HOW TO SWAP AN LS CAM! STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS. SWAPPING A 5.3L BTR LS CAM WITH FULL DYNO RESULTS!

HOW TO DO AN LS CAM SWAP? HOW HARD IS IT TO SWAP AN LS CAM? IS AN LS CAM SWAP EASY? DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL TOOLS TO SWAP AN LS CAM? HOW MUCH POWER IS A CAM SWAP WORTH? SHOULD I SWAP MY 5.3L LS CAM? WHO NEEDS STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SWAP AN LS CAM? CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO WHERE I COVER IN DETAIL THE STEP BY STEP METHOD OF SWAPPING A CAM ON A JUNKYARD LS MOTOR. WITH THIS VIDEO YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO EASILY SWAP AN LS CAM. THE VIDEO INCLUDES BOLT TORQUE SPECS, SPECIAL TIPS (LEARN DURING HUNDREDS OF CAM SWAPS) AND DYNO RESULTS OF THE MOTOR AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE CAM. ENJOY.

[@dirtmudsnowandwater]

i need to drop a comment of appreciation Richard, the comprehensive tech info you've put out here (for free!?) for the whole community to consume is such a service, your dedication to the pursuit of horsepower is unparalleled. as an ignorant armchair racer baboon on a budget, i extend my thanks.

[@richardholdener1727]

THNX

[@tookapocalypserising4892]

No BS and straight to the point. A true scholar

[@nadronnocojr]

I don’t own an ls , in fact I’m a mopar guy these days , still glued to the video, learning is cool mr Holdener , thanks

[@Dauntless.steadfast.fortitude]

Thank you Sir Richard Cam-a-lot King of LS knowledge. It kills me you don't get paid to be an auto shop instructor. Great instructions, tutorials, information without the condescending attitude. 👍

[@Stevesbe]

Screw that youtube is way better money

[@joshthomas2536]

​@steve beuchert doubt it considering the average youtuber with a million subscribers earns roughly 60k a year.

[@jeffcampbell2710]

He does. Much more too.

[@khg8519]

He'll get a big head and float away with compliments like that take it easy man it does look to be a correct statment

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

But he probably gets alot of free performance parts too.

[@kyledelong7651]

I've just recently bought a silverado 6.0 and found your channel. I've learned so much about cams, heads, intake manifolds, etc, binge watching your vids for the past 3 nights. Very informative and easy to understand for people wanting to know more of how things work and how to do it themselves.

[@swfltechnician7562]

Agreed

[@OdinForce4]

Awesome video. For a lot of DIY mechanics that are old school, it can be a little intimidating to mess with new stuff. I grew up on old school v8’s. But I have owned a LS, never done anything to one outside of a thermostat and waterpump, alternator and AC compressor. So this video is definitely educational

[@E1337Jerk]

For all the guys out there new to wrenching notice that rich broke the spark plugs loose with a ratchet. Never loosen them with an impact u can rune your head.

[@juanlanda2441]

That goes for the oil pan drain too, 🤪

[@jeremysmith6905]

Or you can ruin your head… highly doubtful.

[@downtoearthconstruction7768]

@@jeremysmith6905 they are super easy to pull the threads just like the 5.4 Triton engine too.

[@garretmonnet9397]

He prob uses that little one on everything but settin a good example 😂

[@shaunwalsh85]

*ruin

[@MichaelJohnson-kg8bk]

Glad to see you aligned the timing cover with the damper. ive seen a lot of people miss that step.

[@grahamerosewarne6656]

Thanks Heaps Richard. I would still use lifter holder's as with my luck would definitely drop into the sump. Love the tech tips. 💯👍 Aussie Fan 🤟🇦🇺😎

[@derekv275]

I shall watch tonite!😎 my late night vids after a hard days work so good !

[@12voltkingpin]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have been watching your videos for years, and I am always learning and expanding that knowledge into projects i get to work on. Thanks again

[@Carloss80k]

dude you are a genius and i learned alot from this video. putting the push rods on are the only thing that im a bit nervous about

[@TomAustin303]

Fantastic instructional video! Every time I was wondering what something was, Richard explained it in the next sentence.

[@Vettespeed]

I just ordered my cam yesterday this video came in clutch

[@barryswarbrick4427]

Awesome teaching Richard. Please keep going!!!

[@calculatedcustoms]

Richard brings the enthusiasm and rich content the Internet needs these days!

