In the middle of my frist LS1 cam swap. I bought 5/16 dowl rod, made about 23" deep, grinded the tops flat and bent a handle. I got these all the way in to the back of the block. When they are in, I can spin the cam and still see the the lifter on the #1 cyc go out and down riding on the lobe. I also can put a pushrod in the back cyl and have it go up and down as the cam is rotated. Below is what I'm talking about. Any help would be great. Thanks.,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PcEiwAYe2k

The lifter rasing up and down when the cam is rotated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRhj2YyLAx8

 

First, give the cam a few good spins to "shoot" the lifters up into the holders. Then slide the tool in with the flat side facing the outside and turn the tool up until it stops. Remember you're just trying to catch the small ridge on the side of the lifters. If the tool doesn't "lock" when you turn it it's too small.