The time has come for the camshaft to be replaced on my 84 with something better than stock and also have the heads machined/ported/polished, etc. I've read that comp and crane make good cams and since this will be the only cam swap, I might as well make it worthwhile. This will be my first time attempting this so I want to clarify the process: 1) drain coolant and oil and remove oil filter 2) remove carburetor, all associated vacuum lines, intake manifold, all drive belts and water pump. 3) remove valve covers, exhaust manifolds and anything attached to them. This will give me access to the heads and the innards of the engine correct? I know it's a time consuming process but is it truly difficult to perform? I have alot of patience and a decent amount of spare time. Please correct me on anything and everything; it would be much appreciated.

I'm also preparing a grocery list on what to purchase, so far I have camshaft, water pump gasket, water outlet gasket, valve cover gaskets, lifters, and valves. Probably head gaskets and timing chain too. I'm sure I missed a few things.



Thanks

 

That will give you access to the lifter valley. To get to the cam, you also need to remove the timing cover. This means removing all front accessories, crank pulley, and balancer.

Then to remove the timing cover, you'll probably have to drop the sump in the front about half an inch, as it interlocks with the cover. I assume that you are doing this in-car: To drop the sump, you'll have to remove the y-pipe and probably the starter. And the radiator needs to go so that you can slide the cam out. Remove the timing chain and cam sprocket, then the cam.

Good idea to replace the timing set while you are in there, which requires pulling the crank sprocket.

Before you start, don't forget the put the motor at #1 tdc and mark the relation between the distributor body (cap) and rotor. Makes it a lot easier to get the ign timing right when you restart it.

 

For what you are doing (and as a newbie ) prob easier to pull the engine out.
Much easier to work on ( rent a engine stand )

 

If you have patience and time, this is something you should easily be able to do. As mentioned above, you need access to the lifter valley, top of the heads, and the front of the engine block.

If this is your first time taking the engine apart, I highly recommend the following...

1) Take a lot of pictures of the engine BEFORE you start tearing it apart just in case you forget how something is hooked up.
2) Use masking tape & a sharpie to label all wires, small hoses, etc.

Also, you don't have to remove the oil and filter unless you plan on dropping the oil pan. Although it's not a bad idea to change it afterward in case any debris gets into the engine.

If this is a flat tappet cam, make sure you get new lifters. Finally, you will also need a harmonic balancer puller that you can rent from Autozone.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks for all the replies, at least I know what I'm getting myself into.

My other option is to purchase a 350 crate engine and pop that in. I would be able to keep the Q-jet and the ECM, correct? I would have to get an intake that has an EGR slot as well. Just trying to look at my options here, but it seems like most posts says, "ditch the 305, get at least a 350".

 

Yes