Cam Install Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 210
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From: Temple TX
Cam Install Question
Ok... so I was at my friends shop the other day, and I looked up the labor rate for a cam install- can't remember exactly what is was, but it was very high- something like 10 hrs. I have learned that sometime "book time" doesn't mean s**t. I have previously been employed as a mechanic, but have never had to do anything on the C5's.
My question: How long does it really take to do a cam install? I am highly capable, and have all the necessary tools- but was just curious about the time factor.
Thanks for any input!
My question: How long does it really take to do a cam install? I am highly capable, and have all the necessary tools- but was just curious about the time factor.
Thanks for any input!
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From: Central Jersey
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The time will vary greatly from person to person. It can run anywhere from 5-10 hours. Average shop I would say 7-9 hrs.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
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From: Pasco WA
You have to drain and remove the radiator, which is tricky, and then pull the steering rack off to the pass. side. Then there's the balancer pulley removal, which is also difficult, and the removal/replacement of the oil pump needs to be done carefully. Good instructions at ls1howto.com, and I've done it on jackstands a couple of times. If you need your car for a DD, set aside a weekend, and get all your parts lined up so you won't have to scramble and interrupt your work. Kind of fun if you like that sort of thing. 
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: O'Fallon MO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
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From: Scarborough ONTARIO
You have to drain and remove the radiator, which is tricky, and then pull the steering rack off to the pass. side. Then there's the balancer pulley removal, which is also difficult, and the removal/replacement of the oil pump needs to be done carefully. Good instructions at ls1howto.com, and I've done it on jackstands a couple of times. If you need your car for a DD, set aside a weekend, and get all your parts lined up so you won't have to scramble and interrupt your work. Kind of fun if you like that sort of thing.
Well said, depends on cam too, valve springs would be tough as well, as its time consuming. check LS1how.com and loo for Cam change only for F-body and than look for H/C change for Y-body (observe only rack removal as rack removal is not needed in F-body), figure out from there how quicker u can do10 hrs is low on book, check alldata or Mitchell on demand they say cam replaced w/valve springs is 20 hrs
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Last edited by sami85L98; Nov 8, 2009 at 08:02 AM.
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MFIC
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 14
From: Charlotte, North Carolina
You have to drain and remove the radiator, which is tricky, and then pull the steering rack off to the pass. side. Then there's the balancer pulley removal, which is also difficult, and the removal/replacement of the oil pump needs to be done carefully. Good instructions at ls1howto.com, and I've done it on jackstands a couple of times. If you need your car for a DD, set aside a weekend, and get all your parts lined up so you won't have to scramble and interrupt your work. Kind of fun if you like that sort of thing.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
For sure. Don't want to skimp on this part. Although, if you're planning on changing the heads, wait and do it all together because most heads have upgraded springs as part of the package/optional already installed.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Temple TX
Ok...so I'm looking and cam kits are priced fairly reasonable. Has anyone had any experience with the Texas Speed MS3 cam? Looks like a good combo for a fairly stock car w/ exhaust, air intake, etc. and could probably realize some really good gains with more upgrades later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,979
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From: Wichita KS
Ok...so I'm looking and cam kits are priced fairly reasonable. Has anyone had any experience with the Texas Speed MS3 cam? Looks like a good combo for a fairly stock car w/ exhaust, air intake, etc. and could probably realize some really good gains with more upgrades later.
