BlackhawkSS

iTrader: (3)

how long are these magnets you guys are using. i got to that point today and now im taking a break til tomorrow <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

also using the Top Dead Center method is safe right. im not gonna use the compressor method (i dont have one). basically i just take the plug out of the cylinder i wanna work on and the crank the cam until its at TDC which i will no by stickn the dipstick or somethin similiar in the hole right? just checkin.
TIA
Jerry

BadTA

The typical telescoping magnetic sticks work just fine. Not sure how long they are, but I guess whatever you use they will need to be about 12" or so.

The TDC method works very well. Just get those dots lined up on the timing gears and start with cylinder one.

Mark
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

TA_2001

Here is a picture of the magnet trick.

http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=185

98blackSS

I didn't take out any of the plugs. Just used the dot positions.
http://www.fbodylinks.com/tech/valvesprings.htm

99hawk297

Where is the cheapest place to buy the magnets? The cheapest I've found is 2.50. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

66ImpalaLT1

I used compressed air on mine, but I've done an LT1 by the TDC method.

As far as the magnets go, I didnt use them and I didnt drop a lifter swapping the cam in my C5.

Eric

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

Can someone explain the TDC method to me. I thought all you had to do was line the dots on the timing gears up and remove the gears and chain. The you could proceed with your cam install.

66ImpalaLT1

The TDC method is about changing the valvesprings. You bring cylinder 1 up to TDC, then replace the valvesprings. The valves will only drop enough to sit on the top of the pistons. You then turn the engine 90 degrees and proceed to the next cylinder in the firing order.

Eric

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

Sweet, what type of crank socket do you use to rotate the crank and what do you use to tell you that you're at TDC while rotating the motor? Thanks.

Damian

iTrader: (89)

I have done 4 cam swaps on LS1's, and never used magnets. Just rotate the cam counter clockwise until you hear the lifters pop/click up into the retainers, and then slide the cam out turning it clockwise. Works everytime for me...

Josh

98blackSS

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Damian:
<strong>I have done 4 cam swaps on LS1's, and never used magnets. Just rotate the cam counter clockwise until you hear the lifters pop/click up into the retainers, and then slide the cam out turning it clockwise. Works everytime for me...

Josh</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Carefull with that advice.. I had three lifters that refused to stay locked. Good idea to test out the tension with a pushrod..

Damian

iTrader: (89)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Carefull with that advice.. I had three lifters that refused to stay locked. Good idea to test out the tension with a pushrod..</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Thats how us older LS1 fellas have been doing it since back in 98 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> . But, if you guys wanna spend 30+ bucks on magnets for a peice of mind, more power to ya!!!

Josh

98blackSS

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Damian:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Carefull with that advice.. I had three lifters that refused to stay locked. Good idea to test out the tension with a pushrod..</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Thats how us older LS1 fellas have been doing it since back in 98 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> . But, if you guys wanna spend 30+ bucks on magnets for a peice of mind, more power to ya!!!

Josh</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I only bought 3.. Enough to hold up the offending lifters.. $7 worth.. wasn't a piece of mind in my case, I had to.

jmX

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Damian:
<strong>I have done 4 cam swaps on LS1's, and never used magnets. Just rotate the cam counter clockwise until you hear the lifters pop/click up into the retainers, and then slide the cam out turning it clockwise. Works everytime for me...

Josh</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Damian, one day you will see its not always just as easy as that. Sometimes, no way, no how, will the lifters stay up. Period. On my car the first 3 cam swaps went perfect, on the 4th the magnets HAD to be used since 2-3 lifters wouldnt stay up.

Its not about peace of mind, its about not being stupid and plastic lifter retainers wearing out. I've done 6-7 cam swaps without magnets before my last one, but now that I invested in the magnets and saw how this 8th swap I did was, there's no way I'd ever not use them.

Some people don't wear their seatbelts either....and sure....maybe they haven't gotten into an accident...yet.

BlackhawkSS

iTrader: (3)

well my walmart doesnt care the magnets nor do any of the auto parts store here. so i did it without and didnt have any problems, also used the TDC method instead of the compressor and i dont see what the big deal is, very easy to do, seems easier than removing the spark plug (unless ur changing the anyway).

now im just waiting on my gaskets (which wont be here til friday <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" /> )
so i can finish it up.

think i would have a problem putting the water pump back on with the radiator on? i dont think it would be, im just trying to get what i can done now so i can hop in and drive it ASAP <img border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" title="" src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />
Jerry