lorenzo

What method/technique did you use to keep the lifters from falling down while the cam was out?

and PLEASE, for the people who haven't, save the "your going to void your warranty" for some one else.

tjwong

This is what I do once I am about ready to "pull" the cam out. Spin the cam over several times, with the push rods still in place but the rocker arms are removed. After spining the cam in place gently push each push rod down towards the cam. If you feel ANY resistance and you should the lifter will stick in place safely for you to pull the cam out. However if you just touch the push rod and the lifter drops back down onto the cam lobe, then what you need to do is to get some small telescopic magnets that are available at most Auto Zones, Checkers or other auto parts store. All you need to do is to drop the magnet down onto the lifter and with the pocket clip bent outwards that hooks the rocker arm pillar and with the magnet on the lifter it can't fall down.

These are the magnetic pick up tools that I have and use from time to time.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1255

lorenzo

thanks. That is sometimes refered to as the Russian Roulette method, I see a tool available that slides into the block from the front that holds them up, it's 100 bucks or so and it looks like it's just a round rod, nothing special so i was hopeing someone would say "just use two dowel rods from home depot " or something like that.

Luweegy

Pull the rockers,turn the cam over twice,that should lock lifters up.R&R cam and your done.

bandit0220

magnetic pens from autozone works great i have changed cams about 40 times and this is the method I have used everytime and have never had one fall

dvandentop

wooden dowels in the front of the motor is only $2 cheapest way to be safe

Larry T

...wooden spring type clothes pins have been in my "chevy" tool box for years just for this purpose...

dvandentop

wodden dowel rods have been used 1,000's of times to hold the lifters

lorenzo

Thanks guys, im going back together now, crank pully is on and im double checking the torque speck on it. 250 foot pounds ? or the other method, 37 ft then 140 degrees more rotation. hope to at least have the front sub frame back on tonight.

dvandentop

did you be sure the crank and cam dots were lined up perfectly??

240ft lbs is the trq specs i put some red locktite on my bolt did you get a new bolt with the cam install kit?

lorenzo

Yes and thanks for asking. i did get a new bolt so i pulled the pully { balance wheel} what ever you want to call it, up tight with the old bolt to 240 ft pounds, changed to the new bolt then went 140 degrees more with locktight added.

on a break now, been at it for a while, now i know why tuners need the car for 4 days no regrets takeing on the project my self at all however

dvandentop

excellent mang you will be happy when you get to fire it up the 1st time

glad i could be an inspirtation for you to try it yourself

that dumb littler cooler for the tranny or PS is a real treat to deal with isnt it

let me know if you have questions about getting the 2 tranny cooler lines hooked up on the passenger side radiator

NE is getting spanked on the game so no need to watch them LOL

obzidian

What would you say is the most difficult part of the job?

lorenzo

Decieding to do it your self is the most difficult just kidding!!



Getting to the point where it's time to pull the balance wheel.
You can either remove the rack and pinion assembly or
you can lower the front sub frame down far enough to allow
removal of the balance wheel { crank pully}.
It's just takes time, if a shop say's they will need your car for three or four day's it's because that's how long it takes!! Im sure someone can do it faster but this car is a hobby for me anyway so i didn't really care how much time i spent on it. Day one it was all apart to the balance wheel, day two had me back together except for spark plugs and intake by one A.M. It still needs little things like antifreez, freon, engine oil, spark plugs, and a few other finishing touches befor the pay off.
Tought SCUBA lessons today so should be able to get the rest done monday?? but can't start it untill the computer cames back from the tuner anyway.

If it wasen't for several forum members helping with questions,
i most likely wouldn't have done it.
it wasen't my first time in an engine by any means just my first LS7.