[@johnbecker8768]

Thanks again Richard Holdener!

[@altruisticscoundrel]

Love the video! Thank you! Now I'm looking for 302w/351w video on this same topic.

[@jordanarmijhoo5645]

Been waiting for one of these, thanks Richard

[@luxurycaddy8861]

amazing love the work and tips !

[@fryloc359]

Im going to have to watch this tomorrow, but im sure it will be a great help. Ive swapped cams in SBCs, but I have no idea about LS.

[@robertmedina6875]

I love the old-school craftsman ratchet! I have the 3/8 version of that one😊 awesome video new subscriber here! Thank you very much for the video!❤

[@micahbuchheit1283]

Thank you for this Richard.

[@tturi2]

excellent video Richard

[@klumsytone]

I needed this. Thank you.

[@timweb1510]

Good work Richard

[@bobbyledford1957]

GREAT VIDEO! I use the sac city corvette , ALIGNIT TOOLS. superfast

[@bgee461]

Likely no one in the world has swapped more cams than you. I'm definitely paying attention

[@SuperchiefApache]

Getting ready to do the same. I’m going with a Lunati can, though. Just a mild street thumper is all I need!

[@chrisyeahbuuwassrileegowyn9279]

Richard first off thanks so much for the valuable info you continue to provide, talk is talk, but testing with real results is meaningful information. I dig the 80's-90's stuff, showing what us gear heads messing around with when it was a 5.0, TPI, GN, & occasional Sy/Ty street scene for the most part, good stuff. Now back to my video related question, or information from yourself, or anyone else that may have some input. I am picking up a 2003 Silverado SS, 190k miles, seems to be fairly unmolested 6.0 etc...(I have not reached it in person yet). Anyone have any "gotta do's", or what worked really well for them, let me know. I will be doing a cam, leaning toward the "Truck Norris". Oh, what are the lifter retainers exactly? You said "dowels", that made me think they would be easy to improvise...Thanks

[@richardholdener1727]

DO A SEARCH-I HAVE NOT USED DOWELS, BUT 5/16THS MIGHT WORK

[@rockfordhx2768]

Rust a lot of it under the bed especially that many miles u better triple double check that rust major issues on those ss silverados I had 2 myself telling u from experience but I am in Michigan with the salt n snow

[@rashard891]

Thanks rich this community really appreciate you

[@richardholdener1727]

YES

[@knowplay3258]

If some or all of the lifters happen to drop...you can get 16 extendable pen magnets then insert one in each pushrod guide, grab the lifter, pull up to get the lifter out of the cam path, and then secure the magnet/lifter in the up position by attaching a zip tie around the shaft of the pen magnet. This works MOST of the time. Pen magnets are alot cheaper than the cost in time and money of removing the heads. Some people start with the pen magnets from the get-go to insure that no lifter falls...not a bad idea for some added insurance.

[@richardholdener1727]

just use (2) 5/16 wood dowels

[@knowplay3258]

@richardholdener1727 True..if one has the time to acquire 16 pen magnets, a person can stop by any home improvement store to get the dowels. I just mention the magnets because both my Snap-on and Mac dealers carry plenty of them...and they come to me. Lol!! 😁👍

[@rattmotor9865]

GREAT POD! Thankyou!

[@brannanwilliams5496]

This would make a great series. Show how to on all the components

[@ainsgown1917]

Sir Richard- cams-a lot should be a real thing😊

[@noelburns4674]

Amazing video. I learned a ton. I would love to see this on a junkyard 302. With a racing cam recommendation that doesn't need piston swap. Thanks!

[@crashedking1931]

Got my vote on that one. When you tested if before the cam swap did it have the same intake and carb setup. The dowels you spoke of do I size them so they are as big as permitted to fit onto the the 2 galleys.

[@matmichalke5734]

Derek from vice grip garage had a tip I’ve used, use a shop vac to suck out the coolant

[@chrisosborne2295]

Thank you for this

[@OOICU812]

Hey Richard. Thanks!

