LS1howto has a great article on a cam/spring swap on a Camaro. I'm looking at doing a cam, springs, pushrods, oil pump, and timing chain on my truck.
Are there any pointers specifically for a truck that is different from LS1howto?
I thought I had heard you could do it without pulling the radiator, but I don't see that happening even if you removed the tranny crossmember.
This is big mod for me to be doing (noob), and I'll have to do it in a weekend, so any help would be awesome.

TIA

Al

 

I don't think it's possible to do without removing the radiator. I had to use every inch WITHOUT it. It's basically the same as what those instructions say, except I think it a little easier since you have more room. Just take your time...

 

The radiator has to be out of the way, one way or another...I removed mine when I did my cam swap. The ac condensor stays in.

 

no big deal.. that radiator comes out like nothing... 2 hoses and two bolts and its out..

 

I didnt remove ym rad..just pulled it vertical to move ti outta the way.

It is the exact same as the LS1howto swap....no differences.

 

it's just alot easier to remove it... it doesn't take much to pull it out.

 

Cool, no big deal.

What do you think about titanium retainers? Most of what I hear is that it's usually overkill. I'm looking at a GT2-3 or similar cam in a 5.3.

 

Wow, I didn't pull my radiator when I swapped cams. I just pulled the water pump and fan assy, along with the shroud. My cam just touched the radiator fins, but it came out without damaging the fins. Granted, I did remove my cam install tool and the cam sprocket. Maybe 6.0L are different then 5.3L/4.8L, or it could be that 4x4s are easier ... I don't know. It is very straight forward, and I was able to finish it in 4 hours or so total time.

 

The HD's may have a little more room. Whenever I go to do this, I may try it your way just to see if it works. Would be a good learning experience. And if it doesn't work, it's not too hard to pull the radiator.

My list right not stands at:
GT2-3 kit (includes LS6 springs)
Pushrods
LS2 timing chain
Ported LS6 oil pump
ASP underdrive pulley
GOOD valve spring compressor (Thunder Racing?)
Extra locks
Titanium retainers (maybe)

Thunder Racing also sells the tool that holds up the lifters, but it's like 95 bucks. Does anyone know what size rod I would need (diameter and length) to make my own?

I was looking at a double row timing set, but I don't think I need it right now.
I also heard there is a long wait to get underdrive pulleys...

If it takes you 4 hours, I'm going to plan on a whole weekend.

Thanks

 

I've used the pen magnet method. Yes, I spent $48 on them at Murray's but they hold 3 lbs each. Some clothespins will stop them from going too far down. I also found that when you drop the little 8mm oil pickup bolt in the oil pan that the magnet will grab it every time (6x's).

I'm going to be leaving the radiator in on my Avalanche. I'll use the water pump bolts to pull the cam out enough to grab hold of it. I wasn't planning on changing to yet another cam but the 233/237 .579/.568 on a 110 just isn't working for me.