Cam change
 

Having researched the cam change question ,different answers can be found.
The question. Can one change the cam in a 1986 sbc gmc without removing the engine. If so can it be done with butchering the radiator support .

The reason one asks. The ceiling height of my garage is low and a cherry picker probably won’t have enough clearance to remove the engine Outside isn’t really an option it soon to be winter in Illinois and cold
Thank you for response

Re: Cam change
 

Yes. You need to pull the radiator, A/C condenser, and probably the grill also.

Re: Cam change
 

I did my cam change w/the engine in and yes you do have to bash/bend the radiator support a bit. Bend it nice and it will bend back,not that bad. Oh and w/the radiator removed you can climb right in there for the valve adjustments.
A lot easier than removing the engine.

Re: Cam change
 

Forgot to add that my truck is a 1986 also.

Re: Cam change
 

Thank you
I figured I could but needed a little confirmation
I’ll start my build soon gm 113 aluminum heads , 69 350 exhaust manifolds, aluminum intake, and a new cam and new rebuilt carb.
With the right head gasket it will give her 9 to 1 compression
It should solve the “ go faster option” on the interstate

Re: Cam change
 

When I replaced my cam and lifters, I removed the motor mount through bolts (one on the driver's side, and one on the passenger's side), lifted the engine a bit, and moved it to the side enough for the camshaft to clear the centre radiator support.

On one vehicle, I also had to remove the 2 bolts that go through the transmission crossmember into the rubber transmission mount. When I moved the front of the engine toward the passenger's side in order to get the camshaft out, the transmission could rotate just a bit on the crossmember to afford me lots of room.

Re: Cam change
 

Pull the front clip