CAM install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Premium72 · 10-18-2005, 11:24 AM

whats the easiest way to install the cam..motor in or out of the truck?. ive got mine just wainting to be installed. i think i may do it this week or week end. what are you guys thoughts. thanx. w.

*FormerMember* · 10-18-2005, 11:26 AM

Out of the truck, if it's already out...

Otherwise, remove the rad and shroud.

Premium72 · 10-18-2005, 11:37 AM

nah..engine is in the truck..would be nuthn to take out the rad. and the bolt ons...may do that today...

*FormerMember* · 10-18-2005, 11:40 AM

Would probably be easier to leave it in, then.

Remove the grill, rad (big question: got AC?) go at it from the front.

Premium72 · 10-18-2005, 12:30 PM

no ac...shouldnt be to hard..pull front end. water pump atl power steering pulley balancer oil pan? timing cover..and the whole GD top end....should be woth it in the end...thanx. w.

junkyardjohn · 10-18-2005, 12:34 PM

YEP--- WHAT GRENDEL SAID, EXCEPT YOU DON'T HAVE TO REMOVE THE GRILL, OR AT LEAST I'VE NEVER HAD TO & I'VER DONE A FEW.

JOHN

*FormerMember* · 10-18-2005, 12:35 PM

I've done it with the heads on. Pull the intake, valve covers, rockers, pushrods and lifters... left power steering where it was.

Pulled the grill to move the cam around. At least the inner grill on the 71 I was working on.

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 10-18-2005, 02:34 PM

I just changed the cam twice in my Big Block IN the truck with No problems. There is no reson to pull the heads unless your doing a valve job too

Warning DO NOT USE COMP CAM they are junk

Sorry bout that, I've had serious problems with them

chevymaz · 10-18-2005, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

I just changed the cam twice in my Big Block IN the truck with No problems. There is no reson to pull the heads unless your doing a valve job too

Warning DO NOT USE COMP CAM they are junk

Sorry bout that, I've had serious problems with them

Oh great now you say something after I have already bought one and am just waiting to install it.

SweetandLong68 · 10-18-2005, 08:17 PM

Comp Cam Magnum 280 duration.....480 lift

Comp Cams are good for small blocks...Just be sure to break it in correctly. I did use a Lunati cam for my Big block although.

lata
CHRIS

junkyardjohn · 10-19-2005, 07:42 AM

BIG BLOCK/SMALL BLOCK THEY ARE BOTH JUNK. IF YOU GOT A GOOD ONE YOU WERE LUCKY. YOU COULDN'T GIVE ME A TRUCKLOAD OF THEM FOR 10 CENTS. WHEN A CAM GOES FLAT, & ALL THE LITTLE SHAVINGS DESTROY EVERY BEARING IN A MOTOR, IT KINDA LEAVES A BAD TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH. JOHN

larry may · 10-19-2005, 08:06 AM

Get em junkyardjohn: My sentiments are same as yours. Ultra dyne , Iskedarian , Anything other than Comp.......ha Them Comp Cams loose their Lobes Too! everytime at least one or more lobes.

Premium72 · 10-19-2005, 10:53 AM

uhh..****..i got a comp cam. im not doing any thing to drasitc of a change. was told this was the best cam to use. the guy that helped me pic it out has had them in all his trucks (4) and he didnt work there.

what is the correct break in?
what all tool are required other than the useual rachets and such.
thanx. w. hope fully fri or sun i can do this..

**truckdude239** · 10-19-2005, 11:13 AM

don't forget to install new lifters with the new cam our your old lifters will wear you new cam out in no time

Premium72 · 10-19-2005, 01:54 PM

yeah got new lifters thier already soakn in oil..got most everything pulled...just wiating on my stepdad to come over to assist me. ive never done any serious engine work before. hes done afew doezen so...should be all good. cant wait.

70rs/ss · 10-19-2005, 02:04 PM

Use your comp cams, cams are like anything else and people have opinions. I have used them for years and if broken in properly, used with new lifters and not a lot of spring seat pressure they will last forever. By the way cams wear out as do other engine parts and with the amount of friction on the lobes they can wear quickly. If I am not mistaking comp cams has a lifetime warantee, if you are dissatisfied contact them and give them a chance to fix it.

Z28Owner · 10-19-2005, 07:38 PM

Don't forget the fuel pump and rod.

Premium72 · 10-19-2005, 09:57 PM

do what?...get outa here..

got all taken apart minus taiming chain and cam out.

gana reassemble tomorrow evening. went alot easier then i thought it would. just took my time and did it all nice an slow..tomorrow comes the real work. thanx for the help and aall the added BS

Premium72 · 10-21-2005, 12:10 AM

well cam installed!!.. alot easier then i thought it would be. still have rods, intake carb water pump alt. rad. and powerstering to bolt back up...which i will do tomorow an break in the cam, cant wait to here that lope!!..thanx for the help.

**Yukon Jack** · 10-21-2005, 10:03 AM

Glad it went in smoothly. I look forward to your next post.

