Hey all; I have a really dumb question...my dad told me abou this tool that allows you to install a camshaft w/o taking off the intake..supposedly, it's a tool that allows you to remove the lifters and install the cam w/o taking off the tpi..does such a tool exist? Is it possible to install a camshaft w/o taking off the intake? It's probably retarded of me to ask, but I figured if I didn't ask, I'd never know

thanks a bunch

kev:lala:

 

I think the tool your talking about slides down through the pushrod slot and grabs the lifter to pull it up out of the bore. The question is where are you supposed to put the lifter? Maybe you just turn it once you get it out of the bore and lay it back across the lifter hole.
If you have a factory roller cam engine you are probably going to have to pull the intake because of the lifter retainers are held down by a sheet metal web that bolts down on the center oil gallery.
GM has come out with a new lifter shield, its stock on the new Ls6 engine. The lifter housing goes over the lifters and I think it pins to the block. The theory behind this is, when you back the rocker arms off and spin the cam over it will push the lifters up into the shield and there is enough resistance to allow you to pull the camshaft for a swap without pulling the intake off. I have not seen thisproduct in person but, it is in the new GMPP catalog. Sure sound like a good idea.

 

I would just pull the intake. Less headache.

 

This is confusing, and interesting. If it was a flat tappet cam, you couldn't use the old lifters over on the new cam, so how would you get the old ones out and new ones in? Perhaps this tool is for another type of engine altogether?

 

For Ford FE's and probably some others, you can take the lifters out without removing the intake, but my question is why? I've done it before, its a PITA. Pulling the intake is easier, IMO.

 

Thanks everyone; I was just curious as to whether or not it can be done. I figured you could just pull the lifters through the hole the pushrod goes through, but I dunno how big it is..it's been a while since I pulled my valvecovers...

Kev