Im not sure what's involved in changing the balancer but if im that deep into it, should I do a cam swap as well? (Definitely gonna do it, advice on which one is welcomed too) what else should be replaced while im at it? I have another question too, but I'll start a new thread cuz I don't wanna get off topic of my own thread.
edit: i will not be doing this myself, I will take to a reputable shop

 

No.

 

lol ok, not sure if I caifgo along with that answer but thanks for taking the time. But i hope you're right

 

Auto trans? Can’t go to aggressive on a cam with no stall converter or gear, no headers either? I’m guessing a mild cam would only net you 30-35 rear wheel? Maybe 40? Talk to your installer/tuner.

 

How many miles on car/engine? Any other mods? What is the intended use?

 

Hope I'm right? How could I be wrong? No offense, but you sound like you do not know your way around an engine, and ask if you should do something that is not required because the balancer has to be replaced. So the answer is no. Once you disclose what your goals are for the car, then people can advise how to proceed.

 

I wouldnt do ONLY cam, do supporting bolt on with it or do them first. the route i went with is long tube headers & exhaust. I went with the truck norris cam, im auto and I want a torque monster street car. I have stock converter. while doing the cam im replacing timing chain, oil pump, bee hive springs, trunnion upgrade. also new balancer and im debating on pinning the crank while im there. later plans include ported 243 heads 90mm TB & rear end swap.

Give BTR a call and talk to them about your goals, they are super knowledgeable and crazy helpful. get yourself a tuner and talk to him also.

 

manual, sorry I should've included that. Headers around the same time

 

65k miles, no mods, intended use is just to get up and go a little quicker.

 

you're correct, I don't know my way around the LS platform. I know more about diesels, sorry if I seem ignorant to you. Maybe you misunderstood my initial post. I was asking since I'll have the motor somewhat exposed (for lack of a better term) should I replace other known problems or pulleys.

 

im not familiar with BTR, I apologize. So all you've mentioned, is that to strengthen the internals or does that add hp as well? Seems like a lot lol

 

Don't you have to pull the engine and dissamble it to a great degree to replace the cam? Harmonic Balancer is a relatively quick simple job, all on the front side engine in and intact. I only paid less than $500 to replace the harmonic Balancer and it was pretty quick. I was shocked they were so fast.

 

No, the engine does not have to come out.

If you are going to swap the cam, you're well on your way when you swap the balancer.

 

yes, you have to pull the engine for a cam swap. I have no idea about the balancer, thats why i asked lol looks pretty complicated to me after a few videos ive seen, people asking about the severity of their wobble of any.

 

But not vice versa. Ok leave the motor in, but remove the radiator, the condenser coil for ac, various other front end parts, right?

 

I have not done a cam swap yet on my car, but I'm in the planning stages. That being said, I'll give you my perspective.

If you're planning on definitely swapping the camshaft, it would be a good time to swap it while you're replacing the Harmonic Balancer. Reason being that in order to replace the HB, you have to drop the steering rack to get it out. And, you will need to pull the HB off in order to get the timing cover off to access the camshaft. So if you have the funds, it would be cheaper and faster in the long run to do it all at the same time. Swapping a cam also requires some additional upgrades, and there's some parts that would be wise to upgrade while you're in there, but not mandatory, such as the oil pump. There is likely a bunch of threads and info out there about what would be best to tackle while you have it all apart, but it's going to add up $$. I would personally rather do it all at once than dig back into everything. BTR (Brian Tooley Racing) is well known for LS parts, especially cams. Texas Speed would be another option that would have much of what you need. And I'm sure there's many others, and many other opinions.

Start doing some research and calling a couple companies and you'll get a better idea of all the parts you will need and want based on your goals. Swapping a cam most often needs corresponding parts to be changed inside the cylinder heads too. Many folks use this time to change out the heads too for better flowing ones and upgrade everything. Again, this all comes at added cost. But for me, I'd rather do it all at once, it will be easier and cheaper than digging back into the engine multiple times.

Hope this helps a little, and good luck with your project

 

Start by updating your profile with model and year info. All C5s are not the same. That knowledge will guide the answers you get.

Ok, so wear items like belts, pullies, tensioners are not any different on a gas engine compared to a diesel. Your call....very easy to change all that stuff out "while you're in there"....but as they say...." if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

A cam swap is definitely not a "while you're in there task" ...as it relates to a balancer change. Usually you would want to swap lifters at the same time, which is much more involved, but one could argue that with 65k on the motor...it's worth the risk to leave the original lifters in place.

If you're not prepared to dump a bunch of money in the car, and just want a little more get up and go, bolt on a set of LT headers and get a tune. May also involve a intake manifold upgrade, but we don't know what year you have. If you have a 2001+, you are good to go.

 

Absolutely the answer i was looking for. Thank you! I thought i did update my profile, maybe it didn't take. I'll redo it now. 99 frc

 

Pick up a 2001+ intake manifold...set of headers ..and a tune.

 

looks like Christmas is coming early for me!
As far as the tune, is that done by a local speed shop or do I buy something like a Diablo tuner?
Again I appreciate your help, as you can tell I obviously need it lol