My mechanic is telling me that I cannot put a cam in (looking at the Crane 214/220) without taking the heads off. He says that the heads wont handle a cam with a lift over .450 so you have to modify them. Is this true? Can I put a cam in without taking the heads off?
Thanks

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1991 Z28 5.7L, Edelbrock headers, SLP cat back exhaust, Eldebrock intake base, SLP runners, GMPP 1.6 roller rockers, Hypertech Theromaster chip w/ 160stat, Accel 300+ race wires w/sleeve, MSD coil, relocated MAT, TB bypass, K&N's in gutted airbox

 

You can install a cam without pulling the heads off. I did, and the cam has .520 lift. Just make sure that you get the matching valve springs for the cam to prevent coil bind. Might as well replace the valve seals and timing gears/chain while you're at it.

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1988 GTA 5.7L TPI Auto
355 ci. block,TPIS ZZ-9 Camshaft, SLP Headers, Borla Cat Back, B&M Holeshot 2400 Stall Converter, 3.73 Richmond Gears

"Why ride a stang when birds can fly?"

http://www.geocities.com/thegta

 

He's right, the stock springs on the heads wont handle a lift over .450" or .460" lift. Get new springs with that cam that will handle the lift and you'll be fine.

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West Coast GM Shootout 2001!
1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.23 @ 107.62 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Webmaster: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

I had new springs (off an LT1) and valve seals about 6k miles ago. I know that the stock springs wont hold the cam but he is saying that valves or something wont also. Bottom line is he said that the heads have to come off. I disagree with him but he wont listen. He says that he knows for a fact.

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1991 Z28 5.7L, Edelbrock headers, SLP cat back exhaust, Eldebrock intake base, SLP runners, GMPP 1.6 roller rockers, Hypertech Theromaster chip w/ 160stat, Accel 300+ race wires w/sleeve, MSD coil, relocated MAT, TB bypass, K&N's in gutted airbox

 

A camshaft can definately be installed without the heads being removed. What the hell kind of mechanic are you talking to????? If I were you I'd be looking for a new one..... The only thing you need to check is to make sure the valve springs won't be a problem, like others have stated. As far as I know, virtually all small block chevrolet engines will accept up to .490 lift. This could be different on a TPI engine, but I doubt it. The manufacturer of the camshaft you choose will recommend valve springs for that cam. I recommend using whatever springs they recommend - they tend to know what they are talking about.

Laterzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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Matt

1987 GTA L98 MD8 GW6

"Stop Lights timed for 35Mph are also timed for 70Mph"

 

I'd get a new mechanic.

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Fast as a shark~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SAVE NAPSTER!!!

 

Even putting new springs in won't help the problem because the retainers are going to smash into the valve guides. Remove the heads and have the guides cut down.

Then put the new springs and cam in and enjoy!

 

Joel is right! Thats what my guy was telling me. BTW he is not some backwoods mecanic, he owns Mazzoni Racing in Vineland NJ. So you do have to remove the heads right?

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1991 Z28 5.7L, Edelbrock headers, SLP cat back exhaust, Eldebrock intake base, SLP runners, GMPP 1.6 roller rockers, Hypertech Theromaster chip w/ 160stat, Accel 300+ race wires w/sleeve, MSD coil, relocated MAT, TB bypass, K&N's in gutted airbox