Doing cam swap myself?
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 214
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From: Ofallon,IL
Doing cam swap myself? Okay I plan on buying my cam kit very soon, FM13 or FM14, not sure yet. Either or, I really want to do this myself. With the help of maybe my dad or brother. My dad has worked on cars before but when i mention doing something like this, he just says "I don't think I could do that to a new car". Anyway, i will be replacing the rods, springs and retainers also. I'm not much of a mechanic, but I can turn a wrench and pretty much know where stuff is located on my car. I read through the cam swap write up on LS1HOWTO.com , and after reading through everything on there, I think I could handle doing it. Everything makes sense to me, even when it comes to replacing the springs and such. It will probably take me more time then others because I would take my time to follow every step to the "T". What do you all think. Should I go for it? It won't be my daily driver so getting it done in a hurry is no big deal.
Go for it. Just take your time to make sure you don't screw something up. It takes quite a bit of time, but its really not too difficult. I would go ahead and invest in a good valvespring tool. The cost is worth the saved frustration to me. I used the crane tool from thunder racing. Good luck!
go for it.you can do it.even a helping hand from your dad and brother is a big help.just read up on jmx ls1 how to.did my own camswap on the m6 and h/c on the a4 by myself..you will save alot of money on the install.use it on more mods.good luck.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 214
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From: Ofallon,IL
Thanks guys. I'm pretty confident which before me and friend installed my LT's, I wasn't confident at all. Since then I've been reading alot and trying to understand what makes up a valvetrain and such. I have a pretty decent handle on it. I'm going to go for it for sure. Will be fun I think. I'm thinking about going to college once I get out of the Air Force this winter, to be a mechanic. Something to do with cars. Starting to become an obsession. LOL.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,428
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From: Las Vegas, NV
You should definitely go for it! It took me two weeks to do it, but it was a heck of a lot of fun. I followed jmx's instructions exactly. There are a few crucial areas where you have to take extra care, namely making sure you don't drop a lifter, removing and reinstalling the crank pulley, and the springs. You can't beat the Larry tool for springs, worked flawlessly, plus under $50.
Good luck man, and if you get stuck, there are tons of folks here who can help.
Go for it!
Good luck man, and if you get stuck, there are tons of folks here who can help.
Go for it!
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You should be fine. I've torn my motor open about 4 times now and it keeps getting easier and easier. Some tips....
-Get everything you need together before starting, having to quit your install and running to the parts store is stressful and you lose your concentration.
- Cleanliness is key when your motor is torn apart.
- Take your time and read the how to's carefully.
- Get ready to swear like a sailor when your doing the valvesprings!
-Get everything you need together before starting, having to quit your install and running to the parts store is stressful and you lose your concentration.
- Cleanliness is key when your motor is torn apart.
- Take your time and read the how to's carefully.
- Get ready to swear like a sailor when your doing the valvesprings!
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Brett Foote
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Joined: Feb 2004
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You can do it. Get the spring tool off eBay that is really cheap (unless a sponsor sells it of course. It is pretty much a clab of metal with a U cut into the end, a hole drilled into it, a stud, and a nut. You can do all of the springs with that tool in to time, with no cursing. I do recommend you watch it, as it can dig into the edge of the head if you are not careful.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,094
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From: Northern Va
I've done my springs twice with the Crane tool. It was very easy and the 2nd time only took me a couple of hours. I was expecting some difficulty based on different posts that I have read but I had no major issues. My first cam install will be coming up in the next few weeks.
