Cam Install?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Lake West virginia
Cam Install?
Just finished installing my Xs power 1 3/4 headers and x pipe which was a bear of a job had to grind and dimple a lot more than I wanted but anyway I am also wanting to put in a flowtech street sweeper HT cam package! I'm not sure if I am going to do timing chain or not my car only has 66,000 miles I do plan on doing springs retainers and pushrods I would like to get as much advice as I can on the install or if anyone has a good link for a walk through I'm a little worried at my accessibility and about pulling the rack & pinion with no access to a lift. Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
I did a heads and cam change on my 99. I removed the rack and did the job in a small single car garage. No lift, just on jackstands. Just go slow and use the proper tools and its not a bad job at all. I also did 4 header installs of XSPower headers, (on C5s) never had had any problems.
I would replace the timing chain, oil pump and get the CompCams trunion upgrade for the rocker arms. A cam swap is no time to cut corners, dont forget you may need new fuel injectors and a dyno tune. ($$$$)
I would replace the timing chain, oil pump and get the CompCams trunion upgrade for the rocker arms. A cam swap is no time to cut corners, dont forget you may need new fuel injectors and a dyno tune. ($$$$)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
I was kinda wondering about that myself. I don't think I've ever seen a post on here about the XS power headers where grinding and dimpling were necessary. Timing chains are cheap and you have to take the old one off anyway. The LS2 is like what 40 bucks? While you are in there look at a new oil pump and a better balancer than oem since those have a tendency to wobble when they get old.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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in my opinion I would install a new timing chain and oil pump along with the cam swap, even if you have fairly low mileage our cars are still 10+ years old... since you will be there I would also consider upgrading the balancer and at the least pinning the stock one just in case you decide to supercharge it later down the line, that will save you some time and work on that part of the install when or if the time comes
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
I'm with Neutron. I recently did a cam swap on the 2000 with about 22kmi on it. I changed the timing chain, oil pump, balancer, front cover seal, ... Might as well do it all when its already apart!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
If you are putting a cam in you would be stupid not to replace the chain and oil pump. Use the LS2 chain.
The oil pump can be a little tricky, just make sure not to pinch the o-ring or the pressure will suffer and you'll be going back in there.
The oil pump can be a little tricky, just make sure not to pinch the o-ring or the pressure will suffer and you'll be going back in there.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 266
Likes: 10
From: Noble OK
I pulled the rack in mine a little easier than I thought it would be. Took the tie rods loose at the steering knuckles. Once you have everything loose move it toward the passenger side until the driver's side clears the inner fender then you can pull the whole thing out.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 2
From: New Orleans
I just did all of the above.
Installed XS 1 3/4 longtubes (had to dimple to clear steering shaft), 243 cnc'd heads, Tick SNS cam, cloyes timing chain set, ls6 ported oil pump, 7.425 pushrods, Z06 rear differential, and 3200 TCI stall. Not an easy job by no means. My father and I did all work with the car on jack stands.
What you dont realize are all the hidden parts/items that need replacing. New rear spindle bearing, new fuel filter, new starter, new spark plugs and wires(the old ones literally fell apart when I took them off), all new fluids, seals, gaskets, broken misc tubing/wires.
It was a big job, but now I feel the car is back to great shape by giving the whole car a once over.
Installed XS 1 3/4 longtubes (had to dimple to clear steering shaft), 243 cnc'd heads, Tick SNS cam, cloyes timing chain set, ls6 ported oil pump, 7.425 pushrods, Z06 rear differential, and 3200 TCI stall. Not an easy job by no means. My father and I did all work with the car on jack stands.
What you dont realize are all the hidden parts/items that need replacing. New rear spindle bearing, new fuel filter, new starter, new spark plugs and wires(the old ones literally fell apart when I took them off), all new fluids, seals, gaskets, broken misc tubing/wires.
It was a big job, but now I feel the car is back to great shape by giving the whole car a once over.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 23
From: Minnesota
I just did all of the above.
Installed XS 1 3/4 longtubes (had to dimple to clear steering shaft), 243 cnc'd heads, Tick SNS cam, cloyes timing chain set, ls6 ported oil pump, 7.425 pushrods, Z06 rear differential, and 3200 TCI stall. Not an easy job by no means. My father and I did all work with the car on jack stands.
What you dont realize are all the hidden parts/items that need replacing. New rear spindle bearing, new fuel filter, new starter, new spark plugs and wires(the old ones literally fell apart when I took them off), all new fluids, seals, gaskets, broken misc tubing/wires.
It was a big job, but now I feel the car is back to great shape by giving the whole car a once over.
Installed XS 1 3/4 longtubes (had to dimple to clear steering shaft), 243 cnc'd heads, Tick SNS cam, cloyes timing chain set, ls6 ported oil pump, 7.425 pushrods, Z06 rear differential, and 3200 TCI stall. Not an easy job by no means. My father and I did all work with the car on jack stands.
What you dont realize are all the hidden parts/items that need replacing. New rear spindle bearing, new fuel filter, new starter, new spark plugs and wires(the old ones literally fell apart when I took them off), all new fluids, seals, gaskets, broken misc tubing/wires.
It was a big job, but now I feel the car is back to great shape by giving the whole car a once over.
Everything is cool until the first time the wrench lets loose and you run your knuckles across the engine block.....ohhhhhh fuuuddddgggeee
Last edited by reactor2; Apr 12, 2014 at 02:07 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: West Branch, MI
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Lake West virginia
Thanks it is very informative! What I'm worried about mostly is how to keep my lifters up and changing valve seals and retainers and adjusting! Is there any walkthroughs on using stock heads and doing a cam swap?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: cinnaminson n.j.
St. Jude Donor '14
Race Director
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From: Rio Rancho NM