[@TahoesNTurbos]

Awesome video! Funny thing is I argued with car wizard about swapping a cam without taking the heads off a 5.3 and he said its impossible lmfao still waiting on that $100k he bet. Thank God there is real techs like yourself who actually know what they are doing. Cheers 🍻

[@andre49ers]

Why would he think you had to take the heads off. I can't think of an engine off the top of my head, you need to remove the heads off of to change a cam/cams

[@TahoesNTurbos]

@@andre49ers no clue honestly unless he doesn't know what he's doing lol it was in one of his " worst engines " videos where he sits on his yacht and talks shit about stuff because he doesn't know or understand it lol stopped watching after that one haha

[@ictcarguy3162]

If the 5.3 has active fuel management otherwise known as displacement on demand and your cam is not compatible with AFM limitations then the heads do need to be removed to complete the DoD delete. Also being a shop owner he would be wanting to avoid comebacks so it is likely he would want to replace lifters depending on mileage which again would require cylinder head removal. The Wizard makes it known he prefers to work on non modified vehicles for very valid reasons. Genius if you ask me.

[@dankinnaird8702]

You have to remove the heads to change lifters not the cam

[@larryfranklin2280]

The oil pan bolts are the same thread as the cam. Using three of them makes the removal and install super easy

[@camruncarr]

Water pump bolts are too and they’re longer

[@abdulazizalowaisi9136]

thanks Richard, it would be great if we can get one for the Hemi

[@shawng7902]

Makes it so much nicer once its been DOD deleted already. 2pc timing cover on mine. Hope it makes it easier if it needs to come out again.

[@michaelcarlo6001]

Damn!!!! Straight gangster…coolant siphon 👌🏼

[@richardholdener1727]

lucky for me it's just water-but nasty dyno water!

[@garretmonnet9397]

Dudes I just now realized you can do that little hand trick from behind to seat the cam into the sprocket. 🤯

[@zmohan69]

Good instruction would be to remind ppl to replace the cam retainer plate. I've seen so many of those cause oil pressure issues

[@douglash3129]

Hi Richard, no matter how neat I try to be so I'm not tracking coolant everywhere I manage to get it on the floor anyway or I drop my tools in the bucket. I now jack the back of the vehicle up as far as I can, drain it and let it down, this works but I still manage to get some on the floor.HAHAHA!!!

[@frankirvine316]

Good one Richard👍 Very much appreciated Cheers Frank

[@austincohoon4203]

"Fun things is to drain all the water into the bucket then knock the ticket over." Truth

[@brantleysmith6386]

Hey a good video would be a spark plug test. The different spark plugs and gap sizes and different spark plug material copper iridium and ect . NgkTR6 vs stock, autolite, E3 plug and ect.

[@bradenmolloy7443]

I have the big valve springs in mine (double spring and stainless valve)

[@dgc940]

I'm not doing any of this Only 5.3 I have is in my 18 truck but I twist wrenches On boats and pwcs for a living so I found it interesting to watch! I just wish you would have elaborated more on the figuring out what and how to choose pushrod length.

[@richardholdener1727]

PLEASE SEE THE PUSHROD LENGTH VIDEOS

[@jimkillen1065]

I appreciate the video . I going to do this to a 10 SS camaro. But I think it got at active fuel management or what ever it's called . So I guess I have to remove the heads ect . Surely someone makes a kit to do this thanks for the videos

[@khandsum]

Thnx for the video, u have me lots of encouragement. I actually pulled the head 3 times within a week trying to diagnose a problem. Dodge couldn't even fig out the problem. I will purchase a shirt I luv the name bcuz it simulates my car club name lol. Dies this method work with gen 3 hemi? Thnx!

[@abstract0014]

Great enthusiastic and education video. You made 25 minutes feel like 12 minutes.

[@richardholdener1727]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@prior8t2000]

Wish this video was more about how to choose a good upgrade CAM for my 5.9L Magnum Gas 360 engine...

[@guitarpro48]

hell yea! you should a mod motor next! 2v ftw!

[@Trikekid84]

If you watch this video 100 times, you can see every cam swap Richard has ever done!

[@richardholdener1727]

you need to watch way more than that

[@deeznutzz101]

Great simple video!

[@alexanderknight7793]

You really should have shown it with the dowels put in for the lifters, that way it’s a full step A to Z, you left out a critical part most are going to want to know.

[@peted5217]

If your oil pan R&R needs engine removal , Best use a 5/16 long dowel to hold lifters up

[@shitbox82]

I wish it was that easy in car. 😄👍🏻

[@andreiv8186]

I think that Quizz screw is for return line in turbo aplications, you are dumping the oil back in the engine throw that hole.

[@blairanthony3801]

Thanks for identifying long pushrods. How do you identify the proper pushrod? What is the proper number of turns after lash is removed? Additionally, Is it necessary to change lifters with cam? Sometimes? What are the deciding factors?

