14 replies to this topic

[Chally]

Ok, so I received my cam courtesy of Bayoutiger (THANKS CHUCK!) I have a few questions as this is my first try installing a cam. I found a few good write ups online that detail every step, so I'm pretty confident that I can do this on my own. this is the write up i'm using: http://www.dodgetalk...ad.php?t=286189 - If you guys know of a better one, I'm all ears... or uhh eyes.

 

First: I would like to know if there is any secrets or "tribal knowledge" that I need to know going in to this, or maybe if there is anything I need to look out for. - keep in mind, I'm popping my "cam install" cherry and might not realize simple no-brainer things that need to be done before/during/after the install, so any tips or advice you guys could give me would be much appreciated.

 

Second: when installing the cam with the heads on the car, how do I make sure the cam is degreed correctly? In the install instructions, it says to line the cam pin up with the timing chain mark and mark on the block that indicates TDC - is this 100% accurate? or is there another way to do it? I'd prefer to not remove the heads from the block to be able to do this, but if it's necessary I will.

 

If there is anything else you would like to add regarding this topic at all, feel free! I apologize if this topic has been beat to death, I didn't do a search before writing this, but eh... I just spent 10 minutes typing it up, might as well post it.

 

cam is 220/230 562/568 112 - I will be ordering the upgraded valve springs tomorrow.

 

Thanks.

[J-Z]

Call Steve at RDP. He will hooooook ya up.

[Hemi31]

If you have never done this before I don't recommend you try it now. That write up on Dodgetalk won't even remotely cover what you will run into on a 6.1 and I am not about to write it up here. There are plenty of places that have the correct information. Honestly I'd bring it somewhere that knows what they are doing. The piece of mind will be worth it. Just doing the valvesprings with the heads on will take you all day. (p.s......buy spare keepers.....at least 6)

[Chally]

If you have never done this before I don't recommend you try it now. That write up on Dodgetalk won't even remotely cover what you will run into on a 6.1 and I am not about to write it up here. There are plenty of places that have the correct information. Honestly I'd bring it somewhere that knows what they are doing. The piece of mind will be worth it. Just doing the valvesprings with the heads on will take you all day. (p.s......buy spare keepers.....at least 6)

Thanks, I planned on the spare keepers. Is this car really that much different than any other pushrod motor? my only problem is I really don't think there is anywhere local (in the KC area) that has had previous experience installing a cam in a hemi car. the valve springs are easy enough, just pressurize and compress then swap the spring, I know for a fact I could do at least that on my own. it would take a while, but is easy enough. I like to think of myself as pretty mechanically inclined...

 

Is there some kind of special tool needed to install it on the 6.1s or what? I'd like to start getting my own hands dirty in the car because I'd like to learn, but if it is really that hard of a job, I guess I could look in to taking it elsewhere. 

 

There is a shop local in town that I am good friends with the owner, he has never personally done a cam install on a hemi, but has on many other cars. Is that what you're suggesting? Just for me to not to dive into this totally green?

[Hemi31]

Valvesprings have no room even with the compact tool. Older lifters you risk dropping into block when cam is out. Setting timing while simple on paper has managed to bend many a valve cause the installer just doesn't get it. And on a 6.1 you need to drop the oil pan to remove the oil pump to see the lower gear and line up the marks. If you don't pull the pump and have never done it before you can do a lot of damage. Not trying to scare you, just letting you know what can and has happened.

[Chally]

well, fuck... I appreciate the help. Does the motor need to be pulled to have this done? and you say that the springs don't have any room even with the compact tool, does that mean the heads need to come off?

[Hemi31]

It's much easier heads off. Motor does not need to be pulled.

[Chally]

are the head gaskets and head studs re-usable? 

[ironchallenger]

no 

[Shaggy SRT]

No neither are re-usable. Eric is giving you VERY good advise. If you've never swapped a cam this may not be the best time to try it as there's lots at stake as he's has pointed out. On the other hand there's no better way to learn.

 

Here's some reading material for you.

 

http://www.lxforums....cam-swap-86546/

 

http://www.lxforums....y-thread-91603/   

Take a look at the author post #9 on this one he should look familiar.

[Chally]

the owner of the shop in town has a brother who did a cam swap on his 6.1, I really DO want to learn, but as one would immagine, I don't want to fuck this up. I'd like to help at the very least.

[StevoHemi]

Good advice Erik. What about dropping the the cradle with the engine? Would this be quicker? Lotsa room to do cam n springs. I presume that this would be a 2 day job at your shop plus a third day for the tune at OST?

Stevo

[!FST4DR]

Dropping the cradle would be more work for the inexperienced person. Even more work for the experienced person.  Now you are getting into a whole new bag of tricks. 

[rdrdr90]

I have a 5.7, however, I wanted to do the cam swap myself, I did a couple years ago on a couple of 318's so I had an idea of what was involved.  I talked to a couple of folks who I trusted who work on Hemi's and both told me I was fucking nuts to try and do it myself.

 

I paid someone and it was money well spent.

[StevoHemi]

Erik, I presume that you prefer to do this swap by pulling the heads which makes the spring swap easier and faster? When installing new head gaskets.... Mopar or Cometic?

 

Stevo