So on my very long list of things to change on my car to make it faster, there is the camshaft. I am not very knowledgeable in engines and am still learning, but as far as i have gathered, just changing the camshaft, and maybe lifters etc. (depending on the rise of the shaft) can moderately improve the performance. I have seen many people post about it being a cheap mod for good results, and looking at prices for them, it is cheap. When i asked my mechanic (he handles all the things I still can't do) what it would cost, he said it's more expensive than I would wan't to pay, he quoted around $1000+ for labor. I think the most I have ever paid for labor on a repair was $500-$600 for a heater core. So exactly what is so labor intensive about the camshaft that would make it that much? At first I thought it was that they would have to pull the motor, but I don't see a problem with them being able to do it with the front bumper and radiator removed instead, but I am only going off what I have seen as far as how it is to be installed. Again, sorry for my lack of know how on the engine things, it's a slow process to get it all down.

 

It's a big job if the engine is in the car. Intake, rocker covers, and timing cover all have to come off and the oil pan needs to be lowered. There is a body bracket that needs to be removed so the cam can phisically be removed from the engine. And while pulling the cam, someone needs to hold the condenser up out of the way while you fish the old cam out and slide the new one in.

I did a cam swap last winter on a car that was equipped with A/C, TPI, and full emissions in tact. It's quite a tedious task if you're trying to preserve all the original connectors, wiring, and tubing.

 

 

wow, much more then expected. I do have A/C, the CC Carb, and all emissions still intact so I am sure that adds more issue. I guess I will hold off on the cam until the next engine. Thanks guys!

 

If the engines out of the car, would it be nearly as hard?

 

If the engine is out all you do is oull the old one out and put the new one in. simple as that

 

Ya, if the engine is out of the car it's a piece of cake.

 

Degree-ing the cam....anyone??.

 

"dot to dot", for most of these street cars that should be fine. LOL


We degreed the cam in my 421 the first time.. to make sure the cam specs were correct.

But on the redos.. it's just been "dot to dot" no sence re-degreeing the same camshaft .

 

There are in the aftermarket and GM cams that are 4 degrees advanced.