[@richardholdener1727]

reuse roller lifters, 1/2-1 1/2 turns is ok

[@thegrandpumbaa]

Came here looking for this question and answer! Thanks @Richard!

[@Capra_Stylemusic]

Hey , Mr Richard, any way you could tech us some about 1uz vvti and non vvti engines , I have a 1uz engine as a project and I would like to build my engine and prepare it for a twin turbo , but I'm a little confused about which compression radio to go with, I'm planning on upgrading my pistons

[@aydenponto8808]

Got a question Richard would I have to pull the lifters and upper and lower intake to do cam swap on ford 3.8 v6

[@garymaya1767]

Can you do a video about replacing cam Bearings. i know most people skip that. but I guess if i was going to go to the trouble to replace the cam in the middle of the engine, one would replace the cam bearings especially on a junkyard block????

[@Drift_nut]

Can you do a na build list for all displacements highest hp and torque for ls1-7

[@ASEWorldClassTech]

I know this is a few years old but the torque specs on the retainer plate on the Gen 3 Aluminum engines was 18 ft lbs not 10...

[@mcm95403]

Odd that GM would do all that great design work on the LS but not have locating pins on the timing cover.

[@jetsetter468]

your getting the new intake manifold all stained up

[@bryanmatthewsws6447]

Also don’t forget to torque that crank bolt! I get it if people don’t have access to a torque wrench and angle gauge or combo of the two. I’m sure plenty of people have gotten away with sending with an impact or hella tight with a breaker lol i torque all mine

[@mewrongway]

Yes GM, Ford, Chrysler have torque specs for a reason and a digital torque wrench is cheaper than one failed bolt!

[@jayboogie8973]

Great, I'm about to be out here breaking stuff thinking I know what I'm doing...

[@MrMechanicandy]

How many turns is to much to get different push rods ? And the little plug on front of cover ? What is it for ?

[@saewoody6366]

Great vid as always. Thanks. I was happy to see this posted because I’ll be doing a Truck Norris cam and spring swap very soon; as well as oil pump, lifters, timing gears and chain, etc. All the parts are waiting in the garage. However, you mentioned that the pushrods you had in your motor were too long once you put the Truck Norris in. I’m hoping that has do do with the previous cam you had in the motor. I am working with the understanding that stock length pushrods should be fine. I ordered new pushrod, but they are factory length. Any input you have to offer would be greatly appreciated! Your videos are what led me to considering a cam swap, and also helped me to choose the Truck Norris. I’m mostly looking to gain some additional torque out of the LQ4 in my 2004 Suburban 2500 for towing my family camper. Thanks again!

[@natricjol]

If you can, do a TBSS swap. That 6.0 really breaths better with it. If you are doing some towing, get a 4 corner steam vent setup and use some kind of wrap to lower heat transfer into the intake manifold. that with a radiator swap and i now run lower temps all over the place. ping me off my channel if you want more info or assistance with anything.

[@coltengottschalk1049]

@@natricjol I’m not even gonna argue this with you, but his LQ4 will make just as much power by simply tossing the tbss intake in it 😂 fyi..

[@richardholdener1727]

STOCK LENGTH IS FINE FOR THE TN CAM

[@allanb3222]

@@natricjol He already has the large core radiator since it's a 3/4 ton truck. 👍

[@natricjol]

@@coltengottschalk1049 Tbss wont bring up a 6.0 as much as a cam swap. Tbss is worth 15-20hp. That doesn't even put it to Silverado SS levels.

[@ne2i]

How I love when I hear those BEATS!quiz answer.. turbo oil return

[@mattbludgen4357]

Could you explain how you know when you have the correct pushrod length. You explained on how to tell when it's wrong but not on how it would be correct. Great job on everything else in your videos. I have learned a lot from them.

[@fastlanez3000]

I have seen where you want between 1/2 to 1 full turn of preload on stock lifters.

[@natricjol]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmWpd6d4hcd6f6c kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHnXmHqmatmgnas Hope these help you out.

[@coltengottschalk1049]

@Goes 2 Eleven 😂😂 what an explanation

[@coltengottschalk1049]

@Goes 2 Eleven I enjoyed you’re reply Lol and correct it would indeed

[@richardholdener1727]

1/2 TO 1 FULL TURN PAST ZERO LASH

[@glennmanchester5696]

Do the L's motors have issues w cam bearings often like the old school SBC motors

[@MrMechanicandy]

What is the part number on the dowels if needed ?

