Need Info On Installing Cams

[RedLined]

I've heard that installing cams on our cars isn't that hard, but what about advancing and retarding the timing? Don't we need adjustable cam gears for that? Or can we do it with the stock ones? But won't that take longer? Does anyone have aftermarket cams installed yet? Any info will help, thanks.

[DarricksZ28]

Cam installs are not considered easy and should not be attepted by someone who isn't familiar with degreeing cams and a good working knowledge of engine valvetrain. The Ecotec uses a chain drive. The biggest obstacle with an aftermarket cam install right now is getting the engine properly tuned after the cam swap. The stock PCM can probably compensate for a slightly more aggressive profile but if you're looking to swap in a much larger cam from stock tuning will be necessary. We're planning on a custom cam swap, but we need a tuning medium. You don't need adjustable cam gears to change cam timing, you need a degree wheel. Adjustable cam gears make it easier but are not required to change cam timing.

[WopOnTour]

Originally Posted by DarricksZ28

You don't need adjustable cam gears to change cam timing, you need a degree wheel. Adjustable cam gears make it easier but are not required to change cam timing.

So just HOW would you plan to alter cam timing without adjustable gears???
A degree wheel is used to DETERMINE cam timing and used as reference to change it. But adjustable cam gears (such as those available for the ECOTEC PN# 88958613) are going to be neccessary to make any useful changes to the cam timing (+/- 16 degrees) as if you attempt to move them even a single full "link" out of time- you will "bump your head".

I am however in agreement with you on the neccessity of some sort of "tuning solution" in order to take the most advantage of a hotter grind.

As far as what is required, DO a seach for CAMS in here. There is a thread somewhere that discusses the tools required. How "easy" it would be is all relative to your experience and skillsets, but the good news is it CAN be done in the car in about 20-30 minutes WITH the correct tools.

Regards
WopOnTour

[DarricksZ28]

I'm sorry. My entire point did not get across, I wrote that kind of funky. What I meant to say was a degree wheel can be used to change cam timing. Once you find the reference point where the cam is "straight up", then you can set your cam timing from there whether it's +4 or -2 or whatever. Yea, you can't change cam timing at the track with a degree wheel, well you can but that's definitely not worth the trouble. Adjustable cam gears are not absolutely needed to change cam timing. They're needed for quick and easy timing changes once the cam is set up. That's all I was saying.

[zfactor]

if you are looking into the comp cams ones; the comp cams should not be used in our motor just so you are aware of this if these were what you were going to use. i spoke to comp cams and they said those cams were out way before our motor was they were designed for the 2.2 but they "can" be used in a 2.0. they are not tuned whatsoever for our motor. people keep posting on here about these and i keep stsing that if you call comp cams they will tell you exactly this word for word "you may use these at your own risk!!" "we are not responsible for any damage caused but these they were not made for your motor" i have spoke to them on several occasions and got the same response from numerous people there at comp cams. im just trying to make everyone aware of this again because everyone seems to think they are for our motor they are not.

[WopOnTour]

Originally Posted by zfactor

if you are looking into the comp cams ones; the comp cams should not be used in our motor just so you are aware of this if these were what you were going to use. i spoke to comp cams and they said those cams were out way before our motor was they were designed for the 2.2 but they "can" be used in a 2.0. they are not tuned whatsoever for our motor. people keep posting on here about these and i keep stsing that if you call comp cams they will tell you exactly this word for word "you may use these at your own risk!!" "we are not responsible for any damage caused but these they were not made for your motor" i have spoke to them on several occasions and got the same response from numerous people there at comp cams. im just trying to make everyone aware of this again because everyone seems to think they are for our motor they are not.

FYI Z
The 8 "NEW" COMPcams people keep referring to apparently include both turbo and blower specific grinds that appear to be very specifically designed for the 2.0L LSJ.
http://www.compcams.com/information/...yID=1110992703
I have sent a few emails to COMPcams to get specific lift/dur numbers but have received no response. This is about all I have found, but all there are is part numbers so I'm not even certain if these are the ones they are referring to...
Regards
WopOnTour
PS> IMO the 8766&8767 look most promising w/o introducing all the "issues" of piston clearance and excessive overlap

[garland]

FYI guys. I've made several of my own cams and I can tell you that of the cam grinds available on the market, COMP CAMS has the profiles that would most match what I would create.

If I recall correctly they are assymetrical profiles with a big exhaust duration vs a slightly smaller intake duration, plus good overlap. Those cams should make absolutely SICK power with the blower and our engine. This is just from what I know, and is not necessarily an endorsement (considering they're a cam I can't even sell and who knows maybe in a year or so I'll make some of my own) but if I were a buyer right now that's the brand I would buy, knowing what I know.

They may not have been directly designed with our motor in mind but they will still work exceedingly well. And I'd bet dollars to donuts they'd work better than the gm performance symmetrical profile cams.

[garland]

also do we have self adjusting valve lash on this engine?

Oh I should also recommend for proper break in after installation (to allow the old lifters to wear to the new cam without wrecking both of them) you want to let it run for 20 minutes in neutral between 2300-2700 rpms.

[zfactor]

i have spoke to comp cams and yes they offer "blower and turbo grinds" but they specifically told me i should not use them in this motor or if i do so to use at my own risk. i believe sinister redlines recieved the same response also from them. just telling you what comp cams themselves have told me i our phone conversations.
and also wop if they did "work" would we need some ecu work for these i am not sure if they will work properly with the stock maps. i have extensive import backround but am new to the redline/ss cars and dont have that much us hands on i guess you can say, i have been dealing with imports for the last 12 years. not to many american cars though. i know that our ecu is a mjor pain the ass. as i mentioned i have two really excellent ecu guys on it now trying to get somewhere. but i may be willing to try a set of these in light of what i was told but im not sure how well they would work without some additional tuning being done. thanks

[WopOnTour]

Yea, I hear ya
But it's THEIR press release that specifically says 2.0L is all I'm sayin
But as with any cam, it has to match up with the intended application and will only be as good as the correct tuning neccessary to get/maintain the engine into the ideal powerband.

Redlined- I found the og thread that I posted the J-tool# that eases "in-car" cam replacement on the ECOTEC. I have used it often, and although it has a couple of "quirks" it works excellent. If anyone goes out and buys this tool or attempts to replicate it, PM me for some necc modifications
WOT
More HI-PO Cams???