cam install help needed...

[Only4U]

i'm thinking of purchasing the vs cam from zzperformance--the one that apparently doesn't need any other modifications along with it (rocker arms/valve springs/etc.). what i want to know is if anyone might have a website with instructions on how to do this myself--because i'd really like to. also, if ya could, tell me what else would be a very wise thing to buy with this cam to get it installed and tools, etc. thx a whole bunch guys!

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: Only4U ]</p>

[Ironman24]

I don't have detailed instructions but I have a bunch of pics on my webpage:

http://www.carolinafbodyclub.com/ironman24/

Here is a list of parts and tools you will need:


24503515 – Rocker Bolts 12
.75(ea)
24504668 – Timing Chain
35.71
24502252 – Timing Cover Gasket 4.17
12537616 – Upper/Lower Intake Gasket Kit
23.07
24502433 – Thermostat Gasket
.97
24503432 – Throttle Body Gasket 3.44

½ - 20x4 Fine Thread – Bolt to thread in cam for removal/install.

Tools needed:

Pulley remover tool (steering wheel remover tool will work)
Pulley installer tool
½” or ¾” Impact gun
15/16 impact socket for crank pulley bolt
1 and 1/8 impact socket for cam gear bolt
Plastic fuel line removal tool

[blue95]

very nice valve colors did you do those yourself?

[Only4U]

so can the cam just be taken out and then the new one put in and bam, you're done? or do you have to position the new cam exactly the way the old one was positioned when you took it out? so all in all, is the install pretty easy or hard? and how long should i expect (with 3 peope) to do this? thx guys.

oh ya, and the timing chain must be replaced? why exactly? thx ironman...

and does the radiator need to be taken out...or can i slip the cam in without having to take that out? thx again.

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: Only4U ]</p>

[slacker69]

yes the timing chain needs replaced you have to remove the pushrods and the rocker arms whice means u need new rocker arm studs, the cam has to be alined perfercetly it is called degreeing the cam and then positioning

[Tiago]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by slacker69:
yes the timing chain needs replaced you have to remove the pushrods and the rocker arms whice means u need new rocker arm studs, the cam has to be alined perfercetly it is called degreeing the cam and then positioning<hr></blockquote>

kris, actually you don't have to degree the cam thats something else. when you put the cam in, hte sprocket only goes in one way, and it has a timing mark on it. with the engine at TDC on cyl 1 you line up the dots thats how its timed right.
advancing or retarding the timing here can have other effects.

[ZeroGTS]

whatever you do make sure you set the timing right, these guys have a point.

you have NO idea how badly that can affect things.

this may seem idiotic but make SURE to check the manufacturers torque specs and torque everything up back to spec, otherwise youll run into some SERIOUS trouble.

[Only4U]

oh wow...looks complicated. so how exactly is the timing positioned correctly? thx.

[Ironman24]

The timing chain needs to be replaced because it stretches over time. Think of it as a wear item. Putting a new one on will ensure proper timing. Your cam is keyed, there is a slot on it so the cam gear can only go on one way, so it's pretty easy to figure out. Just make sure the dots on the cam gear line up with the balance shaft gear and also the crank. I'd suggest taking pictures for reference before removing anything and make sure you are at TDC before pulling the timing cover off.

I'd put aside an entire weekend to be safe, start Fri night. With 3 guys you can probly drive the car Sat evening. You don't have to pull the radiator, just the fans. (V8 guys will hate you for that) I'm assuming at least one of the 3 guys has done a cam install before? Having someone around with experience will be your biggest help. Especially when it comes time to remove and reinstall the cam without nicking or scratching a bearing.

The valve covers are powder coated, I did them at a buddy's shop.

[Only4U]

yes, at least one of them has done a cam install before. the third one--i don't know who it is yet, but hopefully he'll of had a little experience as well.