1996 camaro LT1. Replacing the cam and a few others. I've got the intake off, valve covers off, lifters/push rods and rockers. timing chain and cover off and i'm ready to pull the cam, I think. I've never pulled a cam but I thought it would slide out fairly easy. It appears to be stuck on something. Is there a certain way to pull the cam? I've bolted on the cam gear so I can hold on to someting and pulled and turned counter clockwise while putting pressure but no luck. I dont want to over do it and damage something. Advice would be appreciated.

 

Have you unbolted the oil pump drive and removed it?

 

Is that the bolt and tube on the passenger side by the fire wall that runs down through the valley?

 

unbolt and remove the oilpump drive. its in the lifter valley at the rear of the block..

 

I unbolted it and the cam is still tight.

 

I also remove the oil pump shaft/gear drive.

 

Did you assemble a make-shift handle out of 3 bolts to give yourself some leverage to pull? It takes a bit of force to dislodge the cam.

 

Be careful not to drop it or drag it on the bearings either. It will take some force to pull it out.

 

Did you remove the cam retainer plate that bolts to the block behind the timing gear? It is held on with two Torx-head cap screws. You'll know if you took it off because normal Allen wrenches won't work. You need a Torx socket to remove the cap screws. The cam will turn freely but NOT come out until that plate is removed.

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Got the cam out and in. Thanks for everybody's input.