PI cam install questions

[eksplosivejoe13]

I've got a pair of PI cams that i'm going to be installing sometime next week.
I'm just wondering if theres anything "tricky" to the install that i should be aware of. I've read quite a few how to's on the cam swap so i know whats expceted, but for you guys that have done it yourselves... did you run into any complications that i should be aware of?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[DropTopPony]

don't skip a tooth if your doing it without removing timing chains.

 

[built454]

It should be fairly straight forward. Just when you pull the cam caps keep them in order and put them back exactly as they came off. Also double check the timing chains for proper positioning.

 

[Willis_98GT]

anderson tool?

 

[greenscobie86]

I'm doing the same thing next week.

I've got the OTC valve compressor tool also, will it make my life easier in helping me pull the rockers(whatever theyre called)?
Or do I not need to bother with that?

Sorry for the thread hijack

 

[built454]

The OTC tool will make it much easier. Are you planning on removing the timing cover? If not the timing chain could slip and you'll end up having to remove it to get the timing right. Don't think its an easy job. Take your time and mark everything. Even take pictures if you can.

 

[9psi 98]

Have a helper. I did mine without removing the timing cover without any problems. Just take your time.

 

[built454]

Without removing the timing cover, you'll need 2 people is right. One to hold the cam gear and timing chain together tight and one to replace the cam. Use the OTC to take the cam followers or rockers out first before you attempt to loosen the cam caps. It will reduce the pressure put on the cam from the valve springs and your cam won't jump off the followers. Make sure you return the cam caps exactly as you took them off. Put break in lube on all cam journals. After the cam, cam gear w/timing chain are put back on and the cam caps are torqued ---in sequence--- to the specific rate, then put the followers back in. The cams should spin easy. Put some cam lube on the lobes for ease of break in.

If you have windsor heads they have pressed on cam gears and you'll have to remove the timing cover. No way around it.

 

[greenscobie86]

^
Awesome help!!!

I'm gona be super methodical and mark everything. I have a friend(who is good with cars) and plenty of Vise Grips to make sure nothing slips.

Thank you for describing the procedure for me!!!!! I appreciate it.

One more q, will I be able to find the cam tightening/loosening specs in my Chilton book?

 

[built454]

The sequence should be in the Chilton book for sure. If not you can find it on-line. I don't have time right now to hunt for it. I also forgot to say keep the cam followers exactly as they came off. They all will have mated with the valve stems so return them to the same place. Good Luck!

 

[9psi 98]

I just remembered that you can zip tie the timing chain to the gear on the passenger side so it won't jump a tooth. The driver's side is solid, so you can only do it on one side.

 

[built454]

I'm not sure about the zip tie technique. All I know is that chain MUST stay tight or it will let go. The tensioners will make sure of it because they are constantly under pressure. You can move the chain out far enough to remove the cam, but make sure you have everything in place so you can take the NPI cam out and put the PI cam in it place w/out too much effort. When you get the PI cam in have the helper keep holding it until you have the caps snugged down.

 

[9psi 98]

Obviously, you'll have to keep tension on the chains. The zip ties just keep the cam gear from jumping a tooth. Only works on the passenger side though as I stated before.