rickreeves1

I'm starting a new thread because I have a million questions about this. I figured it's better to keep everything in one place. I'm shooting for next weekend which is when Mardi Gras kicks into full gear. I decided to skip it this year to do the install. I should have about five days to complete the install. I'm going to install the cam without removing the motor. I have most of the parts already and the rest should be here next week. I would really appreciate all the help I can get especially next Friday(2/20) through Tuesday(2/25). I'm sure I'll be posting a lot. If anyone in the Covington La. area would like to help that would be great too. Even an emergency phone contact would be appreciated.

Here's the parts list...
Custom Grind Billet Cam 226/234, 565/565, 109 LSA
Patriot Gold Extreme Springs Kit (8501-BSBC)
Comp Pro Mag 1.6rr (1305-16)
Trick Flow Pushrod Guideplates (30400623-8)
7/16 ARP Rocker Arm Atuds (134-7103)
Trickflow Chromemoly Pushrods 7.150" (21407150)
Trickflow Adjustable Pushrod Length Checker (9000)
GM LS7 Lifters (1249935)
GM Delphi Optispark (CZ20003-11B1)
Cloyes True Roller Timing Chain (9-3145)
Meziere EWP & Wiring Harness (WP118-HD)
PSMFORLESS Updates Custom Tune
LT4 Knock Module (16214681)
Miscl. GM Gaskets
NGK TR6 Replacement Spark Plugs-Nitrous
Cam Lube
2 Gallons non DexCool Antifreeze
Engine Degreaser
Anti Seize
WD40
Specialty Tools??


Red = Already Installed

Questions to follow...

rickreeves1

I have the Factory Service Manuals. I found these tutorials/sites that I will be printing up and reading over in the coming week. These may help some others also. Please post any that I may have missed.

http://www.hashmarks.com/techtips/hot_cam.htm

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech1.html

http://www.afrashteh.com/guide/install.htm

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...ild/index.html

http://www.zmydust.com/headsandcam.html

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/guides.htm

http://www.97transam.com/97ta-cam.php

http://www.cis.udel.edu/~davis/z28/buildup/cam/

http://www.fierolt1.com/lt1_camdata.htm

http://www.boxwrench.net/

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ar-or-out.html

rickreeves1

First couple of questions...

I was told that the oil pump driveshaft gear should be replaced due to a weak nylon piece. Does this apply to the LT1? If so whats a good replacement part?

shoebox

If the gear is old, you might want to replace it. The GM part is about the only thing out there.
There also is a plastic/nylon coupler on the drive shaft. You might want to replace it with a metal one.

rickreeves1

I was told the gear is about $70 from the dealer. I may be sticking with the one thats in there as long as it looks ok.

Does the oil pan and pump have to be removed to get to the nylon coupler/shaft? If so I think I may have to skip that also. Actually I have an LT1 with front mounted doptispark. Do I even have that shaft?

Thanks

shoebox

Yes, you have it. Just the oil pan has to be removed to get to the shaft that sits on the oil pump.


All LT1s have a "front mounted optispark". That is one of the things that makes it an LT1.

Drive gear:
GM PART # 1103868
GM LIST: $77.80
Wholesale PRICE: $46.12

aboatguy

Rick,


About the only specialty tool for a cam swap on a LT1 C4 is a puller for the damper hub. (I use a cut down 1/4" drive extension that I place through the center of the hub and into the bolt hole)


I don't see rtv on your list. I'd buy a tube of the "RIGHT STUFF" to seal the china walls on the intake.
I'd pull the engine for the cam swap IOT degree the cam and set the valve train up on the engine stand. But I hate working in the tight space in the C4s engine compartment and I've gotten adept at pulling the engine so timewise its probably a wash . Especially when one considers the hassles of working with : oil pan, front cover, valve train alignment, opti install, damper hub etc on the car vice on engine stand.

What is your plan to plug the hole left from the water pump drive?

Good luck Brother, I'd offer you a hand; but I'm going on vacation over Mardi Gras.


Mike

aboatguy

You're going to drop the pan IOT pull the timing cover, pulling the oil pump and replacing the oil pump drive won't add more than another 30 minutes to your job.

rickreeves1

Update:

I called PCMFORLESS and emailed Bryan. I should be able to get the new tune emailed in time for the install. I asked for one tune NA and another with the 50sh, 75sh, 100sh, and 125sh of N2O. I also inquired about reusing my SV0 25# injectors or upgrading to a bigger injector and fuel system.

