Would that be acceptable in my car with the current configuration, and if I chose not to replace internal components how well will the motor hold up?įirst off, the Abbott NA cam is one of the best for the 3800. The cam I am planning on installing is as follows By the third bearing it I was able to snug the adpator up just right on the first try.Alright so I would like to install a cam inside my 97 3.8l Firebird, I was wondering how exactly do you do it, how long will it take, and what is the skill level, I have basic to medium automotive knowledge, I know how a motor works and I know all the parts of a internal combustion engine, can I install the cam with the motor still inside the car and do I have to remove parts like the intake manifold, I am under the impression that all I have to do is remove the timing cover, the timing gear, and the timing chain and the cam will come out, I don't feel it nessacary to remove the lifters, springs, push rods or anything to that degree, the car is at 121,000 miles and the motor has been babied with regular maintenance, so it shouldn't need internal components replaced. Basically you want the adpator snu in the bearing, but you don't want to expand the shoulder larger than the OD of the bearing.

You compress the adaptor by tightening the nut on the end, and this cause the adaptor to expand. The first bearing gave me trouble, but I think it was just me learning how to use the tool.

I used the second largest bearing removal adaptor. I started out by knocking out the #5 bearing.

There is a difference between the LS1 and LS2 bearings as best I can tell.

I'll also add, I am no expert, I am learning as I go on this build and this is just an account of what I have learned.Īnyways, I started out ordering Proform Universal Cam bearing Tool and new Cam Bearings, Dura-Bond CHP-23. Didn't find much, especially about tools compatible with the LS2 block. Last week I searched around to find information on removing the cam bearings and installing new ones.

Ls1 cam bearings pinning