LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Pen magnet lifter trick for Cam swap

Old Feb 19, 2004 | 03:26 PM
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Pen magnet lifter trick for Cam swap

I was talking with my buddy who owns an LS1. He was saying how his instal sites say you can use 16 pen magnets to hold the lifters while doing the cam. It seems fairly reasonable although slightly risky. Apparently that's how many LS1 guys do there cam swaps. Seems like it would save a lot of time. I was just wondering if any LT1 guys ever tried it. I'd hate to be the first and have a lifter drop cuz they weren't strong enough magnets. I suppose I'll go grab some extra lifters and do some strenght tests.

http://www.ls1howto.com/howto/fbody/...allmagnets.jpg
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 03:48 PM
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seems risky to me
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 03:51 PM
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Well and that's what I said to my buddy, but he assured me they do it all the time and I'm wondering if LT1 guys ever tried it. You can see the pic right there.

Of course if I even considered it I've have the new cam ready to go right back in instantly.
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 04:02 PM
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It doesn't work for the LT1. The LT1 uses a retainer plate that holds down the lifters, I asked about this before I did my cam swap. After I had it all apart I could see why.
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 04:05 PM
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Originally posted by GREGG 97Z
It doesn't work for the LT1. The LT1 uses a retainer plate that holds down the lifters, I asked about this before I did my cam swap. After I had it all apart I could see why.
correct, the intake must come off and dont foget about the oil pump gear drive, it must also be removed before R&R the cam.

jesse
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 04:27 PM
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I don't know that much about the LS1 internals, but I think the reason they do it is because you have to pull the heads to remove the lifters. Not so on the LT1.
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 04:30 PM
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It's been a while since I had my intake off and couldn't remember if it was feasable or not. I got a vette to drive around anyway so I'm not too concerned about saving loads of time and being without a car. Just thought I'd check into the possibility.
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 05:38 PM
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On an LS1 the lifters lock into place. If you spin the cam they will all stay up. You dont even have to use the magnets at all. That is just an extra bit of safety. The lt1 is different. The lifters were never ment to stay in place in the first place. I woud pull the intake if I were you. It will take less time then digging out that lifter if it falls.
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 06:14 PM
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its not a factor at all. You couldn't do it if you even wanted to. The intake must come off to change a cam due to the oil pump drive.
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 08:46 PM
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Originally posted by Tim 98z
On an LS1 the lifters lock into place. If you spin the cam they will all stay up. You dont even have to use the magnets at all. That is just an extra bit of safety. The lt1 is different. The lifters were never ment to stay in place in the first place. I woud pull the intake if I were you. It will take less time then digging out that lifter if it falls.
Right on. You don't have to remove the LS1 intake at all. Turn the cam and the lifters lock up. I wish the LT1 was like that.
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