Replacing the camshaft in your LS motor can significantly enhance your engine’s performance, providing increased power and improved drivability. While this task is not for the faint of heart, with the right tools and a methodical approach, you can successfully complete this upgrade in your garage. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Tools and Materials Needed
- New camshaft (ensure compatibility with your engine)
- Camshaft installation kit (including new lifters, timing set, and camshaft retention plate)
- Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets, ratchets)
- Torque wrench
- Harmonic balancer puller
- Valve spring compressor
- Engine assembly lube
- Gasket set (front cover, timing cover, and valve cover gaskets)
- RTV silicone sealant
Step 1: Preparation
- Safety First: Disconnect the battery to prevent any accidental electrical shorts.
- Drain Fluids: Drain the engine oil and coolant.
- Remove Necessary Components: Remove the intake manifold, valve covers, and water pump. These parts need to be out of the way to access the camshaft.
Step 2: Access the Camshaft
- Remove the Harmonic Balancer: Use a harmonic balancer puller to remove the harmonic balancer from the front of the engine.
- Remove the Timing Cover: Unbolt and remove the timing cover to expose the timing chain and gears.
- Remove the Rocker Arms and Pushrods: Carefully remove the rocker arms and pushrods, keeping them organized for reinstallation.
Step 3: Remove the Old Camshaft
- Remove the Timing Chain and Gears: Unbolt the timing chain and gears, noting their alignment marks.
- Remove the Camshaft Retention Plate: Remove the bolts holding the camshaft retention plate in place.
- Extract the Camshaft: Carefully slide the camshaft out of the engine block, taking care not to damage the cam bearings.
Step 4: Install the New Camshaft
- Prepare the New Camshaft: Apply engine assembly lube to the camshaft journals and lobes.
- Install the New Camshaft: Carefully slide the new camshaft into the engine block, ensuring it seats properly.
- Reinstall the Camshaft Retention Plate: Bolt the camshaft retention plate back in place, torquing the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Step 5: Reassemble the Engine
- Install the Timing Chain and Gears: Align the timing marks and install the timing chain and gears. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Reinstall the Harmonic Balancer: Use a harmonic balancer installation tool to reinstall the harmonic balancer.
- Reinstall the Pushrods and Rocker Arms: Replace the pushrods and rocker arms, torquing the rocker arm bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Step 6: Final Assembly
- Replace the Timing Cover: Install a new timing cover gasket and apply RTV silicone sealant as needed. Bolt the timing cover back in place.
- Reinstall the Water Pump: Replace the water pump gasket and bolt the water pump back in place.
- Reinstall the Valve Covers: Replace the valve cover gaskets and bolt the valve covers back in place.
- Reinstall the Intake Manifold: Bolt the intake manifold back onto the engine.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
- Refill Fluids: Refill the engine oil and coolant.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the battery terminals.
- Check for Leaks: Start the engine and check for any leaks around the replaced components.
- Final Adjustments: Verify that the engine runs smoothly and make any necessary adjustments.
Replacing the camshaft in your LS motor can be a rewarding weekend project to enhance your vehicle's performance.