SweetandLong68 · 10-21-2005, 07:57 PM

Let me say it again...

As long as you break the cam in right then you will be fine. I have heard that Comp's cams are a bit soft...But I have no problems myself. My 327 has the 280 advertised duration/.480 lift. Very good cam and makes lots of power.

lata
CHRIS

Premium72 · 10-22-2005, 11:21 AM

cool everything buttoned up now. just gata gett her started and break her in..will do this afternoon...thanx again.

chevymaz · 10-22-2005, 01:13 PM

what is the proper way to break in a new cam?

Stroker · 10-22-2005, 08:29 PM

Basicly once the cam has been installed, the clearances checked and every thing lubed. You want to fire up the engine with a minimal amout of cranking and bring the rpms up to 2000-2500 and hold for 20 min. Then shut it down and change out your oil.

Here's a few links for cam break in and common failures.
http://www.4secondsflat.com/Hydraulic_lifter_cams.html
http://www.cranecams.com/?show=faq&id=1
http://www.holley.com/data/Products/...al/INST150.pdf

SweetandLong68 · 10-22-2005, 08:31 PM

Hey,

I didn't have time to sit down and write up a whole write up on cam break-in procedures and what you should and shouldn't do. But here is a pretty good one that I found online.

Start the engine and increase the RPM's to 2000-2200. Operate the engine for 15-20 minutes at this speed. The higher speeds increase splash lubrication and decrease nose loading. Vary the speed every minute or so bump the throttle to 3000-3400.

Avoid excessive cranking, no start? Find out why! DO NOT continue to crank on it, you'll push all the cam lube off before the cam and lifters have a chance to seat and probably flatten a lobe or two.

The break-in procedure must commence as soon as the engine has oil pressure. If the engine fails to start within 15-30 seconds, it is recommended to re-apply the EP lubricant to the lobes.

There’s many things that can cause a cam to go flat here are a few of the most common.

Not following the camshafts manufactures instructions to the letter.
Not using enough break-in lube

To give credit to the website...Check them out here.

http://www.4secondsflat.com/Hydraulic_lifter_cams.html

lata
CHRIS

10-18-2005, 11:24 AM	#1
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	CAM install whats the easiest way to install the cam..motor in or out of the truck?. ive got mine just wainting to be installed. i think i may do it this week or week end. what are you guys thoughts. thanx. w. Last edited by Premium72; 10-18-2005 at 11:25 AM.

10-18-2005, 11:26 AM	#2
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: CAM install Out of the truck, if it's already out... Otherwise, remove the rad and shroud.

10-18-2005, 11:37 AM	#3
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: CAM install nah..engine is in the truck..would be nuthn to take out the rad. and the bolt ons...may do that today...

10-18-2005, 11:40 AM	#4
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: CAM install Would probably be easier to leave it in, then. Remove the grill, rad (big question: got AC?) go at it from the front.

10-18-2005, 12:30 PM	#5
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: CAM install no ac...shouldnt be to hard..pull front end. water pump atl power steering pulley balancer oil pan? timing cover..and the whole GD top end....should be woth it in the end...thanx. w.

10-18-2005, 12:34 PM	#6
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: CAM install YEP--- WHAT GRENDEL SAID, EXCEPT YOU DON'T HAVE TO REMOVE THE GRILL, OR AT LEAST I'VE NEVER HAD TO & I'VER DONE A FEW. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-18-2005, 12:35 PM	#7
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: CAM install I've done it with the heads on. Pull the intake, valve covers, rockers, pushrods and lifters... left power steering where it was. Pulled the grill to move the cam around. At least the inner grill on the 71 I was working on. Last edited by FormerMember; 10-18-2005 at 12:36 PM.

10-18-2005, 02:34 PM	#8
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,193	Re: CAM install I just changed the cam twice in my Big Block IN the truck with No problems. There is no reson to pull the heads unless your doing a valve job too Warning DO NOT USE COMP CAM they are junk Sorry bout that, I've had serious problems with them __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

10-18-2005, 08:17 PM	#10
SweetandLong68 Your UncleBen Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Indian Trail, NC Posts: 590	Re: CAM install Comp Cam Magnum 280 duration.....480 lift Comp Cams are good for small blocks...Just be sure to break it in correctly. I did use a Lunati cam for my Big block although. lata CHRIS __________________ 68 C10 shortbed -- Street/Strip

10-19-2005, 07:42 AM	#11
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: CAM install BIG BLOCK/SMALL BLOCK THEY ARE BOTH JUNK. IF YOU GOT A GOOD ONE YOU WERE LUCKY. YOU COULDN'T GIVE ME A TRUCKLOAD OF THEM FOR 10 CENTS. WHEN A CAM GOES FLAT, & ALL THE LITTLE SHAVINGS DESTROY EVERY BEARING IN A MOTOR, IT KINDA LEAVES A BAD TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

10-19-2005, 08:06 AM	#12
larry may Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: MISSOURI Posts: 3,256	Re: CAM install Get em junkyardjohn: My sentiments are same as yours. Ultra dyne , Iskedarian , Anything other than Comp.......ha Them Comp Cams loose their Lobes Too! everytime at least one or more lobes.

