Making camshaft removal easier?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
Making camshaft removal easier?
I'm about to do a H/C and am wondering if when the engine is reassembled what can I have installed to make the replacement easier?
I'm no mechanic, but I know that changing out the camshaft is a very difficult endeavor. According to LS1Howto one has to remove the steering assembly as well as the radiator. From what I understand is this is required because you have to remove the one piece timing chain cover plate.
What parts can be installed that will make the camshaft replacement a little easier? What disassemble processes can I avoid by installing these altered parts?
I hope this makes sense, thanks.
I'm no mechanic, but I know that changing out the camshaft is a very difficult endeavor. According to LS1Howto one has to remove the steering assembly as well as the radiator. From what I understand is this is required because you have to remove the one piece timing chain cover plate.
What parts can be installed that will make the camshaft replacement a little easier? What disassemble processes can I avoid by installing these altered parts?
I hope this makes sense, thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
There are companies that supply a split type timing chain cover that saves you from pulling the steering rack and harmonic damper. Personally I wouldn't bother as the split covers have their own issues. Unless you plan on swapping cams a LOT, I'd stick with the stock setup.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: chandler az
If I had somebody else around at the time, I would have taking the hood off instead of leaning over the sides.
It's not a hard job. There just a lot of stuff that has to come apart. Try changing a clutch out.
It's not a hard job. There just a lot of stuff that has to come apart. Try changing a clutch out.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,471
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
Not sure what you are referring to. Can you direct me to a thread? The balancer is easily removed and installed with the correct tools.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Grand Rapids MI
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
Its not that bad. I did mine in about 6 hours under a car port! Just watch out for the oil pump o-ring. Mine got cut and I didnt know it, had to take everything back off to fix it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,047
Likes: 252
From: San Diego
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Oakton Virginia
No, really, That's a lot of work to do twice. 
It took me 3 months to do my Heads/Cam. Starting the job the first week in January probably wasn't a good idea though- too damn cold.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1
From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
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From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
forgot to add: In the grass...I'm going to put pavers under jack stands...
Last edited by CamminC5; May 12, 2010 at 07:36 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 0
get the car on stands, put stands under the motor (I used a 2x12 across the oil pan) remove the A arms, motor mount bolts, and cradle bolts, drop cradle. Remove the brake calipers if youw ant to pull it out of the way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,047
Likes: 252
From: San Diego
I agree, OUCH. Hey Brandon, if I understand Kushan correctly you may be helping with my heads and cam. I just think if there is anything like a half plate or etc. Now would be the time to install them. I want the removal to be as painless as possible incase I need to reverse the mods.
