bbal4now

I am starting my first cam install tomorrow afternoon and hope to get it done before saturday evening so I dont want to be missing anything (I live in a college town -stillwater, OK- and being summer everyone is gone and there is no body here to drive me somewhere if I forget something). I will also be doing valve springs, a double roller timing chain and an oil pump. Here is what I have let me know if I am missing anything or if there is something I should know. I have read probably 50 threads on tips and tricks and I am using ls1howto.com instructions but let me know if there is anything I might want to be aware of.

Cam: 229/231 580/585 112LSA
Springs: Patriot Gold Doubles
PushRods: Comp 7.4
Timing Chain: Comp Double Roller
Oil Pump: Cant Remember brand off hand
Crank Bolt (new)
Napa Spring Compressor (the cheap one because im poor)
Spark Plug adaptor for air compressor (not sure of name)
5/16" dowel rod (like JPR tool)
6 Qt. Oil
Jug of Coolant
Gaskets/Seals as recommended on ls1howto
Lots of tools!

Let me know if I am forgetting anything.

cals400ex

iTrader: (27)

yeah don't forget about torque specs. while taking all of that off i would replace the plugs and wires, but that is just me. remember a pulley remover and pulley installer tool. i would do lifters too since you can get the gm ones for cheap.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

3 jaw puller for crank pulley, longer crank bolt or pulley install tool is good to have as well. Be prepared to clearance the timing cover after you shim out the oil pump for the new double roller.

Couple extra locks wont hurt either

bbal4now

Alright I bought a 3 jaw puller. I appreciate the heads up...I dont know how I missed that.

slowandrichws6

iTrader: (2)

good luck on the install and hope everything goes smooth!

BLUE99T/A

iTrader: (2)

I ended up just using the pistons instead of the air compressor to hold up the valves. It was much easier for me to just turn the crank rather than fooling around with the fitting and compressor line.
Good Luck, man.

BatmobileSS

iTrader: (8)

Agreed. I tried the air compressor method and ended up throwing the attachment across the garage. TDC method is sooo much easier

bbal4now

Thanks for the advice. I will go ahead and do the TDC and return the compressor attachment if it works out. Were you just able to feel when the piston was up or did you use the 90 degree rule as explained on ls1howto?

delsold

iTrader: (7)

90* method works awesome. Or you could also get something long like a pushrod, or dowl to still in the spark plug hole and see when it gets to its highest point while you spin the motor.

SS#2906

iTrader: (53)

A magnet pen helps pull the valve locks much easier. Plus if your not carefull with the oil pump bolt, it'll help you fish it out.......DO NOT DROP THE BOLT .

Good luck with the swap, I'm in the middle of mine right now.

BTW, have alot of patience and take your time.

Halloran

iTrader: (7)

Yep, those valvesprings will take up most of your day. Especially fitting all the new locks and retainers. Oh, as a safety precaution I usually wrap a shop rag around my spring compressor just in case the spring decides to slip free it's not launching into the ceiling...or into my eyeball.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Also you could have rented all the tools for $40 for 2 weeks to do the job.

Air fitting hose, JPR rods, Crane dual spring tool, CompCams pusrod length checker and the Pulley install tool ... offer this rental, my tools have assisted many members over the past few years on here.