Hi everyone! I have a 292 y block that I want to change the cam and lifters in . The cam that is in the motor has been giving me problems performance and ruff idleing no power .It is not a stock cam and the numbers on it I can not read . What would be a good street cam replacement? I am running a 4 barrel edelbrock carb.new msd distributor reds headers on a basic stock motor with automatic transmission 6c up grade last year. All I want to do is cruise around and pass a car every now and then. Also can I change the cam and lifters with the motor in the vehical? Some one told me I have to pull the motor and turn it upside down to get the lifters out! thanks JOE

 

One of your questions I will answer, The service manual shows cam replacement by using clothes pins to hold the lifters up to get the cam out. I cant say for sure you can change the lifters with the crank in the engine. If you can it will be a challenge.

Kevin Bigwin

 

There is a tool that was made to change lifters without removing the motor. My mechanic showed one to me and explained how it works. The lifters are held up like Kevin explained, cam is removed, then a long tray is inserted into the cam bore. One lifter is removed by dropping into tray, tray and old lifter withdrawn, new lifter added to tray in a laydown position then a long device in tray is used to tip lifter up into its bore.
Even with the tool a lot of skill is involved, and care must be taken not to mess up cam bearings.

 

Thanks for the info on changing the cam. I know it,s the cam that is giving me all my engine running problems. Maybe I will buy a stock cam and try to change it and not change the lifters.

 

Bad idea. The wear pattern on your flat tappets will ruin the new cam. This should only be attempted with roller lifters. It's too bad that lifter replacement is such a pain on these engines.

 

a stock used cam should be ok with those lifters.i never had a problem with a used cam.i used clothes pins to hold up the lifters.