Thread: Cam install tips?

Going to be installing a cam next weekend. Any of those "life-saving/time saving tips" from people who have done it would be appreciated!

Is the motor out of the car? It can be done from the passenger side wheel well but I did mine when the motor was out. Here is a good write up to read Cam installation L67 - TECH - 3800Pro.com Forum

In the car. Going through the wheel well. I have read the writeups. Just looking for tips and what not. Preferably on how to not break something or score a bearing

it would be alot easier to just pull the motor to be honest. Then you can clean it and the engine bay up a little bit. But that is just my opinion.

Originally Posted by Classy Pontiac

it would be alot easier to just pull the motor to be honest. Then you can clean it and the engine bay up a little bit. But that is just my opinion.

I know, I just dont have the room to do that. And I Really dont want to pull the motor.

Use assembly lube when sticking the cam back in the motor. Like cover the cam in it.

lots and lots of lube.

Originally Posted by danomite02

you DONT NEED TO PULL THE MOTOR. So not necessary. Just unbolt the cradle on the pass side and drop her down. Make sure you disconnect the int steering shaft. Use prelube on the cam, and dont be shy with it. While your at it, get rid of the balance shaft gear.

This is the method I was going to use.

For lube does this work: Auto Racing Products 100-9910 - Assembly Lube | O'Reilly Auto Parts ?

Also, why do I want to remove the balance shaft gear?

Balance shaft becomes obsolete when you install a performance cam. I have read that it can actually cause vibrations at higher speeds that can hurt your engine. The gear was removed on mine when the cam was installed and have had zero problems

should you get rid of the gear even wiht a vs cam?

I have not heard about the balance shaft causing any problems with a mild cam. When I did my motor I removed it altogether however. I've read removing it can gain a few hp's and release some rotational mass. My motor does idle rough (which is going to happen with a bigger cam) and you can hear the bigger cam for sure but I don't notice the balance shaft missing otherwise. Seems like removing it a personal preference from my research, I've heard arguments both ways. I'd probably take out the gear personally if your really after getting the most from the cam upgrade.

Alright will do. But what lube should I buy lol.
This stuff?

Auto Racing Products 100-9910 - Assembly Lube | O'Reilly Auto Parts

No that's the stuff to use on bolts. You need

Sealed Power® 55-400 - Camshaft Assembly Lube | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Ultra Slick Engine Assembly Lube Permatex 81950 Free Shipping | eBay
this stuff is amazing super sticky and thick

Three options. Which one do I buy :P?

take your time on the thrust plate torx bolts...thery are shallow, dont strip them, and dont loose the cam interrupter magnet or the cam key, they are small...and yes i learned the hard way

torx bolts are t27 so if you don't have one go get a nice quality bit.

It's a t30.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2