Cascade Crew

91RSVert · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 9:45 am Post subject: Valvetrain questions

So I've only done a cam swap a few times and that was on the 6cyls. So questions on a v8, and going from flattap to roller.

So, I know I have to remove the radiator. But will the v8 and cam clear the header panel? stupid question but idk.

Roller cam has the hold-in piece that goes behind the timing chain. Does it have a gasket, or any bushing? Or just flat bolts in and goes?

Adjusting valves, same procedure since its still hydro lifters?

Lifters go in 2 ways, toss down dogbone, and bolt down holder tray?

I'm sure I will come up with more, aiming to do this around new years. Still have a few parts to get.

IROCDave · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 4:21 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure how far you have to go removing parts to R & R the cam. I had the engine out when I did mine.

If you have a factory roller cam block, there are two pan head torx bolts holding the cam retainer plate to the block. No bushing, bearings etc.

Hydraulic lifters are hydraulic lifters, doesnt matter that they have a wheel on the bottom, adjust as normal.

If the dog bone fits over the lifter the wheel of the lifter is parallel with the cam lobe. You would have to work pretty hard to make a mistake with the lifters.

Dewey316 · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:10 pm Post subject:

the cam cleared in my car (barely) with the radiator out, but nose still on the car. Its close, and your mileage may vary. It was close enough, I wouldn't say it is a sure thing on every car.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:19 pm Post subject:

It will fit. Rad and condenser out.

No gasket on the cam thrust plate.

Torque the cam bolts and use loc-tite.

Adjustment is the same as a flat tappet. A hydraulic lifter is a hydraulic lifter as far as adjustment.

blue89 · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 8:10 pm Post subject:

It could be worst, I think I'll have to take the bumper out when I swap mine.

91RSVert · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:09 am Post subject:

ok, so no gasket. Check.
Didnt know about loc-tite on the cam plate, good info.

Any other tips on a v8 is welcome. Still havent ordered my parts yet.

Dewey316 · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:58 pm Post subject:

91RSVert · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:00 pm Post subject:

Dewey316 · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:04 pm Post subject:

Do you have an LT1?

DBL_TKE · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:26 pm Post subject:

...sounds like a vortec.

91RSVert · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:33 pm Post subject:

I have a basic SBC with a vortec timing cover, dizzy, pcm.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 12:14 pm Post subject:

I pull the oil pan and get a 1 piece gasket from felpro. It's a reusable rubber gasket and ensures you don't have a leak after the swap.

Cause the front is such a bear and you always fubar the gasket trying to put the timing cover back in without atleast dropping the pan bolts.

91RSVert · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:03 pm Post subject:

Ive changed it once with a one piece. Was a pita to put on.

Not sure how I'm going to handle that part.

chevymad · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 3:41 pm Post subject:

If you have a 1 piece on there now the block/pan will at least be clean. This means you wont actually need to completely remove the pan from the car. You can just drop it down a few inches and stretch the new gasket on from around the outside of the pan. Hold in place with a few small wire ties through the bolt holes, start a few bolts then remove your wires tires. Now torque it down.

Ford has used the 1 piece gaskets for 20+ years and they fail alot. This is how we change them in the shop.

I think felpro gaskets even come with some plastic bolt guides that will hold the gasket and pan in place while you put in the bolts.

91RSVert · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:32 pm Post subject:

yea, it came with guides. I fed the thing thru between the block and pan, and it got caught on the pump. It sucked ass. But your saying stretch it around the pan. Got it. Always more then 1 way to skin a car Razz

:edit: should I go ahead and order a pan gasket and plan on changing it while I'm at it? I'm making my list of poo to order on payday.

chevymad · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:18 pm Post subject:

I would.. and once you realize how easy it is to put on from the outside you're going to be kicking yourself!! lol

91RSVert · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 6:32 pm Post subject:

so parts list, feel free to go over it. Just keep in mind the vortec timing cover doesnt have a gasket per say. Its got a "reuseible" one.. IE, put lots of silicone on it Laughing

Parts I have
Cam LT1
Cam keep in
Roller lifters
Pushrods
Retainer tray with dogbones
Runner gaskets
Oil filter
Oil
Anti-freeze

Parts to order
Roller rockers cca-1017-16
Waterpump (get local)
Manifold gaskets qms93317
Valve cover gaskets qvs50088r
Timing chain gm12371043
Underdrive crank pully (gotta run truck style) asp 54100
Belt goodyear 4060915
Oil pan gasket fel1886

To fix exhaust flowmaser 15930
New tool Very Happy

milodon 27000

blue89 · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:54 pm Post subject:

Quite the list there. Should keep you busy for the weekend at least! What air intake do you have on it?

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 3:36 am Post subject:

Infront of the TB? Stock. I cant find a way to route a homemade one No no no...

And yes, I have looked at the ones on TGO.

I need to get the 4th gen tank, remove the charcole canister, then have space.

aaron_sK · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 5:48 pm Post subject:

Stock dual snorkel is fine for low-revving TPI. Just gut the lower box and change the filters often.

Everyone on TGO is an idiot. Razz

Just my two cents.