360 CAM REPLACEMENT

[houston wagon]

What all do I need to remove to replace the cam? Do I need to remove the a/c compressor? Also can it be done in a weekend? I will be replacing lifters also.

[grimgaunt]

easy
Drain and remove radiator
also remove tranny cooler
if you have A/C then remove bolts that hold the A/C condenser to the front valance and tilt so you can access the front of the engine through the hole in the front where the radiator would have been
remove valve covers, loosen and remove rockers keeping them in order of cylinder
remove pushrods
remove lifters with $10 tool from NAPA
remove alternator, bracket, water pump, fan
using harmonic balancer puller remove balancer and pulley
remove timing cover (good time to replace front seal and timing set about $30 for all, remmeber 1979 and later have a 1/2" chain, earlier 5/8" chain)
Pull cam
slide in new cam with cam brake in lube liberally coated on all lobes

use new lifters with cam lube on base
Mopar small block lifters are identical and cheaper than AMC

may as well do new pushrods (chevy small block pushrods are identical and cheaper )

button up timing cover, I should mention, this is a good time to do the oil pump rebuild ($15 for the kit) and a new water pump.
brake in as per cam manufacturer instructions (20 min or so)
Even though this seems like a lot, it is actually only 5-6 hr job
For a weekends work you will have new valvetrain (assuming valves and head are OK) and new oil, water pumps and timing cover and chain.
If the compression is good then you are set for the next couple of years easy.

[ September 10, 2003, 01:55 PM: Message edited by: grimgaunt ]

[houston wagon]

grimgaunt,

Cool thanks. I have done the lifters once about a year ago, so I know that isnt to hard. but I have never done a cam. Thanks for all of your help.