Alright well i've been debating putting the summit tpi camshaft kit in my car, and i think im gonna do it. but i was wondering if anyone whos installed a cam in a third gen could tell me how much of a pain in the *** it really is. it looks like you have to pull the whole front of the car off. is this true? also does anyone have any pictures or info on installing a new cam, lifters, or spings?

Chris

 

No pics or links, but I've done it a couple times so I can tell you it's possible. You'll have to pull the radiator and A/C condensor, but you CAN yank the cam with the engine in the car and not remove the whole front clip.

Make sure you lube the cam before you put it in, and be VERY careful not to force it into the block. Twist and push, twist and push....you don't want to knock a cam bearing out of place.

Soak the lifters in oil for at least 8 hours before you install them. They'll pump up faster that way which will make them less likely to collapse in the future.

When you change the springs, use an air compressor. Get a compression gauge fitting and screw it into the plug hole, then hook an air hose to it. The air pressure will hold the valves shut so you can take the springs off and not drop the vavles into the cylinder. Change the valve seals while you have the springs off. Take the keepers out with a magnet so you don't drop them through the oil return holes....you'll never get them out of the oilpan if you do (ask me how I know.)

When you put the intake back on, ignore the rubber end seals they send you. Use a thick bead of black RTV instead....it'll hold up a lot longer.



That's all I can think of for now....someone else will chime in with whatever I missed.

 

I would think that if you were going with a different cam you might have to change the Torque Converter too. Since I am going that route, I will be changing the cam with the engine out. Just something to think about. It would be easier than accidently knocking out a cam bearing and you are almost there anyways with the tranny disconnected so you can raise it up a little.

 

Tranny disconnected? You don't have to unbolt the trans to change cams. You don't have to unbolt the motor mounts either. All you have to do is remove the radiator and condensor and have a friend handy to pull on the support rods to get enough clearance to ****** it out. It's tight, but it'll work. And knocking a bearing out is only an issue if you just try to shove the cam in instead of rotating it so the lobes clear the bearings. They don't fall out THAT easily.


I agree that changing the torque converter would be a good idea, and that you won't see the full potential of the cam without it, but I wouldn't consider it a vital necessity. More like "the next mod on the to-do list."

 

alright guys thanks for your help im still not completely sure i am going to do just because the car is my daily driver. and it sounds like its going to take a couple days, if not longer. ( it seems like it would bennifit the car alot though just cuz it has the dinky peanut cam). if i can borrow my dads truck and he feels like helping me hopefully the car will be pulled apart on friday.

Chris