Help me install a cam :(

[devilfish]

I never done this.

I going to install a lt4 hot cam in a late l98 vette with lt1 intake etc.
The heads/radiator/ etc is all off, and the engine is tilted to allow the cam to slide out. The littel waterpump pin is punched in to allow it to be installed into a l98.

Now:

Could you talk be through this?
Im NOT going to degree this cam, just slide it in as good as I can without degree it.

Thanks

 

[evolution]

It is a pretty straight forward procedure. I am not sure that you needed to remove the heads though, unless of course you were doing something to them.

First, I would check the condition of the bearings. If they are even slightly spun, I would reccomend getting new ones installed. This isnt really easy and I would pull the block and have a machine shop intall new ones.

Next, slap some pre lube on the metal surfaces that will come in contact with the bearings/lifters. I would not reccomend applying a break-in type pre lube (usually moly-based with other stuff inside to help the bearings seat properly) unless you had new bearings installed (which I would do if I were in your situation).

Slide the cam in as straight as possible so that you dont catch a sharp edge on any of the bearings. Usually after about the third bearing it goes in pretty straight on its own but it will still need to be lifted up to avoid falling between bearings. Now, attach the cam gear and the new timing chain (I used a Coyles double roller) and line up the dots from the cam gear and the crank gear. Remember to have the motor at TDC when doing this.

I would aslo suggest getting new lifters as well and applying break-in lube to the faces that come in contact with the cam.

Take it easy on the engine for the first 500-1k miles or so.

Above all, make sure the cam/crank/pistons/heads will work together well before installing! I bet that you have already done this tho!

Dats about it.
Good luck!

 

[devilfish]

thanks!

I will use the stock lifter, the car has low milage and they look good :/

How do I put it in TDC with the crank balancer off?

And what do you mean about :

"Above all, make sure the cam/crank/pistons/heads will work together well before installing! I bet that you have already done this to!"

The heads are going to be ported. And I will use stronger springs etc ( hot cam kit ) and 1.6 rrs.

Stock push rods and guid plate is also going to be used. Myaby not the best option but they are cheked by a mech ..

THanks

 

[evolution]

How do I put it in TDC with the crank balancer off?

There should be a dot on the crank gear that you pulled the stock chain off of. That dot should be at the 12 o'clock position. When the cam gear is hand placed on (the cam gear should have a hole where the pin on the face of the cam fits into) the dot on the face of the cam gear should be at the 6 o'clock position. Take the gear back off, install the chain and make sure those dots are perfectly lined up. Loc-Tite and torque!:bang

"Above all, make sure the cam/crank/pistons/heads will work together well before installing! I bet that you have already done this to!"

Just saying that the components should work well together as far as lift duration and what-not. I am certainly no pro when it comes to this so dont ask me about the specifics. You dont sound like you are doing anything too radical so I guess I wouldnt worry about it. Disregard :crazy

p.s. I have heard of radical cam/rocker/piston combos causing collision of pistons and valves at higher RPMs

 

[devilfish]

ahh ok I see Well nothing radical here, this combo has been done before.

How do I adjust the rockers after?

Thanks

 

[evolution]

First start out at your #1 cylinder and torque the rockers untill you feel resistance while you spin the pushrod with your fingers, a little oil on each end of the pushrod is recomended. After you feel resistance, go 1/4 turn on the rocker nut. Being hydraulic, the lifters will self adjust to some degree. Repeat the same procedure on both the intake and exhaust rocker for each cylinder in the firing order (check manual for proper firing order, I believe the firing order is also visible on the intake manifold as well, at least it is on some intakes). I always go through the order one last time to insure that I have not missed any, just spinning the pushrods.

Make sure that you are TDC on each cylinder before adjustment.

After that you should be good to go!

 

[Vetsvette2002]

Devilfish,

Might I suggest that upon completion of installation that you break in the cam and lifters by running the engine at 2000 rpms for about 30 minutes. Then you can drive it.


Don

 

[devilfish]

ohh. ok ;help i guess.. Im just scared to start the damn thing when im done.. hehe