Cam swap...new gaskets necessary?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 525
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver BC
Cam swap...new gaskets necessary?
When doing a cam swap which/any of the following parts should be purchased new and swapped in? I.e. which parts are a "must have"? 
1 x GM Front Cover Gasket
1 x GM Front Cover seal
2 x GM Waterpump seals
1 x GM LS2 Timing Chain
1 x GM Oil pump pickup O-Ring
1 x GM Front Cover Gasket
1 x GM Front Cover seal
2 x GM Waterpump seals
1 x GM LS2 Timing Chain
1 x GM Oil pump pickup O-Ring
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Mckinney TX
The only "must have" is the oil pump pickup O-Ring. The timing chain kind of depends on how many miles are on the car. I know the service manual show to replace everything, but I have done it both ways several times, and never had any issues.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
Depends on the miles on the car, I've never changed my oil o-ring though. Since all of those parts only total about $15 bucks, change them all. Most change the balancer bolt too. Put plenty of RTV on the bottom of the timing cover. Use loctite and torque everything to spec.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
I don't know what's actually necessary because I've never done it without new gaskets, I've always changed them all. What's the sense of putting it all back together and having a leak. Doesn't make sense for the cost of the parts.
Ed
Ed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,422
Likes: 1,131
From: Goodyear Arizona
Why the heck wouldn't you replace the gaskets.You have it all ripped apart, what could the cost of gaskets be, maybe 20bucks.Don't skimp on the small stuff, thats what will bight your butt later on.JMOP
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Most of those gakets are cheap but its throwing money away. If there is one thing you shouldnt run its the stock single chain with a cam. Get the IWIS chain if its a single you insist on running. Lingenfelter carries it. My last install I held the two chains together and was shocked at how stretched and loose the LS2 stocker was. The IWIS chain is probably restoring 2 or 3 degrees retard back into the motor by eliminating the slack alone.
The bolt and front seal are mandatory.
The bolt and front seal are mandatory.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'11-'12
Yes, if you are doing a cam swap the oil pump comes off. You can also get that chain at Scoggins - best price around....and Guy is correct about the slack in the chain, that was mine he was talking about...wish I had the camera that day...and my engine had just under 10K miles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Slack in timing chain.
Yes, if you are doing a cam swap the oil pump comes off. You can also get that chain at Scoggins - best price around....and Guy is correct about the slack in the chain, that was mine he was talking about...wish I had the camera that day...and my engine had just under 10K miles.
