hey,guys! I Would like to know if you can replace a camshaft in a 74 firebird without pullin the engine?

Question

I have a freind who wants to build his 74 pontiac firebird 350. I told him to find a 400, but around here it's a hard one to find-anyway,I have a lot of experience in engine work, but not in performance-we are pulling the heads to replace the springs and spacers-I know how to replace a cam,done it many times,but not in the car(engines are already pulled).also any special items having to do with performance...thanks in advance for advice!

Answer 1

Charley is correct, in that in order to do a cam swap you must remove the radiator, but not the grille. For a cam swap, you must pull the intake manifold, Radiator, all accessories (alt, P/S, AC etc) harmonic balancer, water pump amd timing cover. with the intake off, remove the rockers and pushrods. Some people loosen the rocker nuts and twist the rocker arms out of the way to get the pushrods out, I recommend removing the rocker arm entirely, and inspect the rocker studs for wear, and replace as needed. If you're looking for a performance upgrade, and your budget allows, look into roller rockers, they reduce friction, also a solid lifter cam as opposed to hydraulic lifter will give you a slight edge, make sure whatever you choose is suitable for your application. Crane cams has more information on their website, and while you may not be looking for the crane brand, the information is helpful and may prevent later problems.

make sure you use plenty of assembly lube and be careful installing the cam so you don't damage the cam bearings, and break the cam in per manufacturer's recommendations. (anyone who says you don't need to break in a cam is an idiot, and is throwing their money away)

Answer 2

First off the 400s are junk youll be better off with the 350 youll get more bang for your buck and itll take alot more abuse. If you want to replace the cam you need to also replace the cam bearings which can all be done in the car but not very easily. Roller rockers DO NOT offer any true advantage over spring lifters id go with a better quality spring before the rollers. Comp cams will probably be the best brand to go with considering youre not going to race it professionally, Just make sure you get the right lift/duration for your application. Remember its not just the cam and lifters thats gonna give you a good powerhouse engine, it is the combo of the cam lifters intake and carb all together.If you really want good horsepower have the heads ported and polished and add flat top pistons as well.

Answer 3

Yes. You can replace the cam in the car, however, you will have to remove the radiator, condenser if it has A/C and the center stiffiner of the grill.
Then do the normal tear down through to the timing chain. Just make sure you line up all the marks when you start reassembly.

By the way,,why are you changing the cam? Just don't get crazy for a Big cam as they will kill the vacumn on the engine and make it difficult to stop the car if its got power brakes.

good luck

Answer 4

Yes, a camshaft can be replaced with the engine in the car. I wouldn't do it though. Pull the engine out and go through everything. It will save time and money in the long run. Why replace the camshaft and not bother to even check or replace the main bearings or install a fresh, high pressure oil pump?

Answer 5

it mostly depends on whether or not the car has a/c if it does it will be close, you can take out the radiator and the grill to exchange the cam but you can't remove the a/c condenser, but there might just be enough room, you might have to take out the engine mount bolts and jack the engine up a couple of inches to get it to clear if the car has a/c.

Answer 6

I'm not sure but you might be OK, just have to take out the rad and the grill.

Answer 7

"yes" Did I just do a "pullin a Judas Rabbi"?