Cam removal and install without removing heads?

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As rust said, you will need to remove the intake and the radiator.
 
I believe the balancer, timing cover, intake, rockers, pushrods and lifters have to be removed. In most cases. If not, I stand to be corrected.
 
MichaelLewisduster72 said:
72,LA318 can I remove and install new cam without removing the heads?
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Yes you can, but I would ask this.

How many miles on the engine? When I did mine, 318 with 84,000 on the clock I chose to pull the heads too and install new head gaskets.

If it's a fresher engine then no.
 
I can even get roller lifters in and out (Magnum) without pulling the heads. "Jig" the lifters all "up" pull the cam, and work the lifters CAREFULLY down below and up through the casting holes. Fat fingers need not apply LOL
 
All stock it’s a 318 30 over, so basically whatever a stock motor can handle is what I’m looking at. I know I cannot check it that’s why I looking for information on what a stock 318 can handle.
 
MichaelLewisduster72 said:
All stock it’s a 318 30 over, so basically whatever a stock motor can handle is what I’m looking at. I know I cannot check it that’s why I looking for information on what a stock 318 can handle.
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Id stay under .440-.450 lift the clearance on my 318 heads (valve to retainer) is .487 im not sure about the valve to piston clearance i didnt get that far.
 
Whatever cam you choose, you will need to install the matching valve springs too.
 
dartfreak75 said:
Valve clearance is gonna be impossible to check without removing the heads. What is the rest of the combo? Piston height? how far below the deck? Heads? Valve springs? Etc
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Actually that is not true. It IS possible to remove the springs, and re-install light "test springs" and use a dial indicator to feel for clearance
 
circlepilot said:
I believe the balancer, timing cover, intake, rockers, pushrods and lifters have to be removed. In most cases. If not, I stand to be corrected.
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Dont forget the distributor, intermediate shaft, timing set,cam thrust plate, oil slinger...water pump,heater hoses..lol
 
The rear gearset, amongst many other things should be considered before choosing a cam, or it may turn out worse than it is now.

With the motor being fresh, you prob can change the cam without taking the intake manifold off, by fishing the lifters up into the valley, and thru the heads.
 
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MichaelLewisduster72 said:
No cam in mind just something with a little more performance for the track
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I like this one for a mild 318.
Lunati Voodoo Cam and Lifter Kits 10200700LK
It will work with stock converter higher gears and cheaper valve springs. Its not going to require you (in most cases) to cut valve guides. Like I said my retainer to guide clearance (with the umbrella seals installed) was .487. So the .454 lift will still give you some clearance of the seal.
 
67Dart273 said:
Actually that is not true. It IS possible to remove the springs, and re-install light "test springs" and use a dial indicator to feel for clearance
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This is probably a more accurate way to do it too. You would want a piston stop as well to find true tdc.
 
MoparMike1974 said:
This is probably a more accurate way to do it too. You would want a piston stop as well to find true tdc.
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So using a feeler gauge you just rotate the engine until you make contact with the smallest gauge? That is your clearance?
 
MichaelLewisduster72 said:
Motor only has about 500 miles on the rebuild they put stock replacement cam back in and I now have a stall and would like more cam but don’t want to pull the motor again.
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How much stall?
And what compression ratio engine.
Before you tear it apart I highly recommend a Cylinder pressure test.
Low-compression teeners are not fond of too much cam. And elevation kills 'em worse. That 701 is gonna need a lotta stall.
 
Call the toll free # at Comp Cams. They can be very helpful if you can tell them exactly what your plans are.
 
Not saying it was the right cam, but I put a .474 lift cam in a stone-stock 318. Stock meaning stock heads, stock valve springs, stock everything. No issue with clearances. I actually did the same cam in a 318 with 360 heads. No issues.

I would install a cam with less than .460 lift without batting an eye. ya lose some lift due to poor valve train geometry anyways
 
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