smg267

iTrader: (23)

I ordered a set of PRC 2.5 5.3's and was thinking about installing them before I put the cam in. Would it be safe to drive the car without a retune? I would prob drive it about 60 mins to get the cam installed and tuned at a later date.

I don't feel comfortable tackling the cam swap myself but figured I could save some cash doing the head swap on my own.

desertLS1

iTrader: (8)

Sooo why don't you just swap the cam first, get a mail order tune, drive it home swap the heads, then go get it tuned. Safe.
I don't see how you can feel comfortable swapping heads but not a cam?

Damian

iTrader: (89)

Then you have no business trying to install heads on an engine either.

slowlsx

iTrader: (28)

i really would let someone that knows what their doing take care of it. IMO

LS12Fast4U

iTrader: (1)

The heads are going to be WAY more complicated then the cam swap. If you dont think you can to a cam swap then i dont think you should touch the heads. Now if you decide to do the heads then take the extra hour and do your damn cam.

Out of curiousty why dont you feel comfortable doing your cam?

BOBS99SS

iTrader: (2)

Do the cam first buddy that is just not thinking , I assume you read these forms,lol , got get the cam and then the heads.when you get dressed in the morning you put your shoes on before your pants don't you lol

SweetS10V8

iTrader: (4)

You read the forums too much. Heads are ALWAYS a good idea (see sig)

desertLS1

iTrader: (8)

Dude the OP HAS heads, that guys is talking about the route/order he should install the parts.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Bob, maybe you should research a bit more.

SweetS10V8

iTrader: (4)

I understand, he should put the heads on as soon as he can!!! There is no "correct order"

Darkman

iTrader: (2)

The simple answer to your question is yes - it will be okay to drive the car 60 miles without a tune following a head swap. This assumes, of course that it is properly reassembled.

(I did my own head swap, but let a shop do my cam because I've never had good luck with harmonic balancers).

garygnu

save up do both at the same time,pay for 1 tune.rent a trailer and take it to get tuned.

smg267

iTrader: (23)

Thanks! It just seems like there is alot more variables involved in the cam swap. I have set up heads before on my old SBC with my freind a couple years ago at his shop. He would be doing a majority of the work with me.

I figured it would be easier to have a shop install the cam and order the correct legnth pushrods, injectors,tune etc... Not to mention I would save $500 on installation.

DaveX

If you have the heads off the cam swap is very simple. The hardest part is removing/installing the pulley.

desertLS1

iTrader: (8)

no, of course thier isnt.. I was Just correcting YOU...

LS12Fast4U

iTrader: (1)

If you do the heads yourself then do the cam as well.

M6HuggerSS

def. wait and do them all at once...

SweetS10V8

iTrader: (4)

I wasnt incorrect.

FBodyPerformer

iTrader: (19)

What the **** is wrong with you people? It's his business to install heads and not a cam as much as it's your business to if you wanted! I agree a cam isn't hard to do at all, but if he would rather someone else do it, then that's a damn good idea.

Some of you need to re-read the post. He is installing the heads and cam at the same time and getting it all tuned together 1 time. He's just simply asking if it's ok to install the heads and drive it to get the cam installed and then tuned.....to which the answer is YES you can, but no one would suggest driving it more than that one time.

03EBZ06

If you leave the stock cam in, you will be fine w/the heads only and no tune.
A change in the cam generally changes the VE of the engine, requiring a tune.
Heads can do this too, but to give you an example. I drove my
416 w/TFS heads, 12:1 compression, and stock cam for a few months. The fuel trims were near perfect.

Good luck w/your mods.