Ok, im putting in my new TSP torquer cam tommorow, My cars getting real close to 100k miles so im gonna change the Timing chain and gears, I Have a set of OE GM chain and gears from my last LS1 that never got used, I know the rule is to upgrade not replace but id really like to keep the extra 200 bucks in my pocket for the tune with this new set staring me in the face. I dont run the dog **** out of car all the time Just occasionaly!!!

Ps I was reading the cam install guide-- bowlingSS and it said

*Remove the spark plug of the cylinder that you are going to change the valve springs on, and screw in the leak-down tester hose. A good seal is not 100% needed. Adjust your air compressor to approx 60psi on the hose, and hook it up to the leak-down hose.

What does that do, is it neccesary? Thanks Matt

 

Are you going to be replacing the valve springs? The reason you put air in the cylinders is so you dont drop a valve. After you take the retainers off there is nothing to hold the valve up. Hope that helps you.

 

yep im changing springs, Ok I gotcha

 

its the easy way to change your valve springs without having to take your heads off the motor. just make sure u have a big air tank and are able to change the springs so the valve does not fall or you might run into some problems. but its really easy to change your springs that way.

 

I would invest in an LS2 chain, the stock gears are fine. The stock chain will probably be OK, but I don't think just the chain is that expensive and it's good insurance.

Set the piston at tdc and if you have an m6 lock it there in gear. Put in the leakdown tester as instructed. If you see it losing pressure while you're compressing the spring, stop and tap the retainer to free it from the keepers then proceed. Having the piston at tdc is extra insurance so that if you do lose the seal and drop the valve it will just stop on top of the piston.

 

How much Extra work is it to take of the heads? If its not that much more grunt work it seems like it would be less stressfull and simple just taking them off and not worying about the valves falling at all.

 

Taking the heads off has ALOT more involved the just unbolting them, and bolting them back on. First off pulling the heads in a f-body is a PITA because half the head is under the dash. Then you would have to spend a couple hours cleaning the block surface, and scraping all the old gasket off. You would have to have the heads cleaned up. Next, you would have to buy a new set of head bolts and head gaskets, and finally, MAKE SURE they are torqued back down correctly(im sure i forgot a few steps).

Trust me man, if your only pulling the heads to change valvesprings, you wasting alot of time and money. Now, if you were going to replace the lifters as well, that would be a good reason to pull them off.

 

Also, i second getting an LS2 chain. They are just as cheap from a number of sponsors on here, and are stronger the OEM ls1 chain. And your stock gears are fine, no reason to replace them IMO. I would look into getting a new oil pump before replacing the gears.

 

i bought my ls2 timing set for like 70-80 bucks new from tsp!!!!!!

 

you can get just the ls2 chain from the dealer for around 30.00. its a good investment/upgrade.

 

yeah thats alot of work, just rent or buy an air compressor from home depot. I know harbor freight sells them pretty cheap-I think 50 bucks for the size you would need. Or you can spin each cylinder to top dead center.

 

All i did was buy a good air compressor from home depot, then after i was done changing the springs, I returned that bitch!

 

Hahaha! I thought about doing the same thing. I just kept mine though cause I've always wanted an impact wrench

 

sorry, not trying to hijack the thread but i'm about to do a cam install too in my ls1 and i know with older cars with more lift you need taller valve covers....is this the same with the ls1's or need spacers or something.......sorry if this is a stupid question but just one that came to mind when thinking about my cam change

 

you should only need spacers/taller valve covers if you go to aftermarket rockers.

 

I got an air compressor, Where do I get the tool to screw in the sparkplug hole??

Ps. I dont have that tool to hold the lifters up when i pull out the cam,and the pen magnet deal seems preety sketcy... If i pull that sucker out how good a chance is it that one will fall?? If one does...Then what ? If my odds are good they will stay up, Ill go for it!

 

Any tool place should carry that part, its the same part as the one on a leakdown tester/compression tester. Everytime I put in a new cam I have to buy one since I always lose them, but they are cheap. Try hrbor freight, or performance tools., I'm sure the big auto stores carry them as well.

The pen magnet deal doesn't sound to good to me either, the lifters have some sort retainers to hold them up, but this is not good on its own, if one falls down your only option at that point is to remove the cylinder heads. Old engines only required to remove the intake manifold, but not on these engines. Just get the metal rods or wooden dowls and stick them in the hole-much easier and your set.

 

I read several threads mentioning the dowls and that is the route I would go if I had to change out my cam with out removing my heads. Just seems like more of a sure thing. Haveing a pen mag around was very useful though when I did my h/c swap, dropping bolts and such. Also, get a new oil pump if you are gonna be taking it off anyway. A LS6 ported pump with the blue spring installed in it seems to be what most people recommend.

 

Ive spent all my money! so I went old school and ported the oil pump myself, just giving it a few minutes with the grinder made it at least look like it would flow twice as good. I saw thunder racing had those tools...Has anyone Fabed any from like home depot or anything,they looked like a piece of $80 dollar re-Bar to me! Lol Thanks for answering all these questions for me!

 

Well damn, I wish I knew you before I did the cam Would have saved me a headache. I wanted to keep mine as well, but I live in a townhouse with no garage and no room to store it.