PI Cam Question

d98gt

Founding Member
Mar 14, 2002
4,505
59
204
SE Texas
I know... It's been brought up a lot lately, though stick in there guys ;)

I plan on getting some PI cams soon and have ran across a few deals as of lately.

Now here are a few questions: PI cams with gears/bolts is all I need correct? No springs?

Would it be good to go ahead and buy the chains or atleast new chain guides? I'm not doing the install myself, and I doubt the person doing it for me is going to pull the cover off.

Pretty much what I am asking is---What should I get done while getting the cams put in? Am I missing some parts that I need other than cams w/ gears/bolts?
 
If you're still using the original chains and chain guides, I would probably replace them while you've got the timing cover off. The chains stretch over time, and your chain guides probably have a good amount of wear on them.

You really shouldn't need to change out your valve springs. You might consider it if you have high mileage on your engine, but it's probably not necessary.

If you are getting cams with bolt-on sprockets ('01-'04), you need the sprockets, spacers, and new bolts (re-use the washers). I believe the '99-'00 PI cams with pressed-on sprockets would also work, they're just not as desirable as the bolt-on types if you plan to go with any aftermarket camshafts.
 
Thanks for the response Kurgan :nice:

The seller claims that there are 40k on the chains, though the guides are new.. He'll include both for $60 added--worth it?

I actually doubt the installer is going to remove the timing cover however :shrug:
 
It's kind of russian roulette with the gears. If you know your current cam's have press on gears than you obviously need the new gears with the new cams, but if your current cam gears are bolt on than alls you'll need is the PI cams and the PI cam bolt, everything else is swappable and you can reuse your NPI cam gear. Nothing else is really required unless you're just doing some internal "preventative maintenance" while the car is ripped apart. If the front cover isn't comming off too then obviously YOU are going to be the one doing the work in there (unless you pay someone else to do that too which will add up quickly). Your chains should be fine, they should last the life of the engine basically...at least thats what i've heard and think being as chains dont really stress/wear like a belt :shrug: it's up to you I guess but thats my opinion on the whole ordeal.
 
Well I guess it wouldn't hurt to get the cams with the gears already just in case. I just hope to get all the parts so I can give them to the installer so he won't run into any problems.

The labor isn't going to be too bad ($375 for the install) so i'll ask how much extra he'll charge to pull the timing cover and do some maint. ;)