Thunder Racing in Baton Rouge can send the pushrods regular one day shipping. Hopefully I can get to the point of checking length and ordering them by next Monday to receive them by Tuesday. I need to call back now and make sure they keep various sizes in stock.

I called the local Checy parts dealer. They want $62 for the new oil pan gasket and $77 for the oil pump drive stub. I was told the drive stub may benifit from being replaced due to the different wear pattern of the new cam. Sounds expensive for a Oil pan gasket. I'm going to start calling around for the FelPro one. The guy knew nothing about using LS7 lifters in an LT1. I aksed him to look up a 2008 LS7 corvette and he said it lists the same part number for an LS1 (#17122490). Is that the correct part number? I need to get these ordered today to have them by Friday.

I'm still a little confused on the oil pump drive shaft. I spotted it in one of the FSM diagrams. I was told ARP and also Melling makes one. Anyone have a part number? Should I even bother with it? It looks like you just unbolt the oil pump, remove the old one, and insert the new one. Is there enough clearance to get it out on stands?

Thanks to everyone!

shoebox

A Felpro oil pan gasket is <$25. I already gave you a link to the Melling shaft that is inexpensive and available at Autozone.

rickreeves1

New update:

I just ordered almost everything needed from Summit Racing. They had the FelPro Gaskets cheaper than Chevy. I got Felpro intake gaskets($23), Felpro one piece oil pan gasket($42), GM Valve Cover gaskets($22), SLP hardened Oil Pump driveshaft($12), LS7 lifters(#12499225 $121), NGK TR6 spark plugs($3 each), Pushrod Length Checker($12 #TFS9000). Everything should be here in about 3 days. I have most of the front gaskets that I never got to use when I did the water pump install.

I need to order the water pump gaskets and oil pump drive stub from GM. I also need to order a new vacuum line from the optspark to the intake. The old one is cut through from the belt/pully. This seems to be fairly common. I wrapped it with electric tape last time. I'm stopping by the parst dealership right now for these. I also need to pick up some longer bolts to remove the cam without scratching the journals. I have a harbor freight puller for the balancer/hub but I'm not sure if/how well this will work. I need to go back and look through some old threads. See pic below. Should I look for the other type with three legs? I also need a spring compressor. What's the cheapest/best option that I can pick up locally? I may take someones suggestion and burrow one from autozone. Will most types work with my valvetrain I've ordered? I need a ft/lbs torque wrench and an in/lbs torque wrench. The ft/lbs has to go high enough so I can do my wheel bearrings in a few weeks which I believe is 250 ft/lb. Suggestions on what torque wrenches to pick up locally?




Edit
Newer Update:

The Oil Pump stub is nowhere to be found. I've called every parts store on the planet. No one carries it but GM. I even called the local AC Delco distributor and they are also out. GM said they would have to order it from the out of state warehouse which could take anywhere from 3 days to 1.5 weeks. They can't give me an exact delivery date due to plant closing, restructuring, and ****ty weather. It looks like I'm stuck with reusing the old part. Hopefully it isnt broken or worn too bad. I found a company called Herron Performance that will soon be making a billet piece for about $130, not soon enough for me though.

shoebox

Still paid about double for the oil pan gasket as opposed to going to an auto parts store. Guess you like to spend money. LS7 lifters are $114.40 wholesale at the dealer. Melling IS-55E pump shaft is $6.99 at Autozone.

Be sure you search on how to remove the crank hub. There are specifics involved.

sbs

They went up from $114 to $122 around the new year at all the usual discount GM suppliers.

If you know a place to still get them for $114 (other than places like GMPD that have egregious shipping charges) let me know as I need to order some.

rickreeves1

There were two Felpro gaskets available. Not sure which one you were referring to. One was a multi piece for around $20 and the other was the single piece for $40. I was told the gasket can be a PITA to align and seal from under the car. I figured the single piece would be much easier to install. The lifters have gone up in price. I checked SDickens and GMPartsDirect first. I did pay a bit more on the shaft I guess. Luckily the shiping was a single $11 handling fee for everything. I appreciate your help with the pricing though.

I still have to read up on the specifics of hub removal. Some have used a hammer and piece of wood from underneath and behind. I'm going to try the puller in the picture above first. What about reinstallation?

rickreeves1

So here's the pullers that are available from Autozone to rent. Which one will work best? I want a second as a backup, just in case.



Here is the valve spring compressor available to rent. Will this work on my Patriot Extreme dual springs?



I may even rent the torque wrenches from Autozone until I buy some really good ones at a latter date.