Can you change cam on LS1 withiout removing heads

[cballweg]

I went to an automotive garage and they said 15 hours to change cam and said you had to remove heads to remove lifters because head was over a plate that holds lifters in and they showed it to me on their computor and I told them I didnt think you had to remove heads but they didnt believe me so Im asking to make sure Im right.I know you can change springs without removing heads>thanks

[Knight]

You do not need to remove the heads. The lifters do need to be held up, and many use magnets to do so. Dropping one of the lifters is a risk though, when done that way. I'd go to a few other shops to get some pricing.

[Lunatikgixxer]

to answer your question No you do not need to remove the heads to change a cam out. But that shop is correct when they say you need to remove the heads to get to the lifters. If you are trying to change the lifters or take them out you need to remove the heads. If youre just trying to change the cam you dont have to remove the heads. I changed my cam without holding the lifters up i just made sure all of them were at the top, its risky but my buddy helping me said hes done 10+ ls cam swaps without holding them up so i trusted him.

[cballweg]

Thanks for the info,guys

[Lunatikgixxer]

no problem

[ls1camino]

The LS motors have dowel slots cut into the block. This way you can insert dowel (duh) to support the lifters while you remove the cam.