Cam installation help

[2000camarokid]

OK. I bought an intense stage 1 NA camshaft. I understand exactly how a camshaft works and ive been doing a lot of research on that matter. My problem is that im nervous of doing the install myself. But i dont want to let someone else do it. I want to do it, i know ill be much more sattisfied in the long run. I need help with what all i need to pull off of the engine to do the install? Ive heard that i can pull the valve covers off to take the rockers off and pull out the pushrods to free up the cam. Is this true? Also i know to take off the harmonic balancer and the timing chain cover and then the timing chain and gears? Then what do i do? Just pull the cam out? This is where i get a little confused. Sorry if i seem annoying with this whole camshaft thing, but im just trying to figure everything out and would rather not screw anything up. Thanks for the help.

[techsan23]

Re: Cam installation help

The best advice I can give to you is to go to the parts store and pick up a haynes manual or equivalent for your car. It is a good reference for procedures and torque specs.

[Meatyshells]

Re: Cam installation help

best advice i can give you is have some one that has done a cam swap before help you

[caspernicus]

Re: Cam installation help

Lifters need to come out too. Which means the upper and
lower intake have to come off.

[2000camarokid]

Re: Cam installation help

I have a haynes book and yea i was gonna use that i just figured id ask around on here also to get some tips. And i think my cousin is gonna help me do the swap, he knows a lot about the 3800, hes done a lot to his. And ok he also said that i might have to take the intakes off to pull out the lifters. Thanks.

[2000camarokid]

Re: Cam installation help

Two more questions. First, what is a good lubricant to use on the cam on the install? Second, what is a safe break in period, how long should i "baby" it?

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Cam installation help

Two more questions. First, what is a good lubricant to use on the cam on the install? Second, what is a safe break in period, how long should i "baby" it?

engine oil and the assembly lube you get with your cam parts...baby it for 500 miles or so...

[techsan23]

Re: Cam installation help

I used Lucas assembly lube. Break in is covered in the Haynes manual, but I would give it a little more time than they suggest IMO. Just make sure you change the break in oil before you really get after it. While Im thinking about it; a few things you can do is roll the cam over once right before you pull it out to push the lifters into the retainers. What kind of lifters are you going back with? An oil bath for the lifters is a good idea. You can roll the engine over with a wrench to close the valves for each cylinder as you tighten the rockers (use new rocker bolts). The crank bolt is going to be tight maybe your cousin has an mpact and compressor? Try not to break the 90o coolant elbow below the intake manifold, and dont forget to put the o-rings in that sandwich between the upper and lower intake manifolds.

[2000camarokid]

Re: Cam installation help

OK. Im just going back with the stock lifters. But if i turn the engine over once with to push the lifters into the retainers, do i still have to pull them out? And i have an impact gun and compressor.

[techsan23]

Re: Cam installation help

Your not actually going to turn the engine over. Just grab the gear on the cam and turn it one time after you get the timing chain and rockers removed. With the intake manifolds off you will see 2 rectangular plastic peices that are the retainers. They are held on by 2 bolts each. After you unbolt them the lifters should lift out inside the retainers. Load your new lifters in the retainers and bolt them back in.

[caspernicus]

Re: Cam installation help

There is no break-in period for a hydraulic cam.

And you have to pull the lifters out. The "retainers" just keep them
from rotating in the bore, they don't hold them up.

[2000camarokid]

Re: Cam installation help

Oh ok. Well thanks for the advice. Ill be sure and use it. IM starting the swap today in a couple hours.

[2000camarokid]

Re: Cam installation help

Ok. Ive got the valve covers off, the intake manifolds off and the rockers and pushrods off. And i am reading in the haynes book that i have to have a three bolt balancer puller to remove the balancer. Do i really have to have one to remove it or is there some other trick?

[caspernicus]

Re: Cam installation help

You need one. It's only ~$15, or you can rent one from
an autoparts store.

[2000camarokid]

Re: Cam installation help

OK. Thanks.