SC umph

[dd74]

Hi all:

Can anyone tell me what's involved in installing 964 or Web-Cam 20/21 cams in an SC motor? This is beyond my expertise, which ain't hard to get beyond. But I was just wondering if the engine has to be pulled out of the car, does it have to be cracked open, and does it have to be expensive? I'm just talking about the cams, not the pistons, which on my 3 liter are already at 9.3:1.

Thanks in advance for your response.

[Superman]

The cams slide out the front of the motor (rear of the car) so the engine would need to be tilted, at least. If I were doing it, I would remove the engine. Rocker arms need to come out and they are a little testy to deal with. Not a particularly hard job, though. Rockers and rocker shafts come out, chains, sprockets, tensioners, rear motor mount cross member, muffler, all are removed.

[curlesw]

Superman, using the little mechanic scale in Waynes 101 book, how would you rate the difficulty of this project. I too would like to replace the cam in my SC and prefer to work/learn about my new car and do the work myself.

Thanks for asking the question dd74, I had the same thought after reading the recent thread re: getting more hp out of a SC.

Wayne C.
83 SC

[Superman]

Well, it's not as simple as changing a tire, but it's not rocket science either. Remove: muffler, rear engine mount cross member, chain covers, tensioners, chain sprockets, rocker shafts (to get rocker shafts out, it is easier if the chain housing and oil cooler are removed, if that's convenient) and rockers. Disassembly is the reverse of removal. I've done it (obviously), an if I were to do it again, I would remove the engine and tranny. If, after my description you are still thinking you might consider giving it a try, then I'm sure you'd handle it, no problem. It helps to have the special tools, like cam holder for removing the nut/bolt holding the sprockets on. You'll need a dial indicator and holding fixture, not real expensive if you shop. Be sure to use the rocker shaft seals when you reassemble, to eliminate leaks. And new oil cooler seals, for the same reason. In fact, at the point where you have the cams removed, you could have the heads and cylinders off in minutes. Replace oil return tube seals, yadda, yadda.

It could probably be done with the engine in the car, and I'd guess this is the way JW would do it, but I fought with the rocker shafts a little bit, and to avoid scoring them or their housings, I just would put the engine on a stand.

[emcon5]

Never done it, but from knowing what is involved and looking at Waynes book my guess would be 4 little dudes, assuming you had the proper tools. Waynes book says 4 mechs for removing the engine, and 3 for timing the cams.

Tom.