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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 10:37 AM
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Default Cam swap question

Are there any gaskets that will need to be replaced when I swap cams?
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 11:06 AM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (NV MY C5)

No, but you will need to get a new crank pulley bolt. On a side note, if you have an earlier model with the first style water pump gaskets, you will need to replace those gaskets, but they can be gotten at almost any auto parts store for nearly nothing. I think it was the '98 and earlier models that had the older style gaskets, but not all 98's. Mine is a '98 and I had the newer style gaskets. Also, know that if you go with the LS6 cam (especially the '02 and up one), you should probably upgrade your springs to take the added stress the LS6 cam will induce.

Frank


[Modified by QwikSilvr, 11:09 AM 11/13/2002]
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 01:10 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (QwikSilvr)

I did my 99 HC and needed waterpump, and timing cover gaskets, and crank seal. With 65K miles the waterpump gasket was leaking and the timing cover gasket had a small split in it. Cheap insurance for all that work :yesnod:
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 02:54 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (Quick Brick)

I did my 99 HC and needed waterpump, and timing cover gaskets, and crank seal. With 65K miles the waterpump gasket was leaking and the timing cover gasket had a small split in it. Cheap insurance for all that work :yesnod:
You should always replace necessary gaskets when taking the engine apart. It's going to be PITA down the road if you don't... Do a search on cam swap and you'll find tons of info.. :yesnod:


[Modified by hrdtopv8, 1:56 PM 11/13/2002]
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 03:25 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (NV MY C5)

With a '98, I'd swap the timing cover, water pump and crank seal gaskets. :cheers:
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 05:54 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (NV MY C5)

:cool: Thanks for the info! I am going to try the 02 ls6 cam.
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 06:16 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (NV MY C5)

:cool: Thanks for the info! I am going to try the 02 ls6 cam.
Keep in mind that the '02 LS6 cam has a smaller base circle than the LS1 or '01 LS6 cams. The pushrod length is the same but the '02 LS6 valves are longer to compensate. To use a '02 LS6 cam, you'll need custom pushrods. In addition, I'm not sure if '02 LS6 springs will work as they are designed for a longer valve. You would probably be better off with an aftermarket LS1 cam. Either way you'll have to upgrade your springs.
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 07:09 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (SFVetteman)

Keep in mind that the '02 LS6 cam has a smaller base circle than the LS1 or '01 LS6 cams. The pushrod length is the same but the '02 LS6 valves are longer to compensate. To use a '02 LS6 cam, you'll need custom pushrods. In addition, I'm not sure if '02 LS6 springs will work as they are designed for a longer valve. You would probably be better off with an aftermarket LS1 cam. Either way you'll have to upgrade your springs.
Anybody have any specifics on pushrod length, or recomendations on replacement springs?
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 07:26 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (SFVetteman)

Keep in mind that the '02 LS6 cam has a smaller base circle than the LS1 or '01 LS6 cams. The pushrod length is the same but the '02 LS6 valves are longer to compensate. To use a '02 LS6 cam, you'll need custom pushrods. In addition, I'm not sure if '02 LS6 springs will work as they are designed for a longer valve. You would probably be better off with an aftermarket LS1 cam. Either way you'll have to upgrade your springs.
This is flat out misinformation. The difference in base circle is no different than any aftermarket cam. Some of you guys read one thing and then just start spewing it back out at others even if you don't know first hand what is going on, which is how stuff like this gets so spread around.

The difference in base circle (like in the 2002 LS1 or any aftermarket LS1 cam for that matter) will be made up by the lifter. You don't need custom pushrods. There is already a fairly high amount of lifter preload from the factory and the smaller basecircle will simply just be eaten up by the lifters. You'll run less preload and all will be well. Stock 7.400" length pushrods will be fine, and are what people have been running for years with cams that have smaller basecircles.
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Old Nov 13, 2002 | 08:10 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (NV MY C5)

Thanks!!!
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 03:43 PM
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Default Re: Cam swap question (jmX)

Keep in mind that the '02 LS6 cam has a smaller base circle than the LS1 or '01 LS6 cams. The pushrod length is the same but the '02 LS6 valves are longer to compensate. To use a '02 LS6 cam, you'll need custom pushrods. In addition, I'm not sure if '02 LS6 springs will work as they are designed for a longer valve. You would probably be better off with an aftermarket LS1 cam. Either way you'll have to upgrade your springs.

This is flat out misinformation.
This is hardly misinformation that I or someone else dreamed up. It came from Soggins-Dickey and their cautions about using this cam in a LS1.

From their website: "New for the 2002 Corvette, the 405hp camshaft for the LS6 engine option. Please note that this cam has approximately a 0.050" smaller base circle than a stock LS1 camshaft. This smaller base circle will require longer pushrods for applications with stock length valves and no milling for the head surface. It is imperative that you check your pushrod length when purchasing this cam. The 2002 Z06 cylinder heads use a longer valve to make-up this difference!"

While it may be possible to get by with stock length pushrods, I don't believe that it is the best way.
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