Cam install or LT install.
Question is simple as that. I am looking to put in a hotcam on my car and was wondering how it fairs against putting in long tubes.

 

my header install wasn't that hard so i would say that the cam would be harder for sure. You have to take the intake off and i have done this before to fix the leak, its kinda a pain to get all thw hoses and wires out of the way, i would think you would also have to take out the radiator and fans, opti,water pump, timing chain... i don't think you could compair a cam swap to a header install because the cam swap takes a lot more knowlege than a header install that some people might not have. Although it could easily be done just from reading posts on this site

 

Without doing a cam install but assisting in a couple LT installs I still say a cam install is harder. There is a lot more to do during the install(many more parts to remove, replace, and reinstall). Many more factors that can go wrong, added skills that are probably needed besides just basic fit and bolt back yard mechanics. It's basically internal engine work, which requires a cleaner more in depth atmosphere etc. LT install isn't really hard, it's just a PITA because of a lack of room, a cam involves much more than just a lack of room(which it also has).

 

Just curiouse, why would you have to take the intake off for a cam install?

 

y would you have to take the intake off to install a cam? your joking right?

 

There is plenty of online install guides you can find. Ive never done anything like it before last week and mine went without a hitch. It was me working on it by myself.

The actually toughest part was getting the Timing cover off. You have to drop the oil pan down so it doesnt rip the gasket.

The intake needs to come off because the cam wont come out without the lifters being removed and also need to remove the oil pump drive.

Valve springs were kind of a pain b/c of the cramped space, but other than that its not bad at all. My car started up with zero problems after the install.

 

How exactly would you pull the lifters out without removing the Intake?

 

[cop voice]
It's ok people we have it under control!

SIR! Sir, drop the wrench and back AWAY FROM THE CAR!

Back AWAY from the car sir!

[/cop voice]



JJ

Dave C.

 

LMAO

To get back to the 1st question - having done headers and cam twice - I'd say doing a cam is a lot more work and a lot more complicated.

However both are a full day job and I cussed more doing headers

 

Geez, you guys sure are giving him a hard time. It was a legitimate question.

Everybody has to start somewhere, and the best way to learn about how things work is by taking them apart. Right? Atleast he wants to learn.

 

Well dont be too harsh... LS1s dont REQUIRE the intake to be removed on a cam install

 

Nah, it's all in jest..

Your exactly right. Everyone has to start somewhere. EVERYBODY was a newbie at some point. You just grab a haynes/chiltons manual and start wrenchin'!

Just couldn't resist that one once it hit me I kept hearing it in my head and thought I'd share some fun

Dave C.

 

You wouldn't believe how bad that freaks out the "old school" hot rodders around here. They quite simply don't believe it until you SHOW them!

Dave C.

 

94NDTA: As jchevy stated above, you have to remove the intake manifold not only to remove the the lifter retaining plate and the lifters, but also the oil pump shaft (-pseudo distributor shaft) at the rear of the block. Without removing those, the camshaft can't realistically be pulled out of the block.


That being said, I personally had less trouble with the cam install. Yes, it's considerably more involved, but I ran into more problems with the FLP longtubes. The valvetrain went in without a hitch.

IOW, if you can install headers, I think you can install a cam. Just do your research. This is one of the better guides I came across: http://www.streetillusionsracing.com...ll/Cam/cam.htm (kudos to 'Slim')

 

I just got some FLP headers. What problems did you run into?

thanks

Joe