Ok, I think my timing chain is on it's way out, and I heard that once you go that far, a cam install is easy because only the plenum and valve covers have to come off to do it. Is this true? If I were to buy a Cloyes double roller timing chain, a balancer puller and install tool, and the cam is it something I could do myself? I've never gone that far, and don't know much about how to do it without messing it up...

If I were to do a cam, do the lifters have to come off or be loosened? Cause if they do I might as well take them off and put some 1.52's or .60's on instead...

Someone gimme a failproof walkthrough I can follow so if I decide to do this I don't have to shelf my car for the winter (can -not- afford labor costs right now)...

Thanks!!

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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.

C'mon, spin 'em for papa...
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The lifters must be replaced. The rockers can be replace with 1.52's or 1.6's like you are talking about. But if you get the cam with the lift you want, you won't need or want the extra lift rockers(too much lift will give you coil bind). I would never tell anybody to try a cam install for the first time by themselves. If you really want to do it yourself, find a friend that has some experience to help.

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350 with stealth intake, holley carb, 470 lift cam. 700r4 with .5 boost valve, vette servo, tci lock-up kit, B&M megashifter. Richmond 3.73 gears, powertrax locker, timkin bearings, synthetic lube. Custom 3 inch single into 2 2.5 pipes. 1 1/2 drop springs, 1 5/16 solid front sway bar, 1 inch rear bar, custom subframe connectors, custom LCA relocation brackets. Kobel ground FX, currant red metallic paint. Lots of other stuff...
82camaro

 

Posted by Xenodrgn
Yes, the plenum and valve covers would have to come off, but that's so you could take off the rest of the intake, distributor, pushrods, and lifters. You'll also have to take out the radiator and condenser so you can get the cam in and out. It's not exactly a 'while you're in there' process. That's not to say you shouldn't do it. If you're planning on putting in a cam anytime in the near future, now's the time to do it. But if you're not sure about doing it yourself then you ought to get someone who knows what they're doing to help you, as it's not the sort of thing you want to screw up. For example, if you were to accidentally knock out a cam bearing or drop a lifter, well, then it's pretty much the end of the world.

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91 Z28
Come see The Vicious...