For a while I've been trying to diagnose a lack of power/detonation problem with my 86k mile driver GN. After fixing all the usual stuff (questionable coil pack, cracked header, etc) I had a suspicion that my stock cam was bad.
I got out the dial indicator and magnetic base and started on the driver's side (suspecting #3 exhaust of course). I measured the lift at the pushrod and valve ends of the rocker on a few valves, while turning the engine over by hand. When I got to #3 exhaust, I found a whopping lift of .080" at the valve stem <ouch>. I should have just looked at it while I was turning it over, I should have noticed that.
Anyway, the engine has never been apart and I was wondering what the feasibility would be of replacing the cam while the engine was in the car? I think I know the answer, but I'm hoping here. I would guess that the cam bearings should be replaced, and that that might not be possible while still in the car. I would at least check out the rod/main bearings, which would tell me if I was going to yank the engine or not.
Also, with an ultimate goal of 11.50s, what cam should I be looking at? Everything is stock now, but new turbo/injectors/convertor etc. will be future improvements.
Thanks for reading my novel!
I got out the dial indicator and magnetic base and started on the driver's side (suspecting #3 exhaust of course). I measured the lift at the pushrod and valve ends of the rocker on a few valves, while turning the engine over by hand. When I got to #3 exhaust, I found a whopping lift of .080" at the valve stem <ouch>. I should have just looked at it while I was turning it over, I should have noticed that.
Anyway, the engine has never been apart and I was wondering what the feasibility would be of replacing the cam while the engine was in the car? I think I know the answer, but I'm hoping here. I would guess that the cam bearings should be replaced, and that that might not be possible while still in the car. I would at least check out the rod/main bearings, which would tell me if I was going to yank the engine or not.
Also, with an ultimate goal of 11.50s, what cam should I be looking at? Everything is stock now, but new turbo/injectors/convertor etc. will be future improvements.
Thanks for reading my novel!