Heads/cam self install, can it be done...
Registered User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 611
From: Chicago 'burbs
Rule #1, if you haven't picked it up from previous posts already:
If you are new to cars, it will take a LOT of time.
When I did my heads and cam swap, it took me a full week just to take the motor apart. The first time you're working on it you'll probably be sweating like crazy worried about losing parts or breaking stuff, taking photo's of ridiculously simple connections because you want to get stuff absolutely right. This is normal for your first time through. Don't be ashamed if it takes "forever".
The second time I did a cam swap on a friend's car I had the motor down to the block in less than 2 hours.
Good luck! Don't be afraid to ask questions!
If you are new to cars, it will take a LOT of time.
When I did my heads and cam swap, it took me a full week just to take the motor apart. The first time you're working on it you'll probably be sweating like crazy worried about losing parts or breaking stuff, taking photo's of ridiculously simple connections because you want to get stuff absolutely right. This is normal for your first time through. Don't be ashamed if it takes "forever".
The second time I did a cam swap on a friend's car I had the motor down to the block in less than 2 hours.
Good luck! Don't be afraid to ask questions!
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 622
From: Mesa, Az
Originally posted by grendal
Yes. Snags as follows (not really in order, just as I am thinking of them):
1) Took 3 different tools to pull the crank hub, and in the process I destroyed the bolt and did some damage to the threads in the crank
2) Had to locate a new crank hub bolt.... 2 hardware stores later, I just gave up and bought it from a Chevy dealer.... Bye bye to 3 hours
3) Took two different auto parts stores to find a fuel line release that actually worked. None of the "rent-a-tool" ones would work. Had to pay $10 for some small pieces of plastic that worked to do it..... multiple trips to Autozone.
4) Had to order fuel injector O-rings when I realized they don't look so hot.
5) I was sent the wrong Opti seal, had to order correct seal. I have a '95. They sent me a '94 seal.
6) Nearly dropped a valve into the motor, because the crank TDC mark was way wrong.... Spent days evaluating what to do to get the valve back up without taking the head off....
7) While adjusting the valves, it took another hour and some cz28.com posts to figure out that "dot to dot" is NOT TDC on an LT1....
8) When installing virtually everything, it became apparent that very few places can actually fit a torque wrench. Decided to tighten with the "PFT" method.
9) Found out I needed to remove the TB in order to get the intake off (can't reach the bolt).... thus, had to order a TB gasket, after giving up on the auto part stores who never could find the right one.
10) Took 2 different valve spring compressors, and many cut-up hands, to change the valve springs... The first spring compressor (from SEARS), fell apart and sucked ***. The second one from O'Reilly was barely half-*** better, and both were very hard to use. More trips to parts/tool stores.
Potential snags that still remain:
1) I haven't figured out exactly how I'm going to get the crank hub back on..... what's the proper method?
2) I hope the crank threads aren't destroyed.
3) I need to rig something to block my AIR ports on my headers (not putting AIR pump back on).
4) Have to get radiator/fans back into the car and put water back in the system... I also have to replace a hose or two that had to be destroyed to be removed... (this could also go into the "snags" list above).
5) I've got no way to figure out TDC anymore. Timing cover is back on, and I've done a "test crank" to make sure it's gonna fire up before I cover up all the stuff that makes it fire
... so now, it's not at TDC anymore...
Other than that, I'm pretty close to bringing it back to life. Anyway, if you encounter any snags, you will find that it slows the process down dramatically. For me, I just get pissed off and leave it for another day.
-Michael
I guess that's all I can think of as of now....
Yes. Snags as follows (not really in order, just as I am thinking of them):
1) Took 3 different tools to pull the crank hub, and in the process I destroyed the bolt and did some damage to the threads in the crank
2) Had to locate a new crank hub bolt.... 2 hardware stores later, I just gave up and bought it from a Chevy dealer.... Bye bye to 3 hours
3) Took two different auto parts stores to find a fuel line release that actually worked. None of the "rent-a-tool" ones would work. Had to pay $10 for some small pieces of plastic that worked to do it..... multiple trips to Autozone.
4) Had to order fuel injector O-rings when I realized they don't look so hot.
5) I was sent the wrong Opti seal, had to order correct seal. I have a '95. They sent me a '94 seal.
6) Nearly dropped a valve into the motor, because the crank TDC mark was way wrong.... Spent days evaluating what to do to get the valve back up without taking the head off....
7) While adjusting the valves, it took another hour and some cz28.com posts to figure out that "dot to dot" is NOT TDC on an LT1....
8) When installing virtually everything, it became apparent that very few places can actually fit a torque wrench. Decided to tighten with the "PFT" method.
9) Found out I needed to remove the TB in order to get the intake off (can't reach the bolt).... thus, had to order a TB gasket, after giving up on the auto part stores who never could find the right one.
10) Took 2 different valve spring compressors, and many cut-up hands, to change the valve springs... The first spring compressor (from SEARS), fell apart and sucked ***. The second one from O'Reilly was barely half-*** better, and both were very hard to use. More trips to parts/tool stores.
Potential snags that still remain:
1) I haven't figured out exactly how I'm going to get the crank hub back on..... what's the proper method?
2) I hope the crank threads aren't destroyed.
3) I need to rig something to block my AIR ports on my headers (not putting AIR pump back on).
4) Have to get radiator/fans back into the car and put water back in the system... I also have to replace a hose or two that had to be destroyed to be removed... (this could also go into the "snags" list above).
5) I've got no way to figure out TDC anymore. Timing cover is back on, and I've done a "test crank" to make sure it's gonna fire up before I cover up all the stuff that makes it fire
... so now, it's not at TDC anymore... Other than that, I'm pretty close to bringing it back to life. Anyway, if you encounter any snags, you will find that it slows the process down dramatically. For me, I just get pissed off and leave it for another day.
-Michael
I guess that's all I can think of as of now....
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