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Cam only install question (no spring swap here)...

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Old Sep 15, 2003 | 07:46 PM
  #1  
SouthFL.02.SS's Avatar
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Default Cam only install question (no spring swap here)...

I'm looking to swap out the C1 for a TR230.
Newbie type question here, but I'm looking to save me a few bucks by installing the cam myself this time...
I'm not touching the valvetrain which has 918's and hardened pushrods installed already from the C1 install.
All of the cam install instructions I've read include spring installation instructions, and therefore deduce that one has the valve covers off, and the springs/rockers/ pushrods dismantled.
Qustion: can one swap out the cam without opening up the valve covers and disassembling the springs/rockers/pushrods?

to all who reply...

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Old Sep 15, 2003 | 07:53 PM
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Default Re: Cam only install question (no spring swap here)...

The tension from the springs and rockers will push the lifters and the pushrods down and you won't be able to get the cam out.

The valve covers must come off.
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Old Sep 15, 2003 | 08:10 PM
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Default Re: Cam only install question (no spring swap here)...

That's what I was afraid of.
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Old Sep 15, 2003 | 08:24 PM
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Default Re: Cam only install question (no spring swap here)...

The pushrods have to come out, or else the lifters will fall down into the motor. Its not really that bad to remove the valve covers and rocker arms. Just make sure you follow the instructions to the T and you'll be fine.
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Old Sep 15, 2003 | 08:46 PM
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Default Re: Cam only install question (no spring swap here)...

Wait, can't one leave the pushrods in to visually check for lifters dropping while the cam is out?
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Old Sep 15, 2003 | 09:00 PM
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Default Re: Cam only install question (no spring swap here)...

You'd be playing russian roulette. The weight of the pushrods will most likely push the lifters down.

Take off the rockers, rotate the cam, look at the pushrods to verify that the lifters have all come up, pull the pushrods out, pull out the cam, lube the new one and stick it in.

A lot of folks don't even trust this method. There is a chance that, even with the pushrods out the lifters will drop.
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Old Sep 15, 2003 | 09:31 PM
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Default Re: Cam only install question (no spring swap here)...

You'd be playing russian roulette. The weight of the pushrods will most likely push the lifters down.

Take off the rockers, rotate the cam, look at the pushrods to verify that the lifters have all come up, pull the pushrods out, pull out the cam, lube the new one and stick it in.

A lot of folks don't even trust this method. There is a chance that, even with the pushrods out the lifters will drop.
I like to call it the "Pull and Pray" method LOL
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