cam swap ?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
cam swap ?
Do you have to pull the radiator to do a cam swap in a C5 ? How hard of a job is it ? I've been told that a cam swap in a LS1 is easier than doing one in a regular old small block. Any input ?????
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
Yes the radiator must come out (and ac condenser moved slightly) to allow enough room to slide the cam out.
It's not a difficult job, just a lot of little things that need to be done correctly.
There is a guide on LS1howto, but there are a few things he does wrong and/or omits so I highly recommend getting a service manual and just using the LS1howto as a visual guide.
It's not a difficult job, just a lot of little things that need to be done correctly.
There is a guide on LS1howto, but there are a few things he does wrong and/or omits so I highly recommend getting a service manual and just using the LS1howto as a visual guide.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Due to the cradle having to be lowered and the steering rack removed, along with the other things mentioned, I'd say a cam swap is more difficult in the C5 than older gen I vehicles. I have done a few that only require the radiator to be removed. This car is much more involved.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 409
From: Portland OR
Due to the cradle having to be lowered and the steering rack removed, along with the other things mentioned, I'd say a cam swap is more difficult in the C5 than older gen I vehicles. I have done a few that only require the radiator to be removed. This car is much more involved.
However, cam swap is a big job. Lifter replacement is smart at the same time which means heads off, might as well upgrade those as well.
Budget? What budget!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
I just pulled my radiator the other day in prep for a cam swap. Its a pain in the neck to get out but not too bad. Here's a link to the guide:
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?ar...72ec67f76905f9
Remove the radiator hose from the radiator on the passengers side. The damn spring clamp was in a bad position for me to remove. I'm replacing every one with screw type hose clamp. Also keep an eye on the "hook" on the radiator bottom /side of the passengers side, it will want to grab the wire harness.
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?ar...72ec67f76905f9
Remove the radiator hose from the radiator on the passengers side. The damn spring clamp was in a bad position for me to remove. I'm replacing every one with screw type hose clamp. Also keep an eye on the "hook" on the radiator bottom /side of the passengers side, it will want to grab the wire harness.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 14
From: Odessa TX
How long would you estimate for someone with a decent mechanic ability. 1 weekend? I've done clutches, pulled an engine, head gaskets, etc. Only done basic stuff with the C5 though. A weekend?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
What cam/springs/heads/etc setup are you going with?
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