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CAM SWAP TIME!! Need a couple things cleared up.

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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 04:51 PM
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Default CAM SWAP TIME!! Need a couple things cleared up.

I just finished getting the transmission back in the car with a Yank 3600 Stall tc. Anyways, I already purchased the cam (Torquer V2 on a 112 lsa) and now that I'm ready to begin the swap I need to clear a few things up.

1st, do I need new lifters? I know I can use the stock ones, but is it gonna hurt anything in the long run?

2nd, Assuming I can use the stock lifters safely, what push-rods would y'all recommend for that cam? Valve Springs? (.595 Intake & .598 Exhaust).

And 3rd, When upgrading the timing chain, do I just go with an ls6 timing chain? Or do I need an ls6 sprocket too, if they are different from the ls1?

Any input is valuable, thanks in advance!!
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 08:05 PM
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1. always replace the lifters- they will be worn to the old camshaft lobes and reusing can wreck a new bump stick

2. if the heads are the same, you can use the same pushrods

3. I would replace the chain and both sprockets, as they will be worn to each other

4. if cost is a factor, I would recommend Patriot Gold spring/retainer/lock kit, if not go with Comp Cams 922 (pretty sure it's 922)

Good luck with your swap!
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 08:21 PM
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you need to measure for PR length and I would install new lifters and lifter trays.
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 08:23 PM
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Unlike flat tappet lifters, the roller lifters in the LS engines do not develop a wear pattern specific to each lifter/cam lobe, so they are reusable. If you want to replace the lifters you have to pull the heads.

Pushrod length depends on the base circle of the new cam compared to the oem cam. Best bet is to measure for correct length once the cam is in.

I think the LS2 chain is the oem chain of choice now.
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 08:52 PM
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the best thing to do is decide which supplier you like and buy the cam as a package deal with everything you need
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Old Feb 23, 2012 | 09:34 PM
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Reuse your lifters, I used the LS2 chain and used the cam sprocket but I didn't want to pull the crank sprocket so I just used the stock crank sprocket. There's a good chance that 7.4" pushrods will work, they did on mine but that doesn't mean that they will work for you. Buy the Hawk Balancer Installation tool, it's well worth the money. I used the Ridgid strap wrench to hold the balancer when I torqued the new ARP crank bolt. That baby takes more tourque than any bolt in the world.
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Old Feb 24, 2012 | 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by printmanjackson
the best thing to do is decide which supplier you like and buy the cam as a package deal with everything you need
Any suggestions of suppliers? Cost is an issue and I don't need a 1000hp car.
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Old Feb 24, 2012 | 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by mosimann
Any suggestions of suppliers? Cost is an issue and I don't need a 1000hp car.
Until I bought mine used, I planned on Texas Speed and Performance.

Thanks for the input everyone! Looks like I might as well go ahead and get ls7 lifters. Just to ease my mind.

As for push-rods, I believe I need a set of 7.4s with the stock lifters. Any change when going up to ls7 Lifters?
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Old Feb 24, 2012 | 07:24 AM
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If I remember correctly, the LS7 lifters are pretty much the standard LS1/2/6 replacement lifter.
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Old Feb 24, 2012 | 07:34 AM
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I would get an adjustable push rod and measure it. I forget what I used, but it was something a bit less than 7.4 on 5.3 head. I can't say for sure if the LS7 lifter was a direct swap or not. It was close, but I did heads/cam/roller rockers all at once, so I can't tell what made the slight change.
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