ls1 cam install/lifter question - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

V · 07-19-2006, 04:23 PM

Ok, i need to install a cam, BUT the JPR lifter retainer tools are on backorder, plus ive heard some bad things about them. I do not want to go and do the 16 pen magnets method, nor the just "hope" the lifters dont fall method. I read a few places that a 5/16" aluminum rods works just as well as the JPR tool, so i was thinking of that route. And as I was tryign to decide what to do, i thought of another method... correct me if i'm wrong, but couldnt I just flip the motor over (upside down since its on a engine stand already) and install the can then, so it would be impossible for the lifters to fall down. The plastic "retainer" cups should keep them in the bores and not allow them to fall all the way out the top. Oh and also there is NO oil or coolant in the motor, and never has been yet, so flipping it over would not cause any issues, it brand new and just has assembly lube.. .
So this upside down method should work?...
it'll only be flipped for a minute or 2, however long it takes to carefully slide the one cam out and a new one in.

The "more" valvespring tool is also backordered so i'm gonna be orderign the crane tool instead, which ive read is also better and quicker.

ATVracer · 07-19-2006, 06:26 PM

Flipping it over would work. before you remove the old cam free spin it a few times to push the lifters up in the cups.

What cam is going in?

V · 07-19-2006, 06:28 PM

TSP MS3

1984camaroz28 · 07-19-2006, 06:43 PM

you can use a 5/16 wooden dowel from home depo..... they work very well i used them on every cam swap i do

ATVracer · 07-19-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokingSS

TSP MS3

Nice, what springs? PRC duals?

I have 2 motors in the garage going together now.

Some N20 ready 347's

V · 07-19-2006, 07:31 PM

yes, prc dual with hardened pushrods and all, i got the whole TSP package. I'm still thinking about rockers. my cars been motor-less for almost a year, hence why im sorta secretive on whats going together, lol.

ATVracer · 07-19-2006, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokingSS

yes, prc dual with hardened pushrods and all, i got the whole TSP package. I'm still thinking about rockers. my cars been motor-less for almost a year, hence why im sorta secretive on whats going together, lol.

TSP has some good stuff my combo last year was a custom cam and a set of there PRC heads. went 9.73@ 139 with a 347 that had pistons and rod bolts in it. Best budget head out there IMO.

I'm a big fan of stock rockers. I have the harland sharp bearing mod done to mine to ensure no needle bearings in the motor.

Good luck with the build

V · 07-19-2006, 07:44 PM

yeah as for the rockers, i was looking at the harland sharps, yella terra, or the HS rebuilds from NastyN8... im concerned with the stock needle bearing issue... any opinions?

ATVracer · 07-19-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokingSS

yeah as for the rockers, i was looking at the harland sharps, yella terra, or the HS rebuilds from NastyN8... im concerned with the stock needle bearing issue... any opinions?

With that cam you dont need anymore lift so no need for a higher ratio rocker and the stockers are light so I'd stick with them and get the HS bearings put in them(thats what I run).

V · 07-20-2006, 02:12 AM

Where would i get the HS bearings installed? i have 3 sets of ls1/ls1 rockers currently i could send out for the mod or as a core.

ATVracer · 07-20-2006, 06:10 AM

Sent mine to Nate.

V · 07-21-2006, 03:15 PM

ok, i just sent my rockers off today, i spoke to nate yesterday and set it up. hopefully HS will get them by tuesday or so and get them back out to me by the end of next week. I ordered the crane valvespring tool from summit instead of thunder since thunder seems to have everything on backorder for weeks.

ATVracer · 07-21-2006, 04:51 PM

They come with new rocker bolts also, allen head but I cant remember the exact size.

You will need a allen socket to torque them(just a heads up)

Good luck with it

V · 07-31-2006, 12:11 PM

Just got them back today, Wed. i'm doing the cam/lifter swap hopefully if i get my compressor wired up tomorrow. And i have tons of allen sockets, lol, plus torx, reverse torx, etc.

00454sscamaro · 08-06-2006, 01:13 PM

those are rebuilt stockers?^ look nice.. im waiting to get some more complimenting parts to install my ms4.

V · 08-06-2006, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00454sscamaro

those are rebuilt stockers?^ look nice.. im waiting to get some more complimenting parts to install my ms4.

yes those were my rockers i sent out through Nasty Preformance, and i got them back about a week later. However, the rockers i sent were BRAND NEW, and clean and thats why they look like that, used ones would still probably look a little used, but the bearing assemblys even then are brand new of course.

right now, i was just waiting on getting my air compressor wired to be able to install all my valvetrain parts, i still have to order a ported oil pump, rod bolts, ls2 chain, headers and y pipe, and subframe connectors and i should be all set for a while.

CJDZ24_Z28 · 08-12-2006, 07:24 PM

Geez im dying to get a cam. Lots of people on LS1tech are running the MS4

foff667 · 08-12-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJDZ24_Z28

Geez im dying to get a cam. Lots of people on LS1tech are running the MS4

just because alot of people are running a specific cam doesnt mean its what you should necessarily get...I learned that the hard way.