SS#2906

iTrader: (53)

So I pretty much have everything gathered up for my cam swap. I'm wondering how difficult this is overall.

So on a scale from 1-10, 10 being the hardest, how would you guys rate this for me? I know my way around tools and the basics on engines, but I've never taken on a job like this. From reading up on LS1howto.com, it doesn't seem too difficult.

Only reason I'm asking is because I have someone that'll knock it out for me for $350, but as we all know, we pride ourselves in doing our own mods, so I'm very temped to do it myself.

Are there any pointers you'd like to share? anything is helpful.

Thanks

SSstud

iTrader: (2)

you raise a good point in the whole priding yourself in doing your own mods thing. i find this very true. haha... personally, i think that if you have someone around to do this job for 350, take it while you can. that seems like a solid price price for a tricky job. i havent had mine done yet because im waiting to do h/c at once, but im sure someone else will tell ya how much they paid and fill ya in on some pointers. if youve got nothing but time, id do it, but carefully of course. otherwise, saving the timea and work for someone else may not be such a bad idea. well whatever you decide, good luck with it!

if you dont mind me asking, what are the specs on the cam? im trying to get an idea of what people are doing for theyre cam only setup

deputyss

iTrader: (4)

man i had mine done. im like you and know my way around an engine and i do pride myself in my own workmanship but in the same breath i dont want to screw up my car. so i watched and helped the guy that did mine. and i could do it myself now. so that is the way i would do it. b/c this prob wont be your only cam swap.

SS#2906

iTrader: (53)

I hear ya, but the sence of accomplishment after you've done your own mods is PRICELESS. I do most of my own work (headers, clutch, and so forth), but something like this gets me nervous. My problem is that I would need to knock it out in 2 days, since I have to work, well 2 1/2 since I work nights.

228/228 on a 114LSA. After months of research, I noticed that alot are VERY happy with the 224/224 on either 114 or 112LSA. Someone once told me "Whatever cam you decide on, go a step bigger"

james562

iTrader: (35)

If you have the tools and the room I'd do it myself.... I don't have either of the two, so my buddies at SP motorsports are going to do it for me....


But for $350 I'd rather work some overtime and let someone else do the work...

SS#2906

iTrader: (53)

I know James, that's why I'm undecided. I want to do it myself, but $350 is a good deal and these guys know their ****.

itchygomey98

iTrader: (2)

Do it yourself and use the $350 u save to put towards a tuning solution. Just follow the directions and you'll be fine. Be careful to make sure you don't drop lifters and make sure you got it positioned correctly. It's not that big of a job imo.

SS#2906

iTrader: (53)

Exactly what I'm thinking. With the proper spring tool, pulley puller/installer, and the rods to hold the lifters, it shouldn't be too difficult.......should it?

ae13291

iTrader: (8)

do it yourself! it will be fun, it is a great learning experiance! personally the only person i trust to work on my car is me and maybe my brothers, i dont beleive in paying somebody to do something when i can do it myself! for example headers are a bit hard since u must move them around and force them in because there is little room to work with! a cam is a straight forward step by step process that takes time and u cant **** up so easily! so **** paying $350. Do it and u will feel so good when ur done!!!

1sick'98WS6

iTrader: (19)

cam = cakework. Do it yourself. you will be happy you did.

95 Z28

iTrader: (21)

Honestly, I'd just do it yourself. Even though you said that they know their ****, I still wince at the thought of someone else wrenching on my car while I'm not around. The knowledge you gain by doing a cam swap is priceless, and it is NOT difficult.

droptopT/A

iTrader: (19)

+++++++++++++1 the only thing thats hard is putting the pulley

95 Z28

iTrader: (21)

I agree. I'd say the pulley was the most difficult part actually . Everything else went pretty smooth for me.

LS1C5Vette

iTrader: (11)

Do it yourself, I did mine, I would rate it a 4.5.

forcd ind

iTrader: (7)

i guess my only question would be how much does the guy that wants the $350 know about ls motors-will he line the oil pump back up, ck for v/p clearance, coil bind, lifter preload(pushrod length), etc-unless you are dealing with a known cam that clears everything, all thats got to be looked at-
somebody told you wrong, if your going to error, error on the mild side of a cam, lol
can you afford the $350, can you afford the car down a few days if you screw up, break a bolt, etc? when their a dd, you gotta think a little diff.
good luck whatever you decide

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

$350 is a great price, must be a friend. A shop would charge you 600+.
It's actualy a very easy job. The pulley if you have the right puller is easy as well. IF your doing the oil pump puttingthe pick-up tubne bolt back in is a bit difficult but thats the only hard part. I rent out a cam swap tool package, comes with lifter rods, crane dual spring tool, air hose for the cylinders, pulley install tool and Comp cams pushrod length checker.

In additon I'll walk you through it if need be. $40 plus deposit and shipping for a two week rental.

DaveX

I would say it would be about a 7 based on your experience level. It's not that hard, just take your time and follow the ls1howto guide and you should be fine.

Hell'sChariot

iTrader: (24)

4 or 5. Screwing with the oil pump was the only slightly difficult part, everything is cake.

Just use the ls1howto as a guide and you'll be fine.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

^^ Yep the how to guide is great, its nice to have someone to call as well though. I'm available by phone to assist my customers.

fast377

iTrader: (52)

If you did your own headers and clutch, then a cam swap should be a walk in the park.