there's no other technical way to check this than simply rolling the engine over a few times is there? do you turn the crank and just feel for resistance?

 

Comp Cams makes an excellant kit to degree in a cam and to measure PTV clearance

 

 

My buddy and I did it the old school way. You take clay and lay it over the piston area and then turn over the motor (you have to make sure to lock a hydraulic roller in the extended position) and then turn the motor over. You then have something to physically measure to check clearances. Keep up the good work!

 

Well - this is a job that you definitely shouldn't rush. I simply just "capped out" on leave at work so I was asked to take a few days off lol. So I decided what a better time to tear this thing apart!

I actually don't have air tools. There were a few areas where I wish I did though . I have a nice set of ratcheting wrenches from gearwrench that were INCREDIBLY useful. They cut my install time down significantly believe it or not .

I'm using the Powerbond 25% underdrive pulley. It's a great quality piece that I picked up from Scoggin Dickey. Price is nice as well.

 

What happened to your camera?

 

NICE WRITE UP!!

Damn good progress in a short period of time... I like that...

Thanks for the play by play for those of us that have not torn into one....

You ought to have a strong runner for sure.

 

UPDATE:

Ok guys, I have GREAT news and some not so good news. First of all yes I took a lot of pictures but I haven't had time to post them yet but I will.

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Good News: I got EVERYTHING put back together and I cranked her up.... The cam sounds amazing! The idle is beautiful and with the new PCM from Frost Tuning in the car - it's pretty smooth . Oil pressure looked great (around 50psi) and valvetrain is quiet for the most part - there is a sight tick but it's unnoticeable unless you literally stick your ear next to the valve covers. I am ecstatic that I was able to finish everything up - only took me 4 days. I took my time each day from 7am to "until I couldn't turn a wrench" lol which was from 12am to 3am . Yep I lost a little sleep but hey those hours were well spent . Overall, I think the install went very well. It was clean, I was neat and organized, and I think everything looks great. Thanks to everyone who watched this process! I'll be sure to get the video I took posted up and also all the pics of the rest of the process .

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and now.....

Bad News: I got the new PCM in and was going to begin doing a PCM relearn process and the first step is to "turn the ignition as if you are going to start then leave in the on position until the security light disappears". Well, I turned the key as if to start the car and... the car fired up and started. Caught me by surprise but that's ok.

Once the car started - it flashed "Charge System Fault" and I'm throwing these two codes:

P1637 - Generator L-Terminal Circuit
P1638 - Generator F-Terminal Circuit


I'm at work all day today so I won't have time to check but this upcoming week I'll go through the usual checks.

Chassis grounds
Clean and tight connections to the Alt, Battery, Starter, and PCM

I'm curious to what caused this. In the meantime, any advice is appreciated ...as you all know (those who saw my last big thread) I hate electrical problems .

Hopefully, it's something simple - I really want to get this car on the road and go for a test drive!

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Thanks guys.

 

I've been trying to finish up strong the past couple nights so I was working really late on the her! I got a lot of pics.. I mean a LOT lol just having had the chance to upload and post them yet. But don't worry - you'll get them soon!

Thanks man! I've been busting my a$$ on this car. Taking my time yet covering a lot but it's all for a good cause lol.

 

Do you have a service manual?

 

Cool ! Great job.

 

Yea - I do and I read through both procedures for each code. So I'll have to check things out.

They are also posted here:
http://www.gearchatter.com/viewtopic9947.php
http://www.gearchatter.com/viewtopic9946.php

But I like getting advice in case you all have any nice tips you'd like to share knowing my current situation.


Thanks! I'm looking forward to posting the last pictures and the startup video! She sounds great

 

Not trying to offend in any way, so ....my thoughts. If you are capable of embarking on the journey you have, and you have a service manual at your disposal.......then put it to good use. Doing this type of work means you have to solve the problems that come along with it , which usually are self induced. Read the procedure for your problem, identify the components/connections involved (particularly the ones you have disturbed)...and start inspecting. Based on the issue with rocker arm/PTV, I can only assume you are a novice......which actually makes this easier, because you can assume it's something you have done wrong......

Not everyone understands electrical terminology/troubleshooting; however, at least try to follow the procedures in the manual. Ask for help when you get stuck. I find solving my own problems much more satisfying, than having someone do it for me......and I always retain the knowledge when solving issues for myself as well.

 

I completely agree - and I plan to work through the procedure. Like I said man, since I'm at work all day to day (12pm to 12:30am) I will not have a chance to touch the car. So in the meantime, I figured I'd post here just to see if something is mentioned that I do not see in the service manual. Didn't think it would hurt .

Tomorrow I'll check the Alternator, Starter, PCM, and grounds. It's bound to be one of those causing my issue.

And no offense taken man - you've been a huge help to me in the past when I had that water issue, I truly had no idea. I will admit - I am pretty novice when it comes to electrical work. It has never been a favored subject. But I'm learning!

I'll run through the checks and report back and hopefully have some good news.

 

Novice or not, really good to see and share your experience with these mods, so many just hand it off to a pro shop. Nothing against the pros as they have there place too. I'm a backyard mechanic myself but there is always more to learn. Impressive work with just hand tools too!

 

Thanks man! It's always gratifying to complete your own work. Hearing my Vette start up today was very rewarding and I wouldn't have it any other way .

 

i was debating doing my heads/cam on my own being as i have a garage and all the tools necessary. here you did it in a 1 car garage with no air tools. damn. now i HAVE to do it.

 

Air tools are not a necessity, or needed. They just make it easier on the wrists and forearms.

 

speaking of tools, i have a torque wrench from Sears or the likes. is that reliable enough for doing this to spec?

 

Go for it! It looks intimidating because you get pretty involved with the motor but it's not that bad. You just have to set aside some time to get it completed. Plus when you take the time to do things right, you'll learn and build a closer relationship to your car. And on top of that you can save huge $$$.

Especially when you have a huge support forum like this - I don't see why not!