DIY: LS3 Camshaft Install (a lot of pictures, may take a moment to load) - Page 20 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

shiftkit · 03-29-2016, 01:36 PM

Just used this to swap my cam. Also ended up using the exact same cam as Robert. This is an excellent and accurate guide - I highly recommend. Thanks Robert for taking the time to make such a detailed instruction.

Woodley99 · 04-03-2016, 10:52 PM

Just finished my cam swap with this amazing DIY thread! Went with the TSP 231/236 (now called stage 3)
Everything went smoothly minus while taking balancer bolt off my socket went flying and hit the A/C condenser and poked a hole in it :( but other than that went great could of been worse!

I just wanted to add that I bought the Jegs version of the comp cams valve spring compressor and it worked awesome at half the cost only 80 bucks compared to 170 or we.
Also I bought the eBay balancer installer that had the proper spacer and ball bearing washer that made install super easy. Was 35 bucks or so

rvadim76 · 07-07-2016, 11:21 PM

Also used this guide as a primary help resource while was doing the cam swap.
Highly recommend it!

Bought balancer removal kit from ebay which worked just fine, had to buy the install kit (technically long bolt with a nut a couple of washers) because the "install/removal" kit was just a removal kit

also rented the good torque wrench to tight everything right. The one I bought for like $35 failed the same day, returned back to O'Reilly.

Long story short: I spent around $150-$200 on tools, fluids and parts; I was forced to buy camshaft retainer plate (~$16) and a few new bolts ($10) along with front engine cover ($25 at JEGS)

Got one question:
On the very first page there is a mention of ATF (tranny fluid) - do we really need it? I changed the engine oil along with cam swap but fail to understand why I need ATF. Anyone please enlighten me!

Thanks!

rvadim76 · 07-07-2016, 11:30 PM

OK disregard my question: we may loose some ATF when disconnecting the tranny cooler lines, this is why we may need some ATF to add.

Woodley99 · 07-08-2016, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvadim76

OK disregard my question: we may loose some ATF when disconnecting the tranny cooler lines, this is why we may need some ATF to add.

Correct, it drains outta the lines going to the radiator/tranny cooler. Even for us manual guys. I went ahead and replaced the tranny fluid with redline dtf4 while I was there. Cheap and insuring 😉
Congrats on cam swap!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

rvadim76 · 07-08-2016, 10:33 PM

Thanks bud!
I have also put the new fluid along with new filter & pan gasket today. Prefer to be safe )

Strider044 · 01-21-2017, 11:10 AM

bump because is a great DIY.

Jpb972 · 04-24-2017, 10:46 AM

I have an odd request. Does anyone know the length of the ls3 cam?
I'm hoping I don't have to remove my bumper cover and intercooler.

Thanks in advance.

Retro69 · 04-24-2017, 12:55 PM

I did mine without removing the front fascia. Just pull the radiator and swing the a/c condenser out of the way.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NYCEGUY01 · 04-24-2017, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpb972

I have an odd request. Does anyone know the length of the ls3 cam?
I'm hoping I don't have to remove my bumper cover and intercooler.

Thanks in advance.

Im actually right in the middle of my swap now. Just came in for a soda and a little break.

Just pull the radiator and tilt the AC condensor up at a 45 degree angle and theres plenty of room.
I used a little piece of wite to tie the condensor to the hood latch while I pulled out the old and stabbed in the new one.

Jpb972 · 04-24-2017, 06:45 PM

My problem is, I have a big fat intercooler in front of the ac condenser That's why I was asking.

Shoe2ss · 04-24-2017, 08:07 PM

Awesome post. Thanks for the info.. Great job on keeping it shade tree mechanic friendly.

Jpb972 · 04-25-2017, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCEGUY01

Im actually right in the middle of my swap now. Just came in for a soda and a little break.

Just pull the radiator and tilt the AC condensor up at a 45 degree angle and theres plenty of room.
I used a little piece of wite to tie the condensor to the hood latch while I pulled out the old and stabbed in the new one.

