I am getting a new lunti cam, and I would like to replace it with my old one myself. How hard is this, is this something I should take on myself of should I pay someone. Time is not an issue I just dont wish to jack it all up.
WHat do I need to have to complete this, what do i need to remove, what do i need to make sure DOES happen, and what do i have to make sure DOES NOT happen? Anything you guys can offer up would help.

 

In car cam swaps are a pain but can be done. Whether or not you should attempt it just depends on your amount of experience and availabilty of tools. I've done it myself a couple of times and came to the conclusion its easier to pull the engine and do it on an engine stand. But keep in mind I have no emissions and have pulled the engine many times so I can have it out in 2-3 hours max.
If you decide to do it plan on also buying a timing chain(you should replace it since you have to take it off anyway), intake gaskets, water pump gaskets, timing chain cover gasket, break in lube, and possibly oil pan gasket. You will also need a harmonic balancer puller. Double/Triple check the timing marks and that you are truely on top dead center when installing the cam. The hardest part is dealing with the timing chain/front oil pan gasket and getting it to seal right, read some posts about that and draw your own conclusions. I'd rather pull the engine so I can see what I'm doing and have full access to the pan. That way I can do it once and get it done right even if it takes a little more time. Be sure to set valve lash correctly(very important) and follow the proper break-in procedure so you don't damage the cam or your engine. Change the oil again after breaking in the cam. Do a search theres been a lot of posts on this topic, heres a few to get you started.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...t=car+cam+swap

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...t=car+cam+swap

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...t=car+cam+swap

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...t=car+cam+swap

 

I am in the process of doing a cam swap in my car. It is do-able. This is my first time doing anything like this. It really isn't that hard, just take your time. You will run into little things that hold you back Like taking the harmonic balancer bolt off. Air tools are your friend And putting the timing cover back on is a pain in the a**.

 

Getting the timing cover off will require you drop the oil pan, i'm not sure if you have to jack up the motor for that. I did this on a motor stand

I think you have to bend a support rod in the front clip, to have the clearance to pull the cam out.

If you have access to a motor crane and stand, i'd highly recommend you do it that way.

 

I dont have the funds or the ability or time really for a pull out and do. Im going to attempt it with the motor in, I think if i take out the radiator and the x support (no ac) If i take my time and the wealth of information given to me by a few of you I think I can take this on. I have done all my own work why change that now.
If anyone else has a hey dont forget this or hey this worked for me best by all means let me hear it.

 

You should have no problem doing the swap in the car. When you take out the radiator and x support, the camshaft has plenty of room to slide in/out.