In truck cam swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

strick9c10 · 07-01-2009, 12:30 PM

Hey peeps -

I looked through several posts on the site, but either couldn't find the info I needed, or didn't have the correct key words...

Has anyone done a cam swap with the engine still in the truck? I've seen this done before in magazines, but it always showed just one picture of the people installing the cam & a small blurb that accompanied it. No meat & potatoes.

I'm going to be installing a new intake, carb, heads & valve covers anyways, so I figured what the heck. I also realize I'll have to remove the radiator and other front engine components. I just don't feel like lifting the whole thing out.

Tips, tricks, detailed info & especially pics would be a huge help!

Thanks as always!

Jerry Jones · 07-01-2009, 12:35 PM

You would replace it just as if the motor was out, you just need to remove the radiator, grill, etc. Pretty easy job.

glock35ipsc · 07-01-2009, 01:39 PM

Drop the front of the oil pan before you install the timing cover. It makes ensuring the timing cover seal gets installed correctly light years easier.

But if you are going to tear it down to that point, life would be MUCH easier if you just pulled it. By that point, it would probably only take another 15 minutes to have it out.

swb85 · 07-01-2009, 01:44 PM

I've swapped cams with the motor in the truck. Have to remove the radiator and a/c condenser (if you have a/c). On my '85, I had to cut/bend a piece of steel bracing in the center of the core support to allow enough room for the cam to come out. Just welded that brace back up after the swap. IMO, a cam swap in the truck is easier/faster than pulling the whole drivetrain.

flamingbig10 · 07-01-2009, 02:03 PM

here's step by step instructions
http://73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/cam.htm

MylilBowTie · 07-01-2009, 02:25 PM

Core support gets in the way of the cam coming all the way out. 81-87 not sure about older ones.

454HO · 07-01-2009, 05:35 PM

I did a cam swap a few weekends ago with the engine in the truck. I went ahead and removed the whole core support, but then I was getting ready to swap the whole front clip anyway. It's a little extra work, but it gives you complete access.

If you don't remove the core support, there is a vertical brace as swb85 says that you would need to cut and bend out of the way.

pig rig · 07-01-2009, 11:07 PM

I have almost the same picture from a month ago

05Gibbs · 07-02-2009, 01:30 AM

i always do it in the truck i have the center part of my core support cut out and i just did some modding on my timing cover so pan removal is not needed

strick9c10 · 07-02-2009, 07:04 AM

Thanks for the info, links & pics! You guys are great!

I noticed on the step-by-step instructions link that flamingbig10 provided as well as the other pics and postings that removing the whole core support (or cutting/bending the piece of steel bracing in the center of the core support) is necessary for 81 and up trucks. No one seemed too sure about 73-80 trucks.

My truck is currently being painted, so it's not here. However, the guy who's doing the work said this would be a good time to do those mods. He just doesn't want a whole engine / tranny removal thing going on in his shop... can't blame him really.

Any info from 73-80 owners would also be great.
Have a great 4th!

glock35ipsc · 07-03-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05Gibbs

i always do it in the truck i have the center part of my core support cut out and i just did some modding on my timing cover so pan removal is not needed

Swap your cam often, do you?

07-01-2009, 12:30 PM	#1
strick9c10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mid-Coast Maine Posts: 33	In truck cam swap Hey peeps - I looked through several posts on the site, but either couldn't find the info I needed, or didn't have the correct key words... Has anyone done a cam swap with the engine still in the truck? I've seen this done before in magazines, but it always showed just one picture of the people installing the cam & a small blurb that accompanied it. No meat & potatoes. I'm going to be installing a new intake, carb, heads & valve covers anyways, so I figured what the heck. I also realize I'll have to remove the radiator and other front engine components. I just don't feel like lifting the whole thing out. Tips, tricks, detailed info & especially pics would be a huge help! Thanks as always!

07-01-2009, 12:35 PM	#2
Jerry Jones Happy Camper Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern California Posts: 8,407	Re: In truck cam swap You would replace it just as if the motor was out, you just need to remove the radiator, grill, etc. Pretty easy job. __________________ RIP El Jay! Love you brother!

07-01-2009, 01:39 PM	#3
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	Re: In truck cam swap Drop the front of the oil pan before you install the timing cover. It makes ensuring the timing cover seal gets installed correctly light years easier. But if you are going to tear it down to that point, life would be MUCH easier if you just pulled it. By that point, it would probably only take another 15 minutes to have it out. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

07-01-2009, 01:44 PM	#4
swb85 On a budget like Fred Sanford Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 2,031	Re: In truck cam swap I've swapped cams with the motor in the truck. Have to remove the radiator and a/c condenser (if you have a/c). On my '85, I had to cut/bend a piece of steel bracing in the center of the core support to allow enough room for the cam to come out. Just welded that brace back up after the swap. IMO, a cam swap in the truck is easier/faster than pulling the whole drivetrain. __________________ '85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD

07-01-2009, 02:03 PM	#5
flamingbig10 6.0 powered square Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mesquite texas Posts: 3,459	Re: In truck cam swap here's step by step instructions http://73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/cam.htm __________________ Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326

07-01-2009, 02:25 PM	#6
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: In truck cam swap Core support gets in the way of the cam coming all the way out. 81-87 not sure about older ones. __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

07-01-2009, 05:35 PM	#7
454HO Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,223	Re: In truck cam swap I did a cam swap a few weekends ago with the engine in the truck. I went ahead and removed the whole core support, but then I was getting ready to swap the whole front clip anyway. It's a little extra work, but it gives you complete access. If you don't remove the core support, there is a vertical brace as swb85 says that you would need to cut and bend out of the way. __________________ - Greg

07-01-2009, 11:07 PM	#8
pig rig Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: washington the state Posts: 730	Re: In truck cam swap I have almost the same picture from a month ago Attached Images __________________ my sports car rolls on six wheels only because I'm to fat to get in and out of new corvette http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/ph...ped_detail.JPG

07-02-2009, 01:30 AM	#9
05Gibbs Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ponca city oklahoma Posts: 110	Re: In truck cam swap i always do it in the truck i have the center part of my core support cut out and i just did some modding on my timing cover so pan removal is not needed

07-02-2009, 07:04 AM	#10
strick9c10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mid-Coast Maine Posts: 33	Re: In truck cam swap Thanks for the info, links & pics! You guys are great! I noticed on the step-by-step instructions link that *flamingbig10* provided as well as the other pics and postings that removing the whole core support (or cutting/bending the piece of steel bracing in the center of the core support) is necessary for 81 and up trucks. No one seemed too sure about 73-80 trucks. My truck is currently being painted, so it's not here. However, the guy who's doing the work said this would be a good time to do those mods. He just doesn't want a whole engine / tranny removal thing going on in his shop... can't blame him really. Any info from 73-80 owners would also be great. Have a great 4th!



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