10-19-2005, 10:53 AM	#13
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: CAM install uhh..****..i got a comp cam. im not doing any thing to drasitc of a change. was told this was the best cam to use. the guy that helped me pic it out has had them in all his trucks (4) and he didnt work there. what is the correct break in? what all tool are required other than the useual rachets and such. thanx. w. hope fully fri or sun i can do this..

10-19-2005, 11:13 AM	#14
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: CAM install don't forget to install new lifters with the new cam our your old lifters will wear you new cam out in no time

10-19-2005, 01:54 PM	#15
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: CAM install yeah got new lifters thier already soakn in oil..got most everything pulled...just wiating on my stepdad to come over to assist me. ive never done any serious engine work before. hes done afew doezen so...should be all good. cant wait.

10-19-2005, 02:04 PM	#16
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: CAM install Use your comp cams, cams are like anything else and people have opinions. I have used them for years and if broken in properly, used with new lifters and not a lot of spring seat pressure they will last forever. By the way cams wear out as do other engine parts and with the amount of friction on the lobes they can wear quickly. If I am not mistaking comp cams has a lifetime warantee, if you are dissatisfied contact them and give them a chance to fix it.



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10-19-2005, 07:38 PM	#17
Z28Owner ......................... Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: benton, ky Posts: 285	Re: CAM install Don't forget the fuel pump and rod. __________________ 1971 LWB Chevy C-10 350/350 3:42 eaton

10-19-2005, 09:57 PM	#18
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: CAM install do what?...get outa here.. got all taken apart minus taiming chain and cam out. gana reassemble tomorrow evening. went alot easier then i thought it would. just took my time and did it all nice an slow..tomorrow comes the real work. thanx for the help and aall the added BS

10-21-2005, 12:10 AM	#19
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: CAM install well cam installed!!.. alot easier then i thought it would be. still have rods, intake carb water pump alt. rad. and powerstering to bolt back up...which i will do tomorow an break in the cam, cant wait to here that lope!!..thanx for the help.

10-21-2005, 10:03 AM	#20
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: CAM install Glad it went in smoothly. I look forward to your next post. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

10-21-2005, 07:57 PM	#21
SweetandLong68 Your UncleBen Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Indian Trail, NC Posts: 590	Re: CAM install Let me say it again... As long as you break the cam in right then you will be fine. I have heard that Comp's cams are a bit soft...But I have no problems myself. My 327 has the 280 advertised duration/.480 lift. Very good cam and makes lots of power. lata CHRIS __________________ 68 C10 shortbed -- Street/Strip

10-22-2005, 11:21 AM	#22
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: CAM install cool everything buttoned up now. just gata gett her started and break her in..will do this afternoon...thanx again.

10-22-2005, 01:13 PM	#23
chevymaz What are you looking at? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kellyville,Oklahoma Posts: 308	Re: CAM install what is the proper way to break in a new cam? __________________ 1971 GMC LWB 2005 Honda Element 2007 Honda Fit

10-22-2005, 08:29 PM	#24
Stroker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Moore, Ok Posts: 1,149	Re: CAM install Basicly once the cam has been installed, the clearances checked and every thing lubed. You want to fire up the engine with a minimal amout of cranking and bring the rpms up to 2000-2500 and hold for 20 min. Then shut it down and change out your oil. Here's a few links for cam break in and common failures. http://www.4secondsflat.com/Hydraulic_lifter_cams.html http://www.cranecams.com/?show=faq&id=1 http://www.holley.com/data/Products/...al/INST150.pdf __________________ 72 SWB parts and pieces Oklahoma

10-22-2005, 08:31 PM	#25
SweetandLong68 Your UncleBen Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Indian Trail, NC Posts: 590	Re: CAM install Hey, I didn't have time to sit down and write up a whole write up on cam break-in procedures and what you should and shouldn't do. But here is a pretty good one that I found online. Start the engine and increase the RPM's to 2000-2200. Operate the engine for 15-20 minutes at this speed. The higher speeds increase splash lubrication and decrease nose loading. Vary the speed every minute or so bump the throttle to 3000-3400. Avoid excessive cranking, no start? Find out why! DO NOT continue to crank on it, you'll push all the cam lube off before the cam and lifters have a chance to seat and probably flatten a lobe or two. The break-in procedure must commence as soon as the engine has oil pressure. If the engine fails to start within 15-30 seconds, it is recommended to re-apply the EP lubricant to the lobes. There’s many things that can cause a cam to go flat here are a few of the most common. Not following the camshafts manufactures instructions to the letter. Not using enough break-in lube To give credit to the website...Check them out here. http://www.4secondsflat.com/Hydraulic_lifter_cams.html lata CHRIS __________________ 68 C10 shortbed -- Street/Strip

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