Question,


First, is changing the heads fairly easy??
is it a task you think someone who has done basically nothing
but bolt on stuff can do?

Second, I assume the CAM is something that would definitely
require removal of the engine???? Removing the engine is
obviously something I can't do at this point being I don't have
the equipment or experience.

 

Different people have different definitions of "easy". But, changing heads is within the capabilities of most serious enthusiasts; lots of people on this BBS have done it at home, in their driveway or garage. If you have the typical sort of tools that most people like us would have, you have most of what it takes. Allow yourself plenty of time, ask questions if your run into problems, and you can probably do it.

You do not have to pull the motor to change the cam although I personally find it easier to do so in this kind of car. Again, lots of people have done it at home. You'll have to remove the radiator and the condenser, which can be rotated up and out of the way along with the compressor, without disconnecting the lines, which is important if you want your A/C to continue to work; and you'll have to remove one of the braces under the hood latch.

 

You can deffinatly change the cam with the engine IN the car, but prepair for a sore back, its a garuntee.


As far as the heads, yea you can do it, but there are plenty of little tricks, You need to make sure you use a teflon paste, Dont forget to get the correct gasket thickness, check your valvetrain geometry, with cam + head, check your piston/valve clearance. Any simple item you over look can cause massive engine failure

Good luck.

 

Yep, like said cam change can be done with the engine in. Involves removing a lot of stuff and bending the support bars in front of the radiator a little.

 

OH yea and word to the wise


COVER THE FENDERS TAKE OFF THE HOOD, AND COVER THE NOSE


otherwise you'll have nice black finger prints all the way around hte front of your car