BTR Stage III cam swap, what did you replace?

[DarthZL1]

I have some questions on the BTR stage III cam sawp.

1. Did you change the springs, retainers, etc?
2. Did you keep the stock lifters, if not what did you use?
3. Do you use the stock length pushrods? If not (because of swapped lifters, or otherwise), what length did you use?

The engine will be essentially brand new when it get swapped. (for an upcoming project).

Any help or insight would be appreciated.

[mikey1107]

Assuming stock everything going to BTR cam? Then, Yes you will have to change springs and pushrods, You can use stock lifters. The pushrods length should be measured once the cam is installed and correct length ordered. I believe BTR will require you to change the cam sprocket to a 3 bolt, stock is a single bolt.

[E. Bryant]

In addition to mikey's list, consider adding a rocker arm trunnion upgrade. Also, when switching to the 3-bolt cam gear, it's a good idea to remove the stock LS3-style "leaf" timing chain tensioner and replace it with a LS2-style "dogbone" damper.

[Stephen12ZL1]

most people leave the stock lifters because in order to replace them you have to remove the heads. The stock springs, retainers, locks, and pushrods should be replaced with upgraded units. The upper timing gear and timing chain should be replaced. The C5r timing chain is very nice but somewhat expensive through Katech. ARP crank bolt is preferable with a new timing cover seal and crank snout seal. The water pump gaskets can be reused as well as the valve cover gasket seals. Leave the rocker trunions stock according to my tuner and other reputable shops. LS2 tensioner is preferable as stated above.

[ZL1Kid_AL]

I did everything as mentioned above except I did not put a different timing chain or LS2 tensioner.. Mainly because I did mine at home on jack stands and could not lower the pan enough to remove the oil pump pickup tube to get the chain out. Also the spring style tensioner looked better than an LS2 style IMO

[ZO6 Bryan]

Follow what Stephen said.
You need
Cam
Springs
retainers (preferably Titanium)
spring seats
valve locks
timing chain
LS2 damper
cam gear
gaskets all reusable but optional if you want them.
crank bolt
pushrods optional but good upgrade.

You can actually get the BTR3 cam ground on a single bolt design and then keep the stock tensioner and damper design.
The cam gears have different pitch and the chains are different too. Don't mismatch the two chain and damper designs.
Either keep it all original or change everything.

So get LS2 design chain, damper, and cam gear. Or else get a single bolt cam and keep the stock chain, damper and gear.

If you call Brian Tooley he can put together everything for you and send it to your door.

[1KillerSS]

This is what I did, not saying you NEED to do this:

ls2 damper
c5r timing chain
comp cams trunion upgrade
new valve seals
cadillac racing lifters
Dual valve springs

Stephen12ZL1, and ZO6 Bryan are dead on, great advice.

[Soybeanrice]

If you got the cash get aftermarket heads too. Upgrading the valve train while the engine is in the car is a PITA. My back hurts just thinking about it.

[LSX Camaro]

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

most people leave the stock lifters because in order to replace them you have to remove the heads. The stock springs, retainers, locks, and pushrods should be replaced with upgraded units. The upper timing gear and timing chain should be replaced. The C5r timing chain is very nice but somewhat expensive through Katech. ARP crank bolt is preferable with a new timing cover seal and crank snout seal. The water pump gaskets can be reused as well as the valve cover gasket seals. Leave the rocker trunions stock according to my tuner and other reputable shops. LS2 tensioner is preferable as stated above.

I am shaking my head?

"You" would recommend replacing the timing chain but not the lifters with a new cam?
Re-using LS water pump gaskets?
No Trunnion upgrade? Why would you ask the tuner and not the engine builder??

[1KillerSS]

Gaskets can be re used, no biggie, as for the lifters, not necessary. I did mine, because I was rebuilding my engine, and had the heads off anyway.

[LSX Camaro]

Originally Posted by ZL1Kid_AL

I did everything as mentioned above except I did not put a different timing chain or LS2 tensioner.. Mainly because I did mine at home on jack stands and could not lower the pan enough to remove the oil pump pickup tube to get the chain out. Also the spring style tensioner looked better than an LS2 style IMO

[LSX Camaro]

Originally Posted by 1KillerSS

Gaskets can be re used, no biggie, as for the lifters, not necessary. I did mine, because I was rebuilding my engine, and had the heads off anyway.

Why would you re-use any gasket? Please give me your professional opinion?

[1KillerSS]

Me personally, I wouldn't but they can be reused, they are not the old paper and cork gaskets that they used to be. Why don't you stop being a condescending jerk and offer some constructive advise, instead of just tearing down others.

[Soybeanrice]

Originally Posted by ZL1Kid_AL

I did everything as mentioned above except I did not put a different timing chain or LS2 tensioner.. Mainly because I did mine at home on jack stands and could not lower the pan enough to remove the oil pump pickup tube to get the chain out. Also the spring style tensioner looked better than an LS2 style IMO

I'm confused here. I also did mine on jacks. The pickup tube doesn't need to be moved. You just take off the oil pump and you're good to go. How did you even get the cam gear off if you didn't take off the oil pump ? What did you actually end up swapping?

Edit: Oil pump, not chain.