Well, I found a really good deal on the LS1 hot cam. I've been wanting a cam for a while and I figured this would be a good daily driver and an entry level cam. I didn't want to do anything extreme at first, and I know I'll eventually get a bigger cam. I'll see how I like it and we'll go from there lol.

Anyone else here run the hot cam? It's got good duration, but I know the lift isn't much. It should go good with my mods thus far. I'll be sure and post dyno results and blah blah blah. Also, here's a few other questions I couldn't get straight answers on:

Does the full radiator/fan assembly need to be removed?
Would the grille need to be removed too?
What are yall using to lockup the flexplate? I'm a believe in the good ole screwdriver method, but wasn't sure how effective it is with these motors.

I've read the full cam install guide and I'll have no problem with it, but just wanted to get all the loose ends tied up before I have half my truck apart and need to order somethin else haha.

Thanks in advance,
Jake

 

Yes, radiator does have to come out but not condensor,you dont HAVE to pull the heads but i recommend it. as for the flywheel there is a nifty little GM special tool that bolts in where the starter bolts go and holds everything nice and snug so you dont have anything move on you once you find TDC.You could use a screwdriver or prybar if you have a helper. If i where you i would order ARP head bolts/studs when you do it since you plan on gettin in there again it will save you money in the long run.

 

I really don't want to pull the heads to be honest. What're yall using for the spring swaps? There's a bunch of fancy tools out there, but I don't want to buy something that's overkill. I shouldn't have any issues reaching all the springs since the engine bay is pretty open.

 

theres no need to lock up the flexplate, so don't waste your money on a special tool for it.

As far as the springs go, leave the heads on. If you don't you'll have alot more work to do, as well as buying new head gaskets and bolts. Buying a good spring compressor MADE FOR LS MOTORS will be the best money you ever spent, believe me.

 

that's what I'm thinkin. i knew takin the heads off is pretty stupid unless I was going FI and needed to upgrade studs/bolts. Any recommendations on the spring compressor?
Also, do the seals on my heads (stock 06 lm7) need to be replaced during the swap? I really don't want to replace them, but if it's recommended then I'll do it.
thanks for the tip adam

 

check over on tech for the valve spring tool and cylinder fill hose

 

Man the one I used looked exactly like this but I dont remember it being anywhere near that much and I cant rememeber were I bought it. It was so easy and fast. All you need is a hose with a threaded end for the spark plug hole and the other end to hook to your air compressor to hold the valves. Good luck.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...1&autoview=sku

 

thanks, I think I'm going to get the crane unit. It looks like it's built nice, and it does 2 springs at once.

 

I use a prybar style spring comperssor I got from NAPA for about $12. It is too long to get the rear springs so you will have to cut a few inches off it. Ive used it for 3 different cam swaps, but if you put dual valvesprings on it wont work. It sound like you are probably gonna use ls6 or 921's so it will be fine.

No need for the air compressor adapter, just go with the TDC instructions in the ls1how-to guide, that method is quick and simple.

As for stopping the engine from turning when removing the crank pulley, I just stick a big *** screwdriver throught the pulley and that works fine. oh, make sure you get all your gaskets! (2) water pump, (1) front engine cover, (1) crank pulley seal, and (2) valvecover gastets(optional)

Here is a link for the compressor, they used it in the ls1how-to.com guide http://www.ls1howto.com/howto/fbody/...compressor.jpg

 

yeah I saw that one, but heard that it can potentially rip the bolt from the head?
I couldn't see it doing so with the LS6 springs that come with the kit.
Once I get the cam/springs in the mail I'm gonna go buy the gaskets from oreilly or somethin.

That's the guide I read btw, very good and informative. I'm probably going to take some pictures for the truck guys wanting to do cam swaps.