DIY: LS3 Camshaft Install (a lot of pictures, may take a moment to load)

[robertway]

Originally Posted by flht99b

Absolutely fantastic. I have 2 easy questions. The 3 bolt cam gear, did you use a GM gear or aftermarket and did you remove the oil pump to install a different one or the oil pump removal is necessary for a cam swap.
Thanks again for your outstanding post.
Ed M.

First of all thanks very much for the compliment.

As for your questions, the camshaft gear is a GM part, part# 12586481 (I have to update the parts list in my post with this). As for the oil pump, it had to come off in order to change the timing chain. It does not have to come off if you are only switching to a 3 bolt cam therefore switching out to the 3 bolt timing gear. My understanding is that if you are using a very mild cam that still makes use of the stock valve springs or even aftermarket springs on a cam without a lot of lift beyond stock then the stock timing chain is fine and would save you from having to take the oil pump off. In my case and most of the cam swaps you see here on the forum, the new cams have a lot more lift than stock (mine is in the 0.580" range and a lot of others are over 0.600"), possibly a more aggressive ramp rate on the cam lobes, and the valvetrain is upgraded with dual springs. These are all things that put a little more burden on the timing chain which I guess is why some folks upgrade the chain as some cheap insurance and why a lot of shops recommend to do so as well.

[GenoSin]

Incredible DIY, however, I do not believe I will ever attempt this on my own vehicle lol...

[camarohead]

excellent how to video. i learned alot. very impressive. i know your dads proud.

[Camaro21]

All I can say is WOW !! Awesome write up with great pics and descriptions !!

Thanks for the post !!

[Stark]

STICKY!!!!!

Well done Robert!!

[Ivan @ Southwest Speed]

Originally Posted by Camaro21

All I can say is WOW !! Awesome write up with great pics and descriptions !!

Thanks for the post !!

Nice stripes!!!
Ivan

[SC2150]

One of the best write ups I have seen. Great job!!

[SuperSport17]

Impressive. I will definitely refer to this when im ready. U went over and above. Great job!

[Jason@Phastek]

What a Great Write-Up. The Best I have ever seen.

[CamaroSpike23]

AWESOME WRITE-UP!!!! STICKY TIME!!!

[Jacber]

great write up , where did you order your valve springs/push rods from and what part # are they?

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

AWESOME WRITE-UP!!!! STICKY TIME!!!

You're a moderator, do it yourself.

[robertway]

Thanks again everyone for their compliments...

Originally Posted by Jacber

great write up , where did you order your valve springs/push rods from and what part # are they?

The springs, retainers, seals, and seats all came from East Coast Supercharging in Cream Ridge, NJ which is only about 40 minutes away from me. They are Manley Valvetrain components as follows;

Dual Valve Springs: 221436-16
Titanium Retainers: 23623-16
Spring Seats: 42334-16
Valve Seals: 24042-8 (need two boxes)

I wound up picking up the pushrods from Jegs while I was out on the road for work. They are Comp Cams Hi-Tech hardened pushrods (Jegs link). Like I mentioned in the write-up I would make sure you measure for proper length as opposed to just duplicating someone else's setup. Whatever cam you wind up using may have a different base circle diameter than the one I used which would have a direct impact on what pushrod length you use.

[Jacber]

thanks, will measure. leaning toward the katech torquer 3 cam.