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

Water Pump Replacement--Cam Swap?

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Old Jun 7, 2008 | 01:46 PM
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CL21376's Avatar
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Water Pump Replacement--Cam Swap?

I'm in the process of replacing my water pump and it is kinda a PIA.

How much more tear down is required to get at my cam?

At some point I want to do a cam swap. While I dont really have the cash right now, I could certainly stretch it. Is it worth it just to replace my water pump, only to have to go through x% of this process all over again in less than 24 months?

And FWIW, I already had enough coolant leak over my opti that it might not make it

Oh, and I also need to replace a leaking valve cover gasket, so one of those is coming off too.....

Any advice? I think I might just be looking for justification to to cam my car....

CL
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 01:56 PM
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You are really not even close at this point so forget it.

Don't feel bad, I asked the same question first time I was pulling the WP, now with more experiance I realize just how far away I was.
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 03:25 PM
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You are not that close, but why not?
Think about it this way, if you do it later you have to go through the PITA again to do the waterpump And it will be easier putting it back on when all the other **** is gone
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 03:32 PM
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I realize now this was probably a stupid ? to have asked!

But regardless, how not close am I?

Am I at least 25%?

It should be noted I have no idea what I'm doing
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 03:38 PM
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I would say not quite 25%. Yes for just a cam swap but no for a job done right. No matter what youre gonna need springsand if money is tight you will be cutting corners and not buying quality parts. Thats why I say no
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 96' Formula WS6
I would say not quite 25%. Yes for just a cam swap but no for a job done right. No matter what youre gonna need springsand if money is tight you will be cutting corners and not buying quality parts. Thats why I say no
Money is tight, but not that tight....

I was thinking of one of these:

http://www.advancedinduction.com/AiProductsCK.html

and a dyno tune....

I think thats about all I would need to get her going?!? Maybe a few gaskets or misc parts, but that should cover it.

I dunno....I hate to think I'm going to end up having to tear this stuff out in less than 2 years as I've always planned on doing a cam/valve train upgrade.
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 03:48 PM
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hell ya if you got the money DO IT! Youll be happy and the car will too
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 03:49 PM
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your probably 2% there. you still have to take off the intake manifold, valve covers, drop the oil pan to take off the timing cover, take off the opti, take off the hub which is a bitch to do, take off the timing chain and sprockets, take out the radiator and condensor, undo all the rockers and pull the lifters out. and there is probably some things i forgot to mention

your not even close
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Pontiac_97
your probably 2% there. you still have to take off the intake manifold, valve covers, drop the oil pan to take off the timing cover, take off the opti, take off the hub which is a bitch to do, take off the timing chain and sprockets, take out the radiator and condensor, undo all the rockers and pull the lifters out. and there is probably some things i forgot to mention

your not even close
Driver side valve cover needs to come off anyway since it's leaking....

What is the chance my opti survived my water pump belching coolant all over it? If that didn't do it in, I rounded off the driver side drain plug so when I took off the water pump, even more coolant got on the opti.

And I've done the oil pan in the past, so that isn't a big deal.

I was hoping I was a little closer
Old Jun 7, 2008 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Pontiac_97
your probably 2% there. you still have to take off the intake manifold, valve covers, drop the oil pan to take off the timing cover, take off the opti, take off the hub which is a bitch to do, take off the timing chain and sprockets, take out the radiator and condensor, undo all the rockers and pull the lifters out. and there is probably some things i forgot to mention

your not even close
Yep, you have only scratched the surface at least in terms of complexity.
Old Jun 8, 2008 | 02:47 PM
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I agree with the rest of these guys. If you were in the opposite situation, like I was, doing a cam swap and wondering if you should replace the wp anyway, then we would all say "hell yeah!"
Old Jun 8, 2008 | 05:27 PM
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fair enough....thanks guys.
Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:14 PM
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I don't know what your goals for the car are but with an SLP Firehawk laying down 301 with bolt-ons, I'd stop right where you are and leave it alone. Change the waterpump if you need to and call it good. But that's just me...
Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:39 PM
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I completely disagree with most of the crowd here, I thought removing the waterpump and opti was nearly as much work as removing the intake manifold.

I wouldnt want to be drenching my opti twice (I just drenched mine last week!) so I say go for it now!!
Old Jun 24, 2008 | 10:11 PM
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screw it just do it.



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