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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 04:52 PM
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K im doing a cam swap here in the next few days and i want to make sure i have everything. Tool wise im good to go but i wanted to see if you guys recommend anyhting else. So what i have is the cam, the new springs, pushrods, and new oil pump. I have gaskets and oil and that stuff.

Do you guys think i should change the rockers while im doing everyhting? I have heard that the stock rockers and push rods flex under higher rpms losing power.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 05:29 PM
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I am not a cam guru, but depending on the size of the cam, your rollers and pushrods could begin to fatigue and fail after awhile. Going with a better aftermarket setup isn't a bad idea if you have the spare change to do it.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 05:31 PM
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Pick up a thicker Oil pump o ring.. You prolly won't thank me later unless you go through DAYS of frustrating diagnosis to find a lifter tick that won't go away.

Thicker oil pump o-ring GM# 12557752

The stock rockers are ok, but they do put a bit of a side load on the valve stem, which can cause valve guide wear on the heads.. But it's your dollar.. If I had the money I'd do it, but that's me.

And don't reuse the stock pushrods.. Just get new ones along with a pushrod length checker to make sure you order the right length. the checker is a bit of a pain to use, but worth it to get the right measurement.

Oh, and buy a new crank bolt.. Pick up an ARP one that you can re-use. The stockers are a one-use deal.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 05:31 PM
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Guys on this site are making big HP with stock rockers.

You should be o.k.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 06:04 PM
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Im definately doing new push rods. They are coming with the cam and springs i bought from TSP. So i should do a thicker o ring on the pump?
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 06:07 PM
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One other question on the stock rockers. Are they a torque to yield set?
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 06:16 PM
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no.. just 22 ft/lbs..

and yes, get that thicker oil pump O ring or you'll have a very misleading ticking problem..
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 07:05 PM
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K well thats easy enough.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 07:48 PM
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It would be a good idea to upgrade to the LS2 timing chain, even if you're at a low milage. Cheap insurance, around $45.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 08:19 PM
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I didnt even think about that. I will look into that or getting a good aftermarket piece.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by bayer-z28
Pick up a thicker Oil pump o ring.. You prolly won't thank me later unless you go through DAYS of frustrating diagnosis to find a lifter tick that won't go away.

Thicker oil pump o-ring GM# 12557752

The stock rockers are ok, but they do put a bit of a side load on the valve stem, which can cause valve guide wear on the heads.. But it's your dollar.. If I had the money I'd do it, but that's me.

And don't reuse the stock pushrods.. Just get new ones along with a pushrod length checker to make sure you order the right length. the checker is a bit of a pain to use, but worth it to get the right measurement.

Oh, and buy a new crank bolt.. Pick up an ARP one that you can re-use. The stockers are a one-use deal.
Anybody know what size the o-ring is that comes with the Texas-Speed LS6 ported pump? That's what I ordered and I included the o-ring, but it doesn't say the size or part number of the o-ring.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 09:48 PM
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You'll for sure be okay with the stock rockers as long as everything looks okay.

I would ask TSP about their O-ring size and a new timing chain can never hurt.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 10:29 PM
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Got the timing chain too.
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Old Nov 30, 2009 | 05:25 AM
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IIRC, my buddy had the TSP O-ring and that was the one we were having problems with. The larger GM O-Ring is visually beefier. I ordered three of em for my last cam swap and I still have two left. Just in case I pinched one of em.

We also made a 'custom' wrench for the oil pump pickup tube bolt. Ground down a 10mm box end of the wrench to a taper so it can sneak under the oil pan edge and get to the bolt. -Real pain, but the custom wrench helped a lot!
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Old Nov 30, 2009 | 11:12 AM
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K so i need to make sure i get thre GM o ring. Then i will check on getting the chain and gears.
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Old Dec 1, 2009 | 10:17 AM
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It sounds like you're not afraid to spend a little bit more money to get the job done right, kudos to you. Too many people try to cut corners and then wonder why they bent their pushrods after 1000 miles of driving.

Spend a little bit more, take your time, and make sure its done right the first time so there won't be a second time!
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