Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CHIEFWAHO · 02-10-2014, 08:10 PM

Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap?

I plan to put a CAM in a 5.3L that I am swapping into an 81 C10 SWB.

I have not heard the motor run, (supposed to have around 60k on it).
I damn near have the motor tore down just checking to make sure all looks good (heads and oil pan are off).

But I am wondering when I should install the CAM??????

It would be easier to do it now while I have the engine on the stand.

But would it be better to wait until the swap is done and know I have a good running motor and any bugs worked out????

Your thoughts appreciated!

**truckdude239** · 02-10-2014, 08:14 PM

Do it before you put the motor in the truck these ls motor done normally go bad mine sit for u months in a wrecking yard then almost a year while swaping and still fired right up

pwradder · 02-10-2014, 08:22 PM

i'd do it now if i were you, it sucks taking stuff apart that you just put together!

if everything looks good that you can see now-you should have nothing to worry about.

jamesjones · 02-10-2014, 08:59 PM

I'm in your position myself. I think I've just decided to install it and run it for a while to see how I like it. My Blazer has been down for almost a decade though so I'm anxious to get it on the road.

Matt Cramer · 02-11-2014, 11:49 AM

If you know you want to install a cam (and valve springs), do it before putting the engine in the chassis. As long as all the cam lobes on the original engine look to be in good shape, I wouldn't worry about the condition of the engine too much - worst case is you may have to put the cam into your next motor.

**Hart_Rod** · 02-11-2014, 11:52 AM

Now.

littlevictories · 02-11-2014, 12:13 PM

i'm in a similar spot as you and i'm gonna get it swapped and running as a stocker.
get into the learning curve with tuning on a stock mill and then tune the bolt-ons as I go

well that was the plan until I was offered a killer deal on a p1sc....goodbye all my money forever...

imjeff · 02-11-2014, 12:20 PM

I would get the stocker running. Changing too many things at once is often a recipe for disaster. It would be hard to go back to the person that sold a bad engine to you after you've swapped a cam. Besides, it would be good to have a comparison with your new cam to stock.

Custom 68 · 02-11-2014, 03:21 PM

all valid points however I would also do it now before the install especially if you are going to do it soon.
I ran mine stock for a year or so before the swap but I ended up pulling the motor again to make it easier.
I would do it now.

Wasted Income · 02-11-2014, 04:07 PM

Why is this even a question?? If you have the parts already (cam, springs, pushrods, etc) do it now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by imjeff

I would get the stocker running. Changing too many things at once is often a recipe for disaster. It would be hard to go back to the person that sold a bad engine to you after you've swapped a cam. Besides, it would be good to have a comparison with your new cam to stock.

I've swapped around 7-8 junkyard LS engines...and have never gotten a "bad" one. If it's "bad" he'd already know, as far as he says he has it torn down.

Even my "bad" busted up turbo motor ran pretty awesome with 4 bent rods, and 5 cracked pistons.

imjeff · 02-11-2014, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wasted Income

Why is this even a question?? If you have the parts already (cam, springs, pushrods, etc) do it now.

I've swapped around 7-8 junkyard LS engines...and have never gotten a "bad" one. If it's "bad" he'd already know, as far as he says he has it torn down.

Even my "bad" busted up turbo motor ran pretty awesome with 4 bent rods, and 5 cracked pistons.

I guess I've never had the income to waste (yes, an intentional reference to your screen name). Putting a bunch of good parts in a busted engine seems like false economy to me. Buying a new truck might be the answer for those in a big hurry, but I'll keep my old stuff and make sure it's right....even if I have to pull the motor apart twice. My Jeep build will be completely mechanically put together to make sure everything works. Then I will tear it all apart to do the final powder coat and paint. It's the price of driving cool custom stuff, isn't it? To each his own.

Wasted Income · 02-11-2014, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imjeff

My Jeep build will be completely mechanically put together to make sure everything works. Then I will tear it all apart to do the final powder coat and paint. It's the price of driving cool custom stuff, isn't it? To each his own.

That was (is?) my plan with my Blazer...build it once and drive it to shake the bugs out...and to make sure there is no additional welding, grinding, holes to drill etc before blowing it all back apart for body work and powdercoat.

