This is the newest addition to the family.



It`s a 2005, 6spd, nav etc. I wasn't really sure which direction to go with the car as far as power upgrades(single turbo, supercharger, N/A, etc), but as bad luck would have it, I was forced to open the motor up........ so we might as well upgrade while we're in there.

So, we decided to take a trip to Portland Maine in the middle of June to do a little shopping. When we pulled into the hotel, I heard a knock coming from the motor. All I could think was a rod bearing spun (it was definitely internal), and it was going to be a pita to get home. We left the car there, checked in and went and had supper. The next morning, I start the car, it's a little quieter, and oil pressure is good. After some delicious ihop, we decide to start on the way home and just make some stops along the way and see what happens. Long story short, I was able to limp the car home, oil pressure stayed steady and had no problem.

First thing I checked were DTC's, and I found a cam sensor code. Decided to just pull the sensor out, and to my surprise, the cam sensor was chewed up. Guess I have no other option but to pull the front of the motor off. It wasn't a bad job, aside from having to remove the steering rack from the car to remove the balancer.

Here is what I found



The cam gear bolts decided to back out... WTF? Guess it is not uncommon for this to happen. I also found the balancer to be separating from the rubber isolator, which is also not uncommon.

I guess now is as good a time as any for a cam swap.



Once I pulled the valve covers, here is what I found on cylinder number 2:



Good thing I decided to upgrade the cam and valve train, or I may have missed this.

I also ported the intake and throttle body while I had it apart. Had my friend enlarge, clean and flow match a set of LS2 injectors at 61lb-hr, then jammed it all back together and have been tuning the driveability with HPTuners. Took quite a bit of work to get this cam to not surge at light cruise. (232/234 .595/.598 112*)

Here is the car before the cam swap, but after I built an axle back exhaust

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsqwOxa6vvc

Clip after the cam install

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCy-3eKSaqA

Clip of me at the autocross in SJ before the cam swap (Viper trans was broken)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaLIxP-8458

Current mods:
Comp Cams 54-446-11 232/234 .595/.598
Comp Cams springs/locks/retainers/pushrods
C5R timing chain
Summit Underdrive crank pulley
Ported Intake and TB
Stock headers and X-pipe
Custom axle back exhaust
Enlarged LS2 Injectors (61 lb/hr @ 4bar)
160* T-stat
HP Tuners

Immediate things to do are headers, x-pipe, and CAI.

 

This is a pic of my "exhaust mod"..



The other day I noticed that the motor was ticking louder than normal and it was making an odd sound when cold. After closer inspection, I found..



Well that sucks, although this is nothing new to me, I had to do 4 on my H2 and I have 2 to do on the Escalade as well. Luckily it wasn't broken off flush or below the head surface (like the hummer ). It was a pretty quick job, I just pulled the plugs and wires...



Remove the remaining bolts and gently pry the manifold from the head.



Now we can get a set of Vice Grips on the stud and work it out. Be sure to use a good set, as the cheap ones will only cause aggravation.



... and here is the little bast*rd



Really would have been a good time to do the header swap, but it'll have to wait till fall/winter.

 

Awesome Write-up and pics!

 

Talk about **** luck and good luck all the same ....

Was the stock cam still installed?

 

Great catch nabbing that problem before it cost you a motor! I've seen more than one blow from the cam bolts coming out.

Was it the factory cam or had someone swapped it before you?

I have similar mods as you...I highly recommend a FAST 102 intake. They are almost equal to the headers when it comes to gains. After you do the headers of course. The ls2 intakes really stink. Porting helps some the the FAST really makes a difference.

You are going to think you got a new car after you put on the headers and FAST.

 

Andy, buy a lottery ticket. Your posts here prove you are the luckiest vette owner around.

 

Cool write up/

 

LOL, thanks guys. I do feel we were VERY lucky to make it home.

The car was completely stock when we got it, so yes, the cam is the OE unit.