how complicated is it to swap cam??
10-22-2007, 04:48 AM
#1
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how complicated is it to swap cam?? how many of you have tried doing this yourself?? what kind of problems did you come across? what is the estimated time for this install? any information would really help thanks in advance
NED
NED
10-22-2007, 06:32 AM
#2
Tried and did do it myself. I was reticent at first to be honest then figured, what the hell, it's just taking **** out and putting different **** in. Compared to poly mounts I'd rather swap the cam again 
You gain a good bit of knowledge in the whole process and the first start up is the payoff. Problems? Getting dot to dot to line up ABSOLUTELY PERFECT was somewhat arduous, the timing chain wouldn't seat properly on the crank snout, valve springs are tedious, oil pickup tube bolt is a very tense moment. Other than that, just take your time, research, and get the right tools (99BlancoSS rented the crane spring tool, lifter rods, and an attachment to hold up valves when doing springs). I gave myself a whole weekend because it was my first time doing it and rushing it was not what I wanted to do. It can easily be done in a day if you are trucking, but I wouldn't suggest rushing through this, too many things that if you **** 'em up, will screw your car up. Good luck.
-J
You gain a good bit of knowledge in the whole process and the first start up is the payoff. Problems? Getting dot to dot to line up ABSOLUTELY PERFECT was somewhat arduous, the timing chain wouldn't seat properly on the crank snout, valve springs are tedious, oil pickup tube bolt is a very tense moment. Other than that, just take your time, research, and get the right tools (99BlancoSS rented the crane spring tool, lifter rods, and an attachment to hold up valves when doing springs). I gave myself a whole weekend because it was my first time doing it and rushing it was not what I wanted to do. It can easily be done in a day if you are trucking, but I wouldn't suggest rushing through this, too many things that if you **** 'em up, will screw your car up. Good luck.-J
10-22-2007, 06:58 AM
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Its not difficult at all. Attention to detail is the name of the game.
Look here for a step by step guide:
www.ls1howto.com
For me the hardest part was the oil pump pick up bolt. Getting the pick up tube into the pump was easy because I took the pump apart, centered the body on the crank, and then reassembled.
Springs were painless for me... I filled the cylinders with air to hold the valves up.
Like indicated above...do your research on the cam you want.
R/
Frat
R/
Frat
Look here for a step by step guide:
www.ls1howto.com
For me the hardest part was the oil pump pick up bolt. Getting the pick up tube into the pump was easy because I took the pump apart, centered the body on the crank, and then reassembled.
Springs were painless for me... I filled the cylinders with air to hold the valves up.
Like indicated above...do your research on the cam you want.
R/
Frat
R/
Frat
10-22-2007, 08:44 PM
#5
I've done it myself twice, well, once just the cam and supporting valve-train components, and the other time was heads/cam. I used the install guides on www.ls1howto.com, and it was straight forward.
The main thing you need is the correct tools and patience. None of it is super complicated, or not to me anyhow.
Good luck if you try it yourself.
The main thing you need is the correct tools and patience. None of it is super complicated, or not to me anyhow.
Good luck if you try it yourself.
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10-23-2007, 07:50 AM
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I had my AC evacuated and removed the entire piece (the radiator and AC condensor are attached to each other). Oh...and getting that monster back in was a pain in the *ss for me, as well.
There are many ways you can do it, this one worked best for me.
R/
Frat
10-23-2007, 08:25 AM
#9
ls1howto.com is an excellent resource for a cam install.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time. Plan the install on a free weekend, so you don't have to worry about being anywhere. Distractions will just heighten the chance of making a mistake or overlooking something.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time. Plan the install on a free weekend, so you don't have to worry about being anywhere. Distractions will just heighten the chance of making a mistake or overlooking something.
10-23-2007, 05:01 PM
#12
People don't pop out of their mother knowing how to swap LTs, LS6 intakes, heads and cam... that is precisely why there is a knowledge base here. I still find it amazing that the whole cam swap can be completed with some general automotive knowledge and the LS1howto.com guide. Like stated above, if (and when) I do it again, I'm capturing the A/C and removing that whole damn assembly next time (great idea).
-J
-J
10-23-2007, 05:15 PM
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thanks for all the info guys i want to try it on my own.. not too many people i know are willing to attempt it, everyone just takes it to a shop to get it done which is ok but i wanna say i did it on my own.
10-23-2007, 05:49 PM
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go for it man! The timing marks can be kind of scary at first but once you get in there you will see that its really not very difficult. I have done several cam swaps and hope to do several more! its a great way to learn about your car!
10-25-2007, 11:27 PM
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