C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Cam swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 18, 2012 | 09:59 PM
  #1  
butch2000's Avatar
butch2000
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Default Cam swap

Hi , is there anwhere here that details a cam swap ? on a LS-1 ? I have not had the chance to do one yet , have done many small blocks in my day , and can a cam swap be done on a C5 Vette with out pulling the motor ?
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2012 | 10:27 PM
  #2  
AFTRBRNR's Avatar
AFTRBRNR
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 11
From: Wilmington NC
Default

Originally Posted by butch2000
Hi , is there anwhere here that details a cam swap ? on a LS-1 ? I have not had the chance to do one yet , have done many small blocks in my day , and can a cam swap be done on a C5 Vette with out pulling the motor ?
Yes it can be done.

You will need to remove the front bumper and the fan and radiators.

I'm sure there is a nice thread somewhere on here that details it.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2012 | 10:46 PM
  #3  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,458
Likes: 1,165
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by AFTRBRNR
Yes it can be done.

You will need to remove the front bumper and the fan and radiators.

I'm sure there is a nice thread somewhere on here that details it.
Ok, you got me. Why does the front bumper have to be removed for a cam swap?
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2012 | 11:38 PM
  #4  
FRITZM's Avatar
FRITZM
Racer
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: LAUREL MD
Default Cam

Try this.

http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=1
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2012 | 02:02 AM
  #5  
NukeC5's Avatar
NukeC5
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Default

That link is a good one^^^

The condenser does not need pulled. Just moved as best as possible. You don't have to disconnect it and lose the freon.

I have been planing a cam swap too. It takes loads of research on the parts needed if you are going to be doing it yourself. Lots of info on this forum. Be patient and do some research and searching.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2012 | 04:55 AM
  #6  
vettenuts's Avatar
vettenuts
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Default

Use caution with LS1howto.com when following the methods on that site. Of particular concern is the removal and installation of the harmonic damper (pulley) whose methods have been the source of many damaged crankshaft threads. That site also plays is very loose with bolt tightening specifications and improper rocker arm installation methods.

Service Manual provides the correct procedures and torque values.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2012 | 10:10 PM
  #7  
AFTRBRNR's Avatar
AFTRBRNR
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 11
From: Wilmington NC
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
Ok, you got me. Why does the front bumper have to be removed for a cam swap?
Sorry, I hadn't slept in a while... I meant to say the hood. You just need to pull everything in the way just above the crank to get a clear shot.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2012 | 10:29 PM
  #8  
blownnastyc5's Avatar
blownnastyc5
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: Aquadale Speed Shop NC
Default

you dont have to remove the hood, would make it easier but not required. Your biggest obstacles will be getting the harmonic balancer bolt out then the balancer itself, ofcourse after taking out the steering rack so you can get to the bolt. If your handy with tools, have the RIGHT tools and time you can do it yourself.

Where are you located?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 29, 2012 | 10:22 PM
  #9  
James2002z06's Avatar
James2002z06
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 14
From: Lake Fork TEXAS
Default Cam

Why only a cam????
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2012 | 10:36 PM
  #10  
butch2000's Avatar
butch2000
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Default

well it obvious the heads will come off with the motor in the car ?
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2012 | 10:42 PM
  #11  
dblerman's Avatar
dblerman
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by butch2000
well it obvious the heads will come off with the motor in the car ?
Yes, heads can come off with the engine in the car.

.................but, if you have to ask that then you shouldn't be attempting a cam swap until you pick up some service manuals.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2012 | 10:44 PM
  #12  
James2002z06's Avatar
James2002z06
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 14
From: Lake Fork TEXAS
Default Cam

If your going to do a cam and head swap there are other things to consider
Injectors with new heads
New oil pump
New timing chain
Springs - lifters
Cold air intake
Headers
Exhaust
I can keep going but they will get you going
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Cam swap





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:23 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE