Changing cam in the LS2, my first in-block cam swap

[theallpowerful]

I'm thinking I will change the cam in the LS2. I've seen it done a number of times on SBC/SBF, anything to look out for on the Gen IV motor? James?

[ZTwentyAteU]

flip it upside down, spin cam, pull out cam, insert new cam. Line up dots. its like a game

[Tricked-Out-Toy]

If your doing it in the car and dont have a rotisserie grab some 5/16 dowls or brake line and slide them down the holes on each side behind the timing set. you dont want to drop a lifter.. its a really easy job, swapping the springs out is the same as with any motor, fill cyl with air and go to town. 22ftlbs on the rocker arms and your set for valve adjustment. Also dont forget to get a new crank bolt since they are TTY and also DO NOT pull the balancer back on with the stock bolt, you have to get a longer one or you will be sitting there with a couple rows of threads in your hand..

[theallpowerful]

flip it upside down, spin cam, pull out cam, insert new cam. Line up dots. its like a game

ok, sounds like fun. dumb question - what is going to keep the lifters from falling out? I think I am going to replace them anyway, but if I dont, why wont I be playing 16-lifter pick-up?

[Tricked-Out-Toy]

There is a plastic retainer on top it also help align the push rods as you slide em in. Why are you replacing the lifters?!

[theallpowerful]

may go solid, even if I don't I am afraid one or two could be worn b/c of improper pushrod length/ rocker shims. For that matter I am afraid one or two of the lobes on the cam could be worn b/c of this.

[Tim99ws6]

Might be an obvious thing to you,

But you do know you have to pull the heads to replace the lifters right?

[theallpowerful]

Yeah, the motor is on a stand, shouldn't be an issue

[Tim99ws6]

I figured,

Just making sure you have the associated costs of new head bolts and head gaskets.

[Bob-E]

you need to be swapping cages instead of cams

[theallpowerful]

I figured,

Just making sure you have the associated costs of new head bolts and head gaskets.

Yeah I had thought about it. It already has ARP's so the only cost there would be new Headgaskets.

you need to be swapping cages instead of cams

edit: whenever you are in knoxville, you can help me do that

[ZTwentyAteU]

lifters..thats where flipping the motor upside down on the stand comes in play..OR go buy some 5/16th metal rods and rotate the cam a few times, flop the rods through the 2 holes in the block by the cam, and then commence the out with the old in with the big swap.

I don't see why you want to swap lifters, stockers seem to hold up good.....

[ZTwentyAteU]

Also dont forget to get a new crank bolt since they are TTY and also DO NOT pull the balancer back on with the stock bolt, you have to get a longer one or you will be sitting there with a couple rows of threads in your hand..

or give the balancer a few bangs with BFH in the middle...i've cheated a few times. haha

[theallpowerful]

lifters..thats where flipping the motor upside down on the stand comes in play..OR go buy some 5/16th metal rods and rotate the cam a few times, flop the rods through the 2 holes in the block by the cam, and then commence the out with the old in with the big swap.

I don't see why you want to swap lifters, stockers seem to hold up good.....

like i said, im scared they may be worn. The engine ran with non adjustable rockers, and no shims. current cam is 236/238 .601/605 113+3. I'll probably go back with the same or similar if I dont go solid.