Thread: Cam Install Kit- What do I really need?

Well, im getting ready to do a cam swap and i have a few questions. Mainly on what is neccessary out of the ZZP cam install kit. I have 102,000 miles on my 1998 Grand Prix GT. It been about 2,000 miles since the install of the SS kit, with fresh LIM gaskets and a fresh supercharger gasket. So Do the both the LIM gaskets and supercharger gasket need to be changed every time the top end is torn down? And do i really need to buy new cam and crank bolts


Timing chain dampener--- going to buy
Timing Chain------------- going to buy
12 rocker bolts----------- going to buy
supercharger gasket------ ?????????????????????
2 coolant passage O-rings- dont need with my ZZP machined LIM
intake gasket set---------???????????????????????????
front cover gasket--------going to buy
ARP assembly lube--------going to buy
cam bolt----------------- ??????????????????????????????
crank bolt----------------?????????????????????????????????????

Thanks is advance

definitely yes on the suopercharger gasket.

I assume you got the aluminum LIM gaskets? If so they are probably fine, unless you tear one pealing off the RTV from the corners on the bottom two pieces. I would go new but I'm really anal about stuff.

Cam and crank bolt? They are cheap and yours are original, I would go new with those.

For what a LIM gasket set costs, just get new.

You MUST replace the cam bolt, it is TTY and a use-once bolt. The crank bolt I also replace but IMO, it isn't as critical as the cam bolt.

Make sure you torque things down correctly though.

gaskets yes blower gasket almost rips all the time when you take the blower off. LIM i would there cheap and not worth a coolant leak.

Bolts i reused mine through several cam installs

I have also reused bolts on my own cars and never had any problems after several times of reusing. To be honest though the ZZP kit is the way to go. Its better to be safe than sorry and their kit includes pretty much everything you will need, the top option kit that is. The last ones that I used or customers brought me had GM gaskets exept for the intake gaskets which were still plastic and looked like fel-pro or victor gaskets as only GM sells the metal ones, but that metal ones are the only ones I install now unless you know that the engine will be taken back apart in the next 30-40K miles. You could try reusing the intake gaskets, again I have done this for myself to save a few $$$ since they were only a few months old but its still best to get new ones as the sealing beads will conform to the mating surfaces over time and maybe not seal up as well the next time around.

Originally Posted by Trannyman95

I have also reused bolts on my own cars and never had any problems after several times of reusing.

X2

My cam, crank, and flex plate bolts on my car have all be reused...countless # of times with no ill effects ever. Eventually, these will be replaced, just due to age, and abuse.

~F~

Well, then I guess Im buying new LIM and SC gaskets. And I might as well throw in the bolts too, because its only $10 for the pair.

Thanks for all the help guys

Timing chain dampener--- yes
Timing Chain------------- yes
12 rocker bolts----------- yes, get GM bolts
supercharger gasket------ yes
2 coolant passage O-rings- dont need with my ZZP machined LIM
intake gasket set--------- 110% yes
front cover gasket--------yes
ARP assembly lube--------I use STP oil treatment for assembley lube
cam bolt----------------- have reused these without any failures but recommend for safest install
crank bolt----------------have reused these without failures

I also recommend a front cover oil seal for the sake of it.

I also recommend the black plastic wiring harness retainer that goes behind the crank pulley, very commonly breaks upon removal. When not secured properly due to a broken tab, it will move forward, get sliced apart by the crank pulley and the wiring harness to the cam position sensor will get sliced through as well. Cheap insurance.