Cam Install Kits

[RadRacer]

Ok, yet again I'm thinking of a cam. This time, though, I'm soooo close to doing it. I was just wondering, where does everyone else get the parts for their install, or did they buy a kit, or what? I was looking at ZZP's kit for the L36 engine, then a few more gaskets to complete it, but just wondering what everyone else uses.

[97rs4life]

Re: Cam Install Kits

just remember the zzp kits are for the gp cars so some of the gaskets are not applicable for the fbody.

[johns00c]

Re: Cam Install Kits

If you have a 3.8 fbody. This site should have all the gaskets you will need.

http://www.abbottracingheads.com/

[RadRacer]

Re: Cam Install Kits

just remember the zzp kits are for the gp cars so some of the gaskets are not applicable for the fbody.

Kit 4 includes:

Timing chain dampener
12 rocker bolts
supercharger gasket (except L36/22)
2 coolant passage O-rings (except L36/22)
intake gasket set
front cover gasket
ARP assembly lube
valve cover gaskets
crank bolt
cam bolt


That's from ZZP's site, and you can choose the L36 engine, so I assume it'll be the right gaskets. I was told I'll also need an upper intake gasket, and a TB gasket, and most likely a new timing chain. Sound about right?

Also, about how long should it take to install the cam? My search came up with a GM technician quoting someone 15hrs, just wondering how long it took you guys.

[RadRacer]

Re: Cam Install Kits

On a scale of 1 to 10, how hard would you say the install was? My dad is fearing that since the engine's so far under the cowl it's going to be a PITA to do the swap without dropping the engine. From what I've read, it's all pretty straight forward, just mainly time consuming. We're going to set aside one weekend to do it, about a month from now, but he's got to double check with some friends as to how hard it should be and what all's needed.

[josh98bird]

Re: Cam Install Kits

On a scale of 1 to 10, how hard would you say the install was? My dad is fearing that since the engine's so far under the cowl it's going to be a PITA to do the swap without dropping the engine. From what I've read, it's all pretty straight forward, just mainly time consuming. We're going to set aside one weekend to do it, about a month from now, but he's got to double check with some friends as to how hard it should be and what all's needed.

buy a few other things to put on and just drop the engine anyway. It only took me and a buddy of mine to drop his 3.8 about 5 hours.

[RadRacer]

Re: Cam Install Kits

buy a few other things to put on and just drop the engine anyway. It only took me and a buddy of mine to drop his 3.8 about 5 hours.

Well, about the only other thing I have ATM is a new oil pan. What else could i get? Plus, we were wondering cuz we don't have a lift.

[josh98bird]

Re: Cam Install Kits

find a pulley and hook it to a tree or something. You can just jack up the car. Buy some headers or something that would be easier to put on when the motor is out.

[RadRacer]

Re: Cam Install Kits

find a pulley and hook it to a tree or something. You can just jack up the car. Buy some headers or something that would be easier to put on when the motor is out.

lol. The trees around my house a thin pine trees that won't hold up a car. There's 1 oak that would, but i don't think i'd have enough clearance. i already have headers. here's my mods:

Pacesetter Headers; !Cat Converter; 3" piping all the way back to a Cherry Bomb muffler with dual Z-28 tips; Moroso LT1 Cold Air Intake; LS1 Aluminum DriveShaft; Z28 rear with 3.73's; Z28 sway bar and springs; shortened stock shifter

And have a tune coming once they get more PCM's in stock. it's a 97 camaro, btw. i'm hoping to get the final word on the cam soon, so i can ask them to change my tune before they ship it out so i don't have to pay another $50.

[97rs4life]

Re: Cam Install Kits

Kit 4 includes:

Timing chain dampener
12 rocker bolts
supercharger gasket (except L36/22)
2 coolant passage O-rings (except L36/22)
intake gasket set
front cover gasket
ARP assembly lube
valve cover gaskets
crank bolt
cam bolt


That's from ZZP's site, and you can choose the L36 engine, so I assume it'll be the right gaskets. I was told I'll also need an upper intake gasket, and a TB gasket, and most likely a new timing chain. Sound about right?

Also, about how long should it take to install the cam? My search came up with a GM technician quoting someone 15hrs, just wondering how long it took you guys.

The l36 engine they are referring to is the NA engine found in the base grand prix's and GTs, the GTP comes with the l67. The GP l36 has a different intake setup so the gaskets would not work on an fbody

[IDoVoodoo]

Re: Cam Install Kits

That's from ZZP's site, and you can choose the L36 engine, so I assume it'll be the right gaskets. I was told I'll also need an upper intake gasket, and a TB gasket, and most likely a new timing chain. Sound about right?

Those gaskets will be fine. You'll just need an upper intake gasket for a rwd car for about 8 bucks. Don't know if it's necessary to remove the TB but a new timing chain is a good idea.

[RadRacer]

Re: Cam Install Kits

Can some of you guys rate the install for me? My dad's saying no because according to our two mechanic friends, the install is a PITA and the results are not worth it. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the hardest. I realize it's a pretty difficult install, but it doesn't seem THAT bad to make me turn my head from it. My dad said we'll just run it the way it is right now, and add a shot of N2O abit further down the road. But, if I up the internals, then I could add an even bigger shot down the road!

[97rs4life]

Re: Cam Install Kits

can you turn a wrench? Just torque everything down to specs and follow the cam install walkthrough that I believe it was Magnus created and you will be fine.

Great learning experience

[RadRacer]

Re: Cam Install Kits

can you turn a wrench? Just torque everything down to specs and follow the cam install walkthrough that I believe it was Magnus created and you will be fine.

Great learning experience

Of course I can turn a wrench. In fact, my dad's an AP mech, and I help him out when needed. Right now we've got his 83 VW Diesel truck pulled apart in the shed to do a head swap on it. He just says everyone says our cars are a PITA to work on, especially when it comes to doing motor work. Compared to other vehicles/object, how hard would you say it is?

[98 3.8]

Re: Cam Install Kits

I haven't put my cam in yet. (waiting to finish up true duals, then it all comes out from under the bed!)

However, from the research I've done, it looks like it's one of the more lengthy tasks you can undertake. I've pulled my tranny 5 times...I've cut my roof off and put in T tops...I've taken apart my engine to the lower intake gaskets replacing stuff.

Out of those things, taking the engine apart was one of the easier things to do. I guess I'm kinda rambling now, but I don't see it as a very hard task, especially since there IS a good, detailed writeup on the install. Just make sure you research thoroughly so you have all the right parts on hand when you go to install.