifters. As for pushrods, I always measure then order. Pushrod stiffness plays a big role in valve train life and stability.
Unfortunately on the LS1, the only way to change the lifters is to pull the heads, which is a big job. Most who go cam only leave in the orignal lifters. As for pushrods, I always measure then order. Pushrod stiffness plays a big role in valve train life and stability.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 37
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Jason,
Unfortunately on the LS1, the only way to change the lifters is to pull the heads, which is a big job. Most who go cam only leave in the orignal lifters. As for pushrods, I always measure then order. Pushrod stiffness plays a big role in valve train life and stability.
Unfortunately on the LS1, the only way to change the lifters is to pull the heads, which is a big job. Most who go cam only leave in the orignal lifters. As for pushrods, I always measure then order. Pushrod stiffness plays a big role in valve train life and stability.
Thanks for the info! I don't really want to pull the heads right now, but the motor is out of the car, which makes things alot easier. Will stock pushrods work or are new ones needed? Any need for new rockers?
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Your stock pushrods are probably fine, just don't take the motor above the rev limit.
Since you got the motor out the cam change should be easy.
Lifters could be done from underneath. Pull oil pan, baffles and cam. You should be able to drop out lifters and replace them by turning motor upside down.
Slide in the cam and flip right-side up.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 76
From: Bedford Va.
ask ECS for the general lift of this cam "ECS big blower cam" they probably will not give the actual spec.
if it is more than .570 I would recommend lifter ex. 1.7 ratio YT ultra light.
I would also go with pushrod at this time. stock rockers start to wear guides at high lifts.
I would also pin the crank pulley now.
If the motor has high miles or you suspect that the springs were tired and the lifter hammered the old cam go for it and change the lifters.
The condition of the old cam should give a good indication of lifter condition.
yes go with a 160 thermo and have the fan temp reset
if it is more than .570 I would recommend lifter ex. 1.7 ratio YT ultra light.
I would also go with pushrod at this time. stock rockers start to wear guides at high lifts.
I would also pin the crank pulley now.
If the motor has high miles or you suspect that the springs were tired and the lifter hammered the old cam go for it and change the lifters.
The condition of the old cam should give a good indication of lifter condition.
yes go with a 160 thermo and have the fan temp reset
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 37
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Hey Jason,
Your stock pushrods are probably fine, just don't take the motor above the rev limit.
Since you got the motor out the cam change should be easy.
Lifters could be done from underneath. Pull oil pan, baffles and cam. You should be able to drop out lifters and replace them by turning motor upside down.
Slide in the cam and flip right-side up.
Your stock pushrods are probably fine, just don't take the motor above the rev limit.
Since you got the motor out the cam change should be easy.
Lifters could be done from underneath. Pull oil pan, baffles and cam. You should be able to drop out lifters and replace them by turning motor upside down.
Slide in the cam and flip right-side up.
Interesting! Didn't think about that.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 37
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
ask ECS for the general lift of this cam "ECS big blower cam" they probably will not give the actual spec.
if it is more than .570 I would recommend lifter ex. 1.7 ratio YT ultra light.
I would also go with pushrod at this time. stock rockers start to wear guides at high lifts.
I would also pin the crank pulley now.
If the motor has high miles or you suspect that the springs were tired and the lifter hammered the old cam go for it and change the lifters.
The condition of the old cam should give a good indication of lifter condition.
yes go with a 160 thermo and have the fan temp reset
if it is more than .570 I would recommend lifter ex. 1.7 ratio YT ultra light.
I would also go with pushrod at this time. stock rockers start to wear guides at high lifts.
I would also pin the crank pulley now.
If the motor has high miles or you suspect that the springs were tired and the lifter hammered the old cam go for it and change the lifters.
The condition of the old cam should give a good indication of lifter condition.
yes go with a 160 thermo and have the fan temp reset
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