so this weekend i was already to install my new cam i just got, and when we started the job at 2am, we took the valve cover off and realized we needed to take the head off to get to the cam wtf?!?!?! SOHC....um no, not really.... this ruined my weekend.
I was wondering how many people installed a aftermarket cam, and if they could post how it went, and any tips they could give me



(shoulda bought a honda)

 

You dont "need" to remove the head, you just need to remove the motor mounts and support the engine with a block of wood and a jack. Next, you raise and/or lower the engine (after you loosen the exhaust manifold and intake tract) and slide the camshaft out of the drivers side of the head.

 

my friend was suggesting the same thing, and i bought the same exact came as you (well different lift but same company) i was just worried because in the haynes manuel it said in huge bold letters *REMOVAL OF CAMSHAFT IS NOT POSSIBLE UNLESS YOU REMOVE THE CYLINDER HEAD**** Did you do it by removing the motor mounts? and how long did it take (how much of a pain in the *** was it?
Also, the cam gear is on the passenger side so how would i slide it out through the drivers side??
If you could help that would be great
thanks man

 

The cam gear comes off the cam, so you remove the harmonic balancer, timing cover, timing belt, camshaft pulley, engine mount plate, remove the valve cover and remove the rocker arms. Next, remove the cam positioning sensor and the cam will be able to slide right out of the right side (drivers side) of the cylinder head. You'll have to move around that bundle of wires and what not, and you'll need to raise and/or lower the engine acordingly...also, remove the batter compltely and loosen the fuse box mounting bolts so you can push the fuse box up and mostly out of the way. It will give you some additional clearance for the cam to slide out. Oh and remember to put the cam positioning magnet from the old cam into the new cam before you install it .

As far as the motor mounts, you'll be removing the upper and lower mount, and theres a big T-55 (i think) hex bolt that goes into the block which will have to be removed. Theres a rubber plug that is covering it but its very easy to find. You'll also want to remove the power steering pump mounting bolts, and pullt he PS pump up and out of the way so you can get the engine mount palte out of the way.

For how long it will take you, it depends on how good you are with a wrench and know your way around the car. The first time Idid it the whole process took almost ten hours, but after a few other times I can do it in around 5-6 hours without breaks or anything.

 

seems like it would be easier to remove the head.

 

Not really considering you all ready have to remove the front motor mount to access the timing belt

 

Its pretty easy to remove the cylinder head in any case...

 

I did mine with an engine PM. New timing belt, water pump, head gasket etc. My mechanic pulled the head off for rebuild in 3 hours. Took another 5 to put it back together.