Ok i have some questions.... i have never changed a cam or heads before so bear with me...

1.) What exactly do i need new to change a hydraulic flat tappet? (parts)
I have lifters and i'm not sure if i NEED new valve springs or not or rocker arms/pushrods.
2.) What exactly needs to be checked after changing the cam?, valve lash, etc.? (measuring)
3.) What are the torque specs for GM heads/rocker arms( i think)/intake .

I just need to know what exactly has to be done after the cam is switched to get it all back to be able to be run again. Thanks A LOT!

(its confusing with all the specs that have to be right on or something bad could happen.)

 

A cam and lifters... timing cover gasket set, water pump gasket set, intake gasket set, maybe valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets... silly not to replace the timing set while you're in there... depending how much lift you're adding, you may need new rockers and need head machining as well. Add to that enough coolant to refill, enough flat-tappet-friendly oil for 2 oil changes and 2 oil filters.

If your lifters are used, then you don't have lifters. Stock valve springs are crap, you NEED new ones, and retainers and locks to match. Might as well replace the rockers and maybe the pushrods while you're in there.

You can degree the cam if you want, and if you've got the equipment. Valve lash is only set, not measured.

Torque for the head bolts is whatever the head gasket manufacturer specifies, usually in three increasing torques through the tightening sequence. Rocker arms aren't torqued.

After it's done, you follow the cam manufacturer's break-in instructions religiously.

 

I am using a 906 vortec heads and the lifters are new, i bought them when i bought the cam. SO i NEED new valve springs? What size? Thanks

 

Make sure those heads will handle the lift of your cam. I wouldn't put an aftermarket cam in without changing the springs. Your cam manufacturer will recommend a spring to match.

 

Here are the CAM specs......


Brand:COMP Cams
Product Line:COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
Part Type:Camshafts
Part Number: CCA-12-262-4
Cam Style: Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,500-5,500
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift: 218
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift: 224
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 218 int./224 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration: 262
Advertised Exhaust Duration: 270
Advertised Duration: 262 int./270 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.464 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.470 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.464 int./0.470 exh.
lift Lobe Separation (degrees): 114
Intake Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Computer Controlled Compatible: Yes
Grind Number: CS XE262H-14

 

Comp recommends their 981 spring, 742 retainers, and 601 valve locks with that cam.

 

Thanks, anything else i need to know?

 

Take your time, follow directions carefully, management makes no claim as to the accuracy or suitability of this advice for any purpose, discontinue use if side-effects occur, any resemblance to real persons living or dead is strictly coincidental, void where prohibited by law, no postage necessary if mailed within the United States.

 

WIll it really mattter if i change the valve locks or not? I couldn't find them last night when i ordered the other stuff and don't want to order something thats $7 for $25 shipping. Can i get away with the stock locks?

 

Valve locks have to be matched to the retainers.

 

so i'm guessing i HAVE to have the valve locks. And the stock one will NOT work right?

 

I have no idea if stock ones will work or not with those retainers. Locks are only $7 so I've never bothered thinking about reusing them.

 

Definately call the cam manufacturer. They can tell you exactly what you need. Also check with them to see if your cam is accurate for your heads and application. Just because you got a big cam doesn't mean anything if it doesn't match up with everything else. I called comp when I built my 383. I wanted over 400hp and streetable enough to be daily driven. I had a cam in mind, a big one, and after he asked me several questions, he talked me into a different one. It suited my car, the patriot heads, and 383 displacement and what I wanted from my "street car". He was right. He talked me into a much lighter cam than what I was asking for. On the dyno the car made 445hp. With a smooth idle, plenty of vacuum, and perfectly streetable. FROM A 260 CAM! The cam I would have choosen would have loped too much the make good vacuum, and would have been a terrible street cam. Give them a call. You'll be happy you did.