Cam swaps

Jamieg285 · July 28, 2006, 05:14:43 AM

Is it a reasonable proposition to swap a cam from one engine (low mileage since install) into another engine?

What parts would need to go with it? I'm guessing lifters (new with cam), but what about bearings and anything else?

55starchief · July 28, 2006, 05:17:16 AM

Its do able but not recomended. You would need to make sure you have all the followers in the exact same order. also you would need new cam bearings which are a PITA to install. They are normaly done when the block is machined and the cam bearings line bored to make sure they are true. Would also nned to check the lifter bores arnt worn on the block your going to put them in

Jamieg285 · July 28, 2006, 05:22:57 AM

What are the likely problems that might happen if I did go ahead?

55starchief · July 28, 2006, 05:25:09 AM

The cam has already been run and the lifters will have worn the cam profile so you MUST put the lifter back in the same way. The cam bearings are a real pain to install you need a special tool to do it properly. might also be wise to use the same pushrods just incase there are any differences

Jamieg285 · July 28, 2006, 05:37:44 AM

Yeah, I get all that, but why is it not recommended. What could go wrong.

Bear in mind that this is a daily driver, not a stressed race engine. Most time is spent at 1.5-2K rpm, and rarely sees over 3.5-4.

55starchief · July 28, 2006, 05:39:24 AM

Quoting: Jamieg285

Yeah, I get all that, but why is it not recommended. What could go wrong.

You could damage the cam or lifters thats about all really. Most people dont bother as cams are so cheap its not worth swapping one out for a used one

Roadkill · July 28, 2006, 06:51:39 AM

I'm guessing your talking about swapping over your tractor Cam ?

Wouldn't have thought a new one would cost much more then $200 . . .

Jamieg285 · July 28, 2006, 07:09:49 AM

Quoting: Roadkill

I'm guessing your talking about swapping over your tractor Cam ?

Wouldn't have thought a new one would cost much more then $200 . . .

Correct, but the other one I already have for free - (it's just installed in the 305 at the mo.

)

Roadkill · July 28, 2006, 07:54:39 AM

"Free" IS better then cheap . . .

Goatman · August 01, 2006, 11:56:53 AM

If you don't put the lifters back in the order they came out, then it COULD flatten the cam. You MIGHT be ablr to get away with it, but like Graeme said, it's not recomended.

philoldsmobile · August 01, 2006, 01:54:13 PM

another vote for not recomended....

i have it on good authority that one of the best budget cams for the small block is a 'white box' (no brand budget type) 327 early vette cam

through someone like real steel or eadys they can be WELL under £100

life expectancy varies, sometimes they live 20,000 miles, sometimes they can go almost indefinately, the quality of no brand parts varies quite a bit..