Parts required for swapping out a Camshaft ?

[Roadkill]

I've got on my list :

Intake gaskets,
Valve Cover Gaskets,
Timing Cover Gaskets (water pump inc),
New Camshaft,
Camshaft handle,



I feel there's something I'm missing . . .

[Jamieg285]

I can't think of anything else.

[Andy]

Was reading a Haynes manual last night (nowt better to do), suggested a bit of wire or hook to avoid damaging any lobes or bearings on the way in and out.

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Andy

Haynes manual

Quoting: Andy

suggested a bit of wire or hook

Haynes.  F*cking butchers !



A Camshaft handle is basically a knurled handle you bolt on the end of the camshaft to ease it in and out carefully.

Although a bit of wire would be cheaper.

[Jamieg285]

I just used 3 long bolts in the end of the camshaft. Not particularly comfortable, but it did the job

[Roadkill]

I was toying with the idea of replacing the timing gear/chain but I reckon that's overkill at this stage . . .

[philoldsmobile]

timing chains do streach on small blocks, and even tiny changes in cam timing can really affect power (even 1 degree can really affect some engnies). for the cost i'd not even contemplate changing a cam without doing the timing chain.

a gear drive is even better, as is a jezel belt drive, as cam timing is far more precise.

the cam chain not having a tensioner is a bit of a flaw in the SBC..

[Roadkill]

Quoting: philoldsmobile

gear drive is even better

Don't do them for the LT1's

[philoldsmobile]

suckage...prob due to the opti-schmuck. would a standard SBC one fit now?

[Roadkill]

Quoting: philoldsmobile

would a standard SBC one fit now?

I think there's a clash with the timing chain cover, IIRC . . .

[philoldsmobile]

could you use an SBC timing cover?

[Roadkill]

Quoting: philoldsmobile

could you use an SBC timing cover?

Not AFAIK -

[Roadkill]

Typically the installation of  an electric water pump conversion on the LT-1 includes a soft plug to fill the drive hole in the water pump, but does nothing to fill the hole in the front cover instead depending upon the original shaft and seal to close off the engine. This isn't the best idea since the shaft is only supported at one end when its pump connection is removed. This can allow it to wobble and the seal will leak some oil and crankcase vapor.

If you pull the front cover off, you can remove the LT-1 timing set and replace it with any unit that is applicable to the factory roller cammed engines inclusive of the truck Vortec. Then just plug the old drive hole in the front cover with a soft plug. Check the cam gear for clearance of the thrust plate retention bolts, some of these will scrape on the backside of the gear.  If this happens, either grind some material off the gear's back side with a die grinder or Dremel Tool, or replace the hex bolts with Torx or Allen drive bolts.