Replacing cam while engine is in car?

[dp88]

I have heard that this is possible, and a PITA but i would like to swap the stocker out to something different. I dont have too many miles so I believe the cam bearings should still be good. I just need to know what I need to remove to be able to do this. Sorry if this just sounds stupid.

 

[Mr. Rustypwnz]

you have to tear the engine down obviously and take the radiator out so that the cam will clear the block...

 

[Deleted member 87397]

Yeah, get the radiator out of there and then depending on where the holes in your front bumper are, you may have to raise the engine a bit to get the cam to slide out and the new one in, or just take off your front bumper. I've never actually done it that way so you may even be able to get the cam out without it hitting the bumper. Good luck.

 

[FastDriver]

The front fascia is only like 8 bolts. Take it off and you'll be able to get to the accessories and engine bay more easily. Pull off the radiator, accessories, upper and lower intake, and pull out the pushrods and lifters, and then after you pull of the timing cover, gears and chain, you can pull the cam out. If I had to do another one, I don't know if I'd do it in the car. I would consider just pulling the motor and tranny out together and swap it on an engine stand where its easier to get to things.

Chris

 

[stang&2Birds]

I haven't done it in a Stang. But, if you remove the radiator and AC condenser, then you should have enough room. In my '77 Cutlass, I had a two piece front engine cover so that I could just take the top half of the cover off to do a cam swap. Neat! One other problem you may have is getting the front cover to properly seal with the oil pan when you put it back on.

 

[dp88]

Thank you for the advice, I would like to only have to take the radiator and ac condenser out but if i were to take the front fascia off would I run into any alignment issues on reinstall?

 

[black5.0lx]

I replaced one in my 87 LX while in the car and I didn't need to remove any of the body just the radiator and associated engine parts. The A/C condensor can be swung out of the way without disconnecting the lines. Do a search on here or on the internet. I can't remember but I found a good website with photos that showed how to do this in detail. Good luck! I love the way my car runs and sounds with the F303 cam.

 

[Killer50stang]

I replaced one in my 87 LX while in the car and I didn't need to remove any of the body just the radiator and associated engine parts. The A/C condensor can be swung out of the way without disconnecting the lines. Do a search on here or on the internet. I can't remember but I found a good website with photos that showed how to do this in detail. Good luck! I love the way my car runs and sounds with the F303 cam.

Same here. This is how I did it. Make sure you use cam lube!

 

[Sicarius428]

I swapped cams with the motor still in. Just remove the bumper cover, radiator and ac condensor and it is a straight shot.
Kevin

 

[5spd GT]

The H/C/I swap link in my signature may help you.

I did mine while I was in the car, but pulling the engine out is easier on your back.

 

[FastDriver]

You don't have to pull the fascia off, but it only takes 10 minutes to pull off and will make everything a little easier for the rest of the job. It is no problem to get the alignment of the body panels right when you're putting the fascia back on. You will not run into an issue there.

Chris