Replacing Cam...

[NOS2006]

My Chilton's manual says I'll need to remove the radiator and disable the AC system.. Do I really need the AC system disabled? Thanks.

[Phate]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Well yeah... cause your going to be bleeding the freeon out of it. If your intending to do a cam install by a guidebook, i'd suggest not. Just my 2 cents. Im an automotive tech and have put in many cams, and the one in my car was the hardest ive ever done. 13 hours, with the correct tools, lifts, everything you need.

[NOS2006]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Well I'm taking info from here, my auto class/teacher, different websites, and I'm gonna have the book on my side (along with a couple websites).

13 hours is fine. I have two whole days (plus Easter morning) and the entire week afterward to work on it. Just wasn't sure if I needed the AC discharged.

Is it easy to discharge the AC? Or should I just take it to my auto class or a place to get it done?

[Timmy]

Re: Replacing Cam...

you dont have to remove the radiator to install the cam, just unbolt the three bolts on top and pull it forward enough to slide the cam in. Thats exactly how i got mine in. however you are going to have to disconnect the a/c because the condenser sits right in front of the radiator and you will not be able to move it with that still connected

[cam98aro]

Re: Replacing Cam...

you only need to remove the fans on the 98 camaro, i know that.

[NOS2006]

Re: Replacing Cam...

you only need to remove the fans on the 98 camaro, i know that.

Looks like you're right. That should work, though it may be a little tight. Thanks.

Timmy, you totally lost me, dude. lol

[98Camaro3.8]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Don't touch the A/C and don't touch the radiator. I just removed the fans, and I've heard even that is unnecessary.

Where do people come up with all this stuff about removing the radiator and a/c???

[Shodown]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Check out either the March or April issue of "Camaro Performers" and take at look in there (same issue with Shirl's car in it). They did a cam swap and new valve train in a 3800 and they stated what they did and didnt remove. I dont have the mag with me so I cant tell you right now, but I will get it tomorrow and let ya know what they did.

[cam98aro]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Don't touch the A/C and don't touch the radiator. I just removed the fans, and I've heard even that is unnecessary.

Where do people come up with all this stuff about removing the radiator and a/c???

because you have to in the v8 cars, and people think it is the same for a v6

[Shodown]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Okay, Camaro Performers magazine quotes:

"Some say to change the cam, pull the fans, radiator, and A/C condenser, which also, forces an A/C recharge. With our '01 we got the cam out without removing all that."

March issue, pg. 30

Hope that helps.

[NOS2006]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Yep, thanks. I actually went and bought the magazine right after I got out of work this afternoon. Not sure how much more it'll help than internet sites, but, hey, it's another source. I'm way confident about this project anyway. I've been preparing for it for over a month now.

Only thing I need to learn to do is degreeing a cam..?

[Shodown]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Yep, thanks. I actually went and bought the magazine right after I got out of work this afternoon. Not sure how much more it'll help than internet sites, but, hey, it's another source. I'm way confident about this project anyway. I've been preparing for it for over a month now.

Only thing I need to learn to do is degreeing a cam..?

Good luck man. Keep us posted cuz I was thinking of doing the same thing, I'm still not too sure of doing it myself.

[NOS2006]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Thanks. I'll try to take pictures and make a little write up. This is what's going down:

Keeping stock heads, but upgrading rods, valvesprings, retainers, cam.
Rods: Oil-restricted pushrods from ZZP
Springs: 105 lb. from ZZP
Retainers: Modified Steel from ZZP
Cam: Comp Cams GT2

I'm also sending the PCM to Texas Speed and adding headers all at the same time. Shortly after, I really want to get my 3.73s, LSD, and shift kit all thrown in.

Oh, and I'm putting in a 32mm front sway bar because mine is shot. :)

[NOS2006]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Question: is the crank bolt (in front of the harmonic balancer pulley) forward or backward threaded? You know.. the one you've got to torque to 111 freakin' ft/lbs plus another freakin' 114 degrees.. lol

[Shodown]

Re: Replacing Cam...

Thanks. I'll try to take pictures and make a little write up. This is what's going down:

Keeping stock heads, but upgrading rods, valvesprings, retainers, cam.
Rods: Oil-restricted pushrods from ZZP
Springs: 105 lb. from ZZP
Retainers: Modified Steel from ZZP
Cam: Comp Cams GT2

I'm also sending the PCM to Texas Speed and adding headers all at the same time. Shortly after, I really want to get my 3.73s, LSD, and shift kit all thrown in.

Oh, and I'm putting in a 32mm front sway bar because mine is shot. :)

Awesome project! I was thinking along the same lines only with an X-P cam and roller rockers. I would really appreciate some pics and a write up of lessons learned and dos/donts. :)