How hard to swap cams?
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,910
Likes: 1,158
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
How hard to swap cams? I'm considering doing a cam swap later this summer, so I was curious if it's possible to swap cams in car or not. I went to school for automotive service and have built a few 450+ H.P. engines, so basic tech isn't what I am curious about. I just want to know if there are any special methods to do it, or if you have to drop the cradle, etc. Thanks!
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23 No verry hard, have a buddy help with the spring swap plan a long afternoon for your first time.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, N.Y.
DON'T USE OPTION 3 (Russian Roulette Method) WHEN REMOVING YOUR CAM. Spend the money and buy the tools listed in either option #1 or #2. If you trust the lifter trays to hold the lifters up, and one (or more) of 'em drops before the old cam is out, or the new cam is in, believe me when I tell you, you'll never hear a more sickening sound.
If you use the Russian Roulette Method, and a lifter/lifters drop, you'll turn an afternoon's work into a few days' worth of work. I wish I had known about option #1 or #2 when I had my "Ooops!" using the Russian Roulette Method. Don't cheap-out, ESPECIALLY if your doing the job with the engine in the car.
conan: great link....wish I'd have known about it back in December..........
If you use the Russian Roulette Method, and a lifter/lifters drop, you'll turn an afternoon's work into a few days' worth of work. I wish I had known about option #1 or #2 when I had my "Ooops!" using the Russian Roulette Method. Don't cheap-out, ESPECIALLY if your doing the job with the engine in the car.
conan: great link....wish I'd have known about it back in December..........
its not bad if you know how to use basic hand tools. If you have the money buy the crane cams valve spring compressor $100 well spent IMO. Make the valve spring swap a piece of cake. I agree with he guy above DO NOT USE RUSSIAN ROULETE METHOD. One side of my lifters woulnd not stay up at all, the otherside would. I used the pen magnet method, and almost had an opps. Just take your time, read directions a couple times and youll be set.