However, it may stay just as it is, during "mockup" phase for another few years at least. It's just too much darn fun to drive as it is.

But yes, I understand your reasoning.

imjeff · 02-11-2014, 05:08 PM

I absolutely reserve the right to keep my stuff in "mockup" phase indefinitely! Lol!

Jeff

02-10-2014, 08:10 PM	#1
CHIEFWAHO Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Thayer, KS Posts: 14	Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? I plan to put a CAM in a 5.3L that I am swapping into an 81 C10 SWB. I have not heard the motor run, (supposed to have around 60k on it). I damn near have the motor tore down just checking to make sure all looks good (heads and oil pan are off). But I am wondering when I should install the CAM?????? It would be easier to do it now while I have the engine on the stand. But would it be better to wait until the swap is done and know I have a good running motor and any bugs worked out???? Your thoughts appreciated!

02-10-2014, 08:14 PM	#2
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? Do it before you put the motor in the truck these ls motor done normally go bad mine sit for u months in a wrecking yard then almost a year while swaping and still fired right up __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

02-10-2014, 08:22 PM	#3
pwradder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: stafford springs ct Posts: 149	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? i'd do it now if i were you, it sucks taking stuff apart that you just put together! if everything looks good that you can see now-you should have nothing to worry about. __________________ 1977 srw cc lb 396/700r/4:11's/6'' bds lift/ 35's. sold 1986 suburban 350/700r/3:73's 31's: parted out. 1980 silverado swb 5.3/700r/ 2'' drop/ daily driver. sold 1985 c10 long bed 5.3/700r/2'' drop/17" wheels/ daily driver. sold 1970 c10 long bed-new project! getting ready for the 6.0

02-10-2014, 08:59 PM	#4
jamesjones Freakin Awesome! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 482	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? I'm in your position myself. I think I've just decided to install it and run it for a while to see how I like it. My Blazer has been down for almost a decade though so I'm anxious to get it on the road. __________________ 1972 K5 Blazer - LQ4/TH350/NP205 - Long Travel Suspension - Hooptee

02-11-2014, 11:49 AM	#5
Matt Cramer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Covington, GA Posts: 386	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? If you know you want to install a cam (and valve springs), do it before putting the engine in the chassis. As long as all the cam lobes on the original engine look to be in good shape, I wouldn't worry about the condition of the engine too much - worst case is you may have to put the cam into your next motor. __________________ Matt Cramer 1972 Chevy C10 - 4.8 swap, long bed, and maybe one dent free body panel somewhere - SOLD 4.8 LS build thread

02-11-2014, 11:52 AM	#6
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? Now. __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

02-11-2014, 12:13 PM	#7
littlevictories Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Portland, Ore. Posts: 348	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? i'm in a similar spot as you and i'm gonna get it swapped and running as a stocker. get into the learning curve with tuning on a stock mill and then tune the bolt-ons as I go well that was the plan until I was offered a killer deal on a p1sc....goodbye all my money forever...

02-11-2014, 12:20 PM	#8
imjeff Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tacoma Washington Posts: 890	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? I would get the stocker running. Changing too many things at once is often a recipe for disaster. It would be hard to go back to the person that sold a bad engine to you after you've swapped a cam. Besides, it would be good to have a comparison with your new cam to stock. __________________ I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. 72 K10 396 75 Cj5 MPI 350 Chev 67 Chevelle 396, 4 speed 74 FXE 08 Tahoe

02-11-2014, 03:21 PM	#9
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,939	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? all valid points however I would also do it now before the install especially if you are going to do it soon. I ran mine stock for a year or so before the swap but I ended up pulling the motor again to make it easier. I would do it now. __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

02-11-2014, 05:08 PM	#13
imjeff Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tacoma Washington Posts: 890	Re: Advice? When to install CAM? Before or after swap? I absolutely reserve the right to keep my stuff in "mockup" phase indefinitely! Lol! Jeff __________________ I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. 72 K10 396 75 Cj5 MPI 350 Chev 67 Chevelle 396, 4 speed 74 FXE 08 Tahoe

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