RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

The retainers might be a good investment if you’re gonna rev real high or go with an XE-R grind cam. They just weigh less than the stock steel ones (they are titanium) so they help keep valve float away and prolong spring life...are they worth it? I don’t really know...that all depends on how much money you plan to spend. I went with them. Same with the oil pump. I got an ARE pump for piece of mind. I figured that once the cam went in I’d have no motor warranty left, so I wanted all the protection I could get. Jake99SS lost two stock pumps, so I was worried about mine too.

SSINFUL

What are you using for reference materials (guidance)?

Retainers hold the springs in place. The keepers hold the retainers to the valve stem. Kinda all holds each other together.

I totally recommend a new timing chain. Been through a couple myself. $$$PITA. The Rollmaster is sooooo inexpensive for how much better it is than a single chain. ARE has 'em. And, gaskets are a piece of mind investment, too: Thunder has kits. You *will* require new bolts for some things. Like the crank pulley. IMO, it's pretty dumb to reuse one...

Offa the top of my head, yer gonna be using all of that 250lber for the crank pulley.

DriveATransAm

ive done the crank before.

how much are pumps and timing chains?

Outlaw02Z28

How many miles on the car? I just did heads/cam/headers on my 02 with 1,900 miles. I reused the front seal and water pump gaskets and also put in a cooler thermostat. I also kept the stock timing chain due to low miles. The only things in the valvetrain that are stock now are the lifters and the rocker arms. I used new springs, retainers, etc. You will also have to get the new crank bolt because they are torque to yield. However, they are around $2.50 from Chevrolet. You will also need a smaller torque wrench because the water pump bolts are 11 ft lbs on the first pass and 22 ft lbs on the second. The valve covers are also about 8.83 ft lbs. Good luck.

DriveATransAm

ill be getting a smaller torque wrench from a buddy.

car has 7.5K miles on it <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

only thing im wondering about is the timing chain maybe. its still pretty new though. i would hate to have it break though. although thats extra money i gotta spend. decisions.

DriveATransAm

what parts do i need for a cam intall? do i need a gasket set?

got a quote on a cam, springs, pushrods.

i need a spring compressor and pulley puller. anything else im missing?

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

You also need a TQ wrench. You don’t really need the gasket kit, you could re-use them. But for the $36 it cost me I thought it was worth it.

Do you wanna get the 772 retainers? You didn’t mention those. Not needed but nice to have.

You could do a new timing chain. But you have low miles like me so I didn’t bother.

You’re gonna need fluids...coolant, oil

Might be a good time to do a new cooler thermostat if you don’t already have one, as your coolant will already be drained.

DriveATransAm

i was thinking about the thermo because mti programmed for a lower temp. i didnt want to change it cause its messy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

what size torque wrench? i have a 25-250 one. im guessing i might need a smaller one too?

what about an oil pump? i hear those are good to replace...but if i can get away without doing it, then i prolly wont spend the money.

timing chain has 7K miles on it <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

DriveATransAm

i wasnt quoted the retainers. are they really worth the extra 100 bucks? what the hell do they do anyways <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I reused my stock chain with about 5000 miles on it. I've known some to have around 20,000 miles on theirs and re-use them without issue.

Roy with 7000 miles I wouldn't worry, IMO.