Cam Bearings
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 502
Likes: 4
From: Huntsville, AL Relaxed!
Cam Bearings
Hello Everyone,
I'm about to pull the trigger on a cam install on my C5.
My question is regarding the camshaft bearings; my engine has +/- 107,000 miles, I have no reason to believe that it is anything but stock.
Cam bearings are only $20ish, so it seems like false economy NOT to replace them. Are there any special issues I should be aware of before I go to replace them? I'd ~hate~ to get the old ones out, only to discover that that is the ONE thing that should NEVER be done to an LS1
Thanks in advance!
KoreaJon
I'm about to pull the trigger on a cam install on my C5.
My question is regarding the camshaft bearings; my engine has +/- 107,000 miles, I have no reason to believe that it is anything but stock.
Cam bearings are only $20ish, so it seems like false economy NOT to replace them. Are there any special issues I should be aware of before I go to replace them? I'd ~hate~ to get the old ones out, only to discover that that is the ONE thing that should NEVER be done to an LS1
Thanks in advance!
KoreaJon
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 355
From: Rochester New York
Well, I don't think that's a bad idea. But I don't think it's exactly easy to replace the cam bearings either. These engines are rated for 200k miles, if the bearings look good, leave em be!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Ive see quite a few 60K-100K mile engines with copper showing on the cam bearings. To remove them and reinstall them, you need a special bearing install / removal tool.
If you can pull out a cam and reinstall it while the engine is in the car , you should be able to remove and install the bearings with the tool while the engine is in the car.
I changed the cam in my 02 ZO6 at 55K miles and the bearings were fine.
Bill
If you can pull out a cam and reinstall it while the engine is in the car , you should be able to remove and install the bearings with the tool while the engine is in the car.
I changed the cam in my 02 ZO6 at 55K miles and the bearings were fine.
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Personally, I would leave them alone. A number of guys have replaced them only to have them spin after the new cam. Not sure if it is true, but I have read the they are align honed at the factory. The fact that a number of guys have spun them after replacement may lend credence to that argument.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,093
Likes: 1,260
From: Harbor City California
not to mention taking out and putting in cam bearing often times leave metal shaving/shards behind (just part of the installation since they are a pressure fit). Honestly R&Ring them with the engine in the vehicle is going to be very difficult if not damn near impossible (not saying its impossible but damn near).
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 250
From: CT
From my limited experience its essentially impossible to do with the engine in the car. I had serious cam bearing wear problems with my modified LS1 (2000 FRC) and ultimately had to pull the engine and send the block to an automotive machine shop for bearing install (and a bunch of other stuff ). If they look good don't mess with them.
