So I am doing a cam swap (very slowly) and need to know how important having the #1 cylinder at TDC is. I have the crank hub off, but nothing else. should i put it back on and put cylinder 1 to TDC or can i get by? when i swap the springs later i know the piston has to be up and will do that once the front of the motor is back together. thanks

 

I would put it at TDC and mark the crank pulley with a paint pencil. It will make future projects much easier knowing TDC.

 

Use Shoebox's cam remove/install guides:

http://shbox.com/ci/cam_removal.html

http://shbox.com/ci/cam_install.html

 

if it wasnt for that i site i wouldnt know what to do. however, on his site i didnt see anything about the #1 piston being at TDC, thats why i was asking. thanks though

 

You must have missed how you line it up...

 

i think i should be good, after re-looking at the site and my shop manual the arrow on the crank hub was at the 12 o'clock position when i pulled so i should be good right? also the dowel pin for the cam gear is at the 9 o'clock position. my original question is does that cylinder have to be at TDC to pull the old cam and put the new one in? thanks again.

 

you will have to excuse me....this is my first time, i am a little slow lol, thanks again for the input and links.

 

It does not matter where they are when you pull it, but the dots on the gears must align when you install it (like my quote says).

 

ok thanks thats what i wanted to make sure about. another quick question about lowering the oil pan - once the bolts are loose do i just gently pry the pan down around the corners? or will it come down on its own once the bolts are backed out far enough?

 

If it does not come down on its own, gently pry to break it loose. Just don't bend the pan. You will likely have to remove at least the front half of the bolts and loosen the rest. Gingerly free the front part of the gasket from the bottom of timing cover.

 

ok got the timing cover off, last question for now. i am reusing the stock lifters. with a new cam do the lifters have to go back in their original position? i have heard both with regards to a different/new cam. thanks again!!!

 

I would try to keep them in the same bore and direction as they came out. It may not really matter. But then again, I would probably use new lifters.