How to swap a cam with heads on?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 25, 2011 | 10:44 PM

eramos2033

Thread Starter

Teching In

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Ft. Worth

How to swap a cam with heads on?

Can anyone help me or at least point me in the right direction. I have a bare 5.3 on a stand ready to swap the cam. I have a good idea on how to do this but have never done so on an LS engine. Is there anything I should know/consider? Is it as simple as it seems or should I just have a shop do it for me. My main issue is what to do with the lifters....
Any advice would greatly help me.

Mar 26, 2011 | 07:49 AM

Chevy Guy

12 Second Club

iTrader: (2)

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 202

Likes: 13

From: USA

www.ls1howto.com

Mar 26, 2011 | 01:53 PM

z99ls1

Restricted User

iTrader: (12)

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 1,786

Likes: 0

From: kansas

Yep that is a great place for the cam guide. I would recomend getting the metal rods that you put through the holes in your block and hold up the lifters.

Mar 26, 2011 | 02:08 PM

bmax

Launching!

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 204

Likes: 0

From: South of Heaven

If the motor is on a stand, maybe rotate it upside down so the lifters don't fall into the pan.

Never tried it tho.

Mar 26, 2011 | 03:45 PM

Paul57

TECH Resident

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 859

Likes: 2

From: Frozen Tundra, WI

That's what I was planning on doing. Hope it works??

Mar 26, 2011 | 08:22 PM

csilvers1984

Teching In

iTrader: (5)

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 35

Likes: 0

From: Somerset Ky

remove timing chain,rockers,pushrods and drian oil
spin cam till there is no resistance from lifters (pushes them into lifter boxes)
turn up side down and do your swap

Mar 30, 2011 | 04:12 PM

eramos2033

Thread Starter

Teching In

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Ft. Worth

I was acually thinking about turing the engine upside down, but wasnt sure if it would work. Im doing the swap this weekend Ill let you all know how it went.

can anyone tell me how much to torq the valves and if i have to do them in any specific order?

Trending Topics

Oil Bypass Barbell

13

240
So GM / ACD is no longer an option for Oil Pressure Sending Units?

9

187
406 Hydraulic to Solid Roller cam results

14

451
Replacing My LS3 with an LSA Did I make the right choice?

6

259
Many Camaros Chevys GM at Veteran's Car Show today

6

178

Mar 30, 2011 | 04:30 PM

jim ravencraft

Launching!

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 260

Likes: 0

From: SOUTH CAROLINA

Hi,
i opted to use two wooden dowels 3/8x24inches long. Rotate assembly and insert into holes behind water pump/front cover. This helps to assure the lifters stay in place. Make sure cam is lubed properly and use a bolt or cam tool to help with install. Degree or align timing marks being sure to be on tdc #1. Double check your work and torque to specs. Use caution if replacing o-ring on oil pump to avoid issues (low oil pressures). Use caution when installing cam--- using both hands to support it.. A little twist/turn helps ease
the installation............ do not force!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!best of luck and let us know what you gain after the tune. Work safely and have a blessed week.
Captain jim