cam install, what else should i do?

**a338566** · 04-25-2008, 11:25 AM

I am gonig to be installing my cam in the next couple weeks. As it is now i am replacing the cam, springs, and pushrods, and obviously all of the support parts for each. What else would you guys suggest upgrading/replacing since i will have the motor pulled apart. i have a 2001 trans am w/ 43,000 miles on it and am installing the following. TSP Camshaft(magic stick 4), PRC Spring Kit & Pushrod Package.

Thanks in advance

**98formy** · 04-25-2008, 11:27 AM

ls6 oil pump is always good and a gm timing set if you do the pump.

**lvbroham1** · 04-25-2008, 12:03 PM

it probably would be good to change your lifters while you have it all apart too.

**greenTA** · 04-25-2008, 01:06 PM

new headers for sure with a cam that big

**INMY01TA** · 04-25-2008, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by lvbroham1

it probably would be good to change your lifters while you have it all apart too.

Heads are not removed during a cam swap. Changing lifters is not necesary. I run a fairly big cam in my 01 and I haven't changed my oil pump or timing chain. Wouldn't hurt but not completely necesary either. You will need a new crankshaft pulley bolt, waterpump and timing cover gaskets and a new front main seal. Texas Speed sells all this in a cam install kit I believe. Also 1 gallon of straight Dexcool.

**a338566** · 04-25-2008, 01:35 PM

I am running Pacesetter headers with TSP True Duals, and am going to a shop in springfield, il for a dyno tune after intall. will it be ok to drive it to the shop after the swap (50 miles one way)? or should i trailer it. I printed off the instructions from ls1howto.com and am following there lead, so i have purchased the bolt and the lifter tool and am ordering the spring compressor when i order the cam and other parts, hoperfully next week.

**a338566** · 04-25-2008, 01:36 PM

any experience on the best spring compressor tool, the one on thunderracing looks to be the best design for getting under the cowl. However it is pricey so any advice will help

**INMY01TA** · 04-25-2008, 01:36 PM

As long as it idles and drives with out stalling you'll e fine.

**INMY01TA** · 04-25-2008, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by a338566

any experience on the best spring compressor tool, the one on thunderracing looks to be the best design for getting under the cowl. However it is pricey so any advice will help

I've seen alot of guys make them and work very well, I'll try to find some pics and threads.

**INMY01TA** · 04-25-2008, 02:04 PM

The homemade spring compressors look and work like the ones in this thread. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317675.

**CamarosSUK** · 04-26-2008, 01:49 PM

do ever one a favor and put you POS car in the junk yard

**INMY01TA** · 04-26-2008, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by CamarosSUK

do ever one a favor and put you POS car in the junk yard

Why dont you park your 14 second modular piece o crap in the garage, close the door, start the engine and go to sleep.

**UTVols98** · 04-27-2008, 01:29 AM

If it's an automatic, you'll definitely need a stall and rear end gears.

**lvbroham1** · 04-27-2008, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

Heads are not removed during a cam swap. Changing lifters is not necesary. I run a fairly big cam in my 01 and I haven't changed my oil pump or timing chain. Wouldn't hurt but not completely necesary either. You will need a new crankshaft pulley bolt, waterpump and timing cover gaskets and a new front main seal. Texas Speed sells all this in a cam install kit I believe. Also 1 gallon of straight Dexcool.

thought he was pulling the heads off too, misread the initial post. My bad. Lol!

**a338566** · 04-27-2008, 04:47 PM

sorry guys, i should give more info, 2001 trans am, m6, 43000 miles. stock gears not sure what those are ( i think they are 3.42??) Pacesetter LT w/ TSP true duals no cats, predator tune, SFC and lower control arms. This is not a daily driver, but it is not a track only car.

**0rion** · 04-27-2008, 08:33 PM

like was mentioned above, as long as you have the engine torn down I would swap out the timing chain with an LS2 chain and get a ported oil pump. Are they mandatory? Not really, but they're pretty cheap insurance. I would also look at doing an underdrive pulley since you have to take the pulley off anyhow. Few extra horses for not much money.

**wantaLS1** · 05-15-2008, 08:50 PM

get everything installed yet? I've got my pacesetter lts an tsp true duals on the way and was wondering what a cam like that with that exhaust would be like! let me know!

**a338566** · 05-16-2008, 04:16 AM

no i do not have any of it installed yet, i was advised when i called to order my cam kit that i should intall a larger rear end gear first, which led to a knew torque arm and relocation bracket, with all of that and having to pay someone to install my gears ( not a job a part time mechanic can do, at least not this one) i pretty much spent all of my cam upgrade money. I am hoping late summer or fall i will be able to get the cam and accessories.