I'm wanting to do my cam swap this weekend, but have never done one in these new trucks. Please post anything I forgot, I dont want to have to run (literately) to the sto to get stuff.

oil/filter
springs
spring compresser
lifter tool (5/16 dowel)
longer pully bolt
coolant
rtv gasket maker

Please let me know what I forgot, I know I left something out.
Thanks

 

Breaker bar
Large screw driver or strap wrench
Three prong puller
Valve hold tool (threads in spark plug hole, apply compressed air to cylinder so you don't drop the vavles)
Pen magnet might be helpful for retainers

Also it helps to take the water pump bolts out and thread them into the cam. They'll act as a handle while removing it.

Anything else can be seen/read here: www.ls1howto.com

 

Thanks, whats the big screwdriver for? I think I have all the tools except pen magnet.

 

A long 3/8 socket extension works good too

 

I used the a big srew driver to keep the crank from spining while busting the balancer/crank pulley bolt loose. I removed the starter and wedged it between a hole in the flexplate, and the block. I didn't use a strap wrench, because I feared it might separate the metal and rubber on the balancer/crank pulley.

 

Yea, got a few of those

 

Is it necessary to remove the whole grill, or just radiator, fans?

 

I took the grill off, it makes it easier to get deeper in the engine bay. However you do not NEED to remove the grill.

Fans and Radiatior will get you the clearance you need.

 

Just the radiator and fans. Don't touch the condensor! I left the heater hoses on my water pump too, and just set aside. I also didn't un-do my radiator all the way. I just bungee'd it up to the hood, out of the way.

 

one important thing is bandaids no seriously if you know any one that has some extra valve keepers that wouldnt hurt to get those just in case i know i lost 1 when i did my cam it was the most horrible sound ever thankfully my friends' friend had some spare keepers