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Camo guy's thread about cams



Re: Installing new cam

I'm just tossing it out there. Didn't mean anything by it really.

Two vets (Scott and I) tossing the BS back and forth.
 
Re: Installing new cam

So car was at the shop today cause I wanted the AC freon replaced. Well apparently when I replaced the compressor I forgot about the electrical plug part and they said that is melted. They also said there is AC dye all over the new compressor which I figured since I replaced the compressor and there are lines everywhere. So since they wanted a million dollars to fix this plug I said forget the AC. They also said there was an oil and coolant leak. For that they wanted $40 to check the leaks with dye. So I said go ahead. I certainly hope this oil and coolant leak aren't too crazy to repair. I said **** the AC for now and I'll fix the plug on my own. They also said the suspension passed all their checks which honestly surprised me but I'm still gonna replace a few things. (brakes, rotors, maybe shocks and springs)
 
Re: Installing new cam

So I got the diagnosis from pep boys. Oil pan gasket is leaking and the water pump gasket is leaking. Recommendations are to replace the oil pan and gasket. $646.42 Then replace the water pump gasket and pump gasket. Didn't get a price on that. They also recommended replacing the timing cover gasket. $761.60. Now those just seem a wee bit high don't you think?
 
Re: Installing new cam

WP = $40~, new.

Front timing set = $50~ for the gasket set...IIRC, probably much cheaper...I can't recall.

Oil Pan Gasket is about $50~ as well...

...So, you do the work and you're out a couple hundred bucks or less.

It's expensive because the oil pan gasket is a pain in the ass.
 
Re: Installing new cam

wow , f that crap. buy a socket set and do your own work. chances are the pump is leaking not the gasket, grab the pulley, then rock it back and fourth, if it moves the pump is bad. they cost 45 bucks in hand.

the pan gasket, well they suck to change, so that price is kinda ok. i'd still not pay that tho.

and idk why they would say to change the timing cover gasket, thats just silly. unless its leaking. doubt it tho.
 


Re: Installing new cam

Idk they said it was leaking. But since I'm planning on replacing a lot of the stuff with the cam swap I might as well wait. The engine will be torn down a lot any during that so a perfect time to replace all that stuff. Also is there a recommendation for an oil pan upgrade or just get an OEM one?
 
Re: Installing new cam

I would just tackle half of that crap if you go through with the cam install and save yourself the money on labor and time. The only thing that is a pain is the oil pan gasket and even that's not to difficult. I changed a good portion of stuff when I installed my cam and using discount codes majority of those gaskets can be had for cheap.
 
Re: Installing new cam

Yeah I totaled it up on rock auto and it's maybe $300 for all the gaskets. It's the labor that's gonna kill me. I'm trying to find someone who has a shop that can help me for maybe some pizza and beer lol.
 
Re: Installing new cam

Idk wht tools you have available to you but it really just takes simple tools like sockets, breaker bar, jack, jack stands etc to do most of the work on our cars. You don't need a fancy workspace. Hell I did my cam install in my driveway and just have basic tools. I do have a compressor but at the time it was a small one and didn't help I have bigger one now though.
 
Re: Installing new cam

No but I do need some better knowledge. I'm not comfortable doing a cam swap myself even with an endless supply of youtube videos.
 


Re: Installing new cam

If that's the case with everything, just pull the damn motor out and do it all on an engine stand. That would make your life simple as hell.
 
Re: Installing new cam

I pulled a motor out of my blue car.

I was 18. Didn't have hardly any tools.

Took me like a day. It can be done, yanking a 3800 is pretty simple compared to other platforms.
 
Re: Installing new cam

rent a engine hoist from a rental place, 50 a day ish. or less. wont take that more then a day even if your doing it for the first time.
 


Re: Installing new cam

Or spend I think $150 or so on a hoist from harbor freight then either sell it on Craigslist or keep it around for future projects
 
Re: Installing new cam

There's enough info floating around here and the other sites that will essential walk you through a cam install. The best way to learn is to get in there and do it after all its a rather inexpensive Grand Prix it's not like a Lamborghini or something. Don't be scared to learn w/ first hand experience.
 
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