Can you do me a favor and measure the cam for me when you remove it? Lol

JCunningham · 04-26-2017, 03:34 AM

19"

04-03-2016, 10:52 PM	#268
Woodley99 Drives: 2010 Chevy Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 206 View My Garage	Just finished my cam swap with this amazing DIY thread! Went with the TSP 231/236 (now called stage 3) Everything went smoothly minus while taking balancer bolt off my socket went flying and hit the A/C condenser and poked a hole in it :( but other than that went great could of been worse! I just wanted to add that I bought the Jegs version of the comp cams valve spring compressor and it worked awesome at half the cost only 80 bucks compared to 170 or we. Also I bought the eBay balancer installer that had the proper spacer and ball bearing washer that made install super easy. Was 35 bucks or so __________________ 2010 Camaro SS LS3 Flat Black ARH LT headers, TSP Stage 3 231/236 3 bolt cam, .660 dual springs titanium retainers, TSP rocker trunion upgrade, 3" exhaust no cats with flowmaster mufflers. Vmax TB, MTI plug wires, 160 stat, tr55 plugs, Vararam CAI. Eiabech 1" lowering springs. Elite catch can. ZL1 style spoiler. Street Scene front splitter. LED afterburners. HPT tuned by Geoff at Next Level Performance 470 rwhp 434 rwtq

01-21-2017, 11:10 AM	#273
Strider044 Drives: 2015 2ss/rs Commemorative edition Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Winter Garden, Fl (Orlando) Posts: 423	bump because is a great DIY. __________________ 2015 2ss/rs Commemorative Edition - DynoSteve Tune, NPP, Hotchkis sport springs 19110, Zl1/1LE rear swaybar, VR-DRX CAI, VaraRam VRX-93, Z28 spoiler

04-24-2017, 10:46 AM	#274
Jpb972 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: South jersey Posts: 584 View My Garage	I have an odd request. Does anyone know the length of the ls3 cam? I'm hoping I don't have to remove my bumper cover and intercooler. Thanks in advance. __________________

04-24-2017, 12:55 PM	#275
Retro69 Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Morgan, UT Posts: 1,359	I did mine without removing the front fascia. Just pull the radiator and swing the a/c condenser out of the way. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________

04-24-2017, 06:45 PM	#277
Jpb972 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: South jersey Posts: 584 View My Garage	My problem is, I have a big fat intercooler in front of the ac condenser That's why I was asking. __________________

03-29-2016, 01:36 PM	#267
shiftkit Drives: 2014 2SS Convertible Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 30	Just used this to swap my cam. Also ended up using the exact same cam as Robert. This is an excellent and accurate guide - I highly recommend. Thanks Robert for taking the time to make such a detailed instruction.

07-07-2016, 11:21 PM	#269
rvadim76 Drives: SOLD: 2012 Chevy Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 560 View My Garage	Also used this guide as a primary help resource while was doing the cam swap. Highly recommend it! Bought balancer removal kit from ebay which worked just fine, had to buy the install kit (technically long bolt with a nut a couple of washers) because the "install/removal" kit was just a removal kit also rented the good torque wrench to tight everything right. The one I bought for like $35 failed the same day, returned back to O'Reilly. Long story short: I spent around $150-$200 on tools, fluids and parts; I was forced to buy camshaft retainer plate (~$16) and a few new bolts ($10) along with front engine cover ($25 at JEGS) Got one question: On the very first page there is a mention of ATF (tranny fluid) - do we really need it? I changed the engine oil along with cam swap but fail to understand why I need ATF. Anyone please enlighten me! Thanks!

07-07-2016, 11:30 PM	#270
rvadim76 Drives: SOLD: 2012 Chevy Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 560 View My Garage	OK disregard my question: we may loose some ATF when disconnecting the tranny cooler lines, this is why we may need some ATF to add.

07-08-2016, 10:33 PM	#272
rvadim76 Drives: SOLD: 2012 Chevy Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 560 View My Garage	Thanks bud! I have also put the new fluid along with new filter & pan gasket today. Prefer to be safe )

04-24-2017, 08:07 PM	#278
Shoe2ss Drives: 2014 2ssrs Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 72 View My Garage	Awesome post. Thanks for the info.. Great job on keeping it shade tree mechanic friendly.

04-26-2017, 03:34 AM	#280
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,070	19" __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

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