[@jarriouscoleman1465]

So what size pushrods did ya use? I thought that chuck Norris cam cam with the correct size rod's for the LS

[@MrJaynyce1]

After replacing a cam do you need to have it degreed? I watched another cam swap video and they degreed the cam. Not familiar with this so curious about it

[@shockleylsx8135]

Is using an impact the only way to remove the balancer? You can’t do it with a socket and ratchet? I’m assuming if you were to try it with a socket and ratchet it will just turn the motor?

[@masonwood5717]

Hi Richard, I’m going to be putting a cam in my 5.3, I know I need valve springs and pushrods, but the things that I’m not sure of are rockers and a new timing assembly and valves.

[@richardholdener1727]

we run stock rockers and valves and often stock pushrods

[@masonwood5717]

@@richardholdener1727 ok, what about lifters?

[@mmazz30]

@@masonwood5717 The off the shelf GM LS7 lifters are the normal go to.

[@jeffcampbell2710]

I'm curious as to what this can does on torque below 3,000, @ 2,000-2,500. I will use it also to haul firewood, trailer with tractor, lawnmower, firewood, pull the boat (4,000 lbs).

[@ImNotHereToArgueFacts]

If replacing cam this way, I'd get the dowels to hold lifters. My luck they fall after I remove or during new cam install. I'd also want to at least look at bearings (maybe borescope). Moreso if someone else had already been in there, less if factory and very low miles and oil looks real good on top of heads.

[@LawzyDog]

But if you dont look at the cam bearings they wont be bad 🤷

[@g35zkyline]

This is great as I will be doing this to an L92 jy motor. I One question though, how do you know what length push rods to use if the stock ones end up being too long after swapping the camshaft? Thanks

[@richardholdener1727]

SEE THE PUSHROD LENGTH VIDEO

[@popsoldboats3406]

Richard I started watching your videos when I acquired a 2001 suburban. I always hated a vortec because they have so many intentionally designed fail points. But here I am trying to build a motor that can't last 300k.

[@rust_hoarder_garage]

As far as pushrod length is there a rule of thumb as far as how much length corresponds to 1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, etc? How much would you shorten your pushrod to remove the full turn you needed to remove?

[@richardholdener1727]

.040-.045

[@evanabanathy]

Can I ask what brand of tool storage is behind you in the video?

[@jeffcampbell2710]

I'm thinking I'm gonna go with a 5.3, Truck Norris cam, eBay headers, 4L80, shift improvement kit.

[@kill4all188]

Does this info apply for LS1 engines?

[@quicksilver462]

I use a small clear vinyl hoes to siphon out of the radiator first, never lose a drop on disassembly, no mess!

[@fatnfurious9171]

What about the drain on bottom of radiator?

[@quicksilver462]

@@fatnfurious9171 I have a 2000 GTP, so It' s hard to get too, and coolant splatters all over the place

[@stevenaylor5163]

Turbo drain? 2 turns = push rod too long. How many turns should it be for a correct length push rod?

[@richardholdener1727]

1/2-1 IS WHAT I LIKE AND YES, TURBO DRAIN

[@jonathonkeesey410]

@@richardholdener1727 nmmmm?m?nmnmmmmkkee.m

[@Mike-xt2ot]

@@richardholdener1727 what length push rods did you change to? Thank you sir!!

[@chrisokelley8337]

@@richardholdener1727 wait I'm confused wouldn't a shorter push rod allow you to tighten it more before bottoming out?

[@VBSkiddles]

Not sure exactly what you were going to put on the front timing cover, some people are saying turbo drain which I guess is possible but it's not where I would place a turbo drain. I know that on Gen 4 engines however that's almost the exact spot the camshaft sensor is, but on Gen 3 engines it's on the top of the engine behind the intake manifold and valley cover next to the oil pressure sensor. Maybe you're using the timing cover for multiple applications so it's been modified for whatever you're working with? I don't know lol, not completely sure.

[@richardholdener1727]

TURBO DRAIN

[@camruncarr]

I noticed some pitting on the first lobe on the stock cam that came out of my 2000 LS1. 100K miles. Only on the very top of the lobe, not worn just pitted. Wondering if you’ve seen this and if its just the metal its made from or if its associated with a failing lifter? Engine doesn’t make any noise. Thanks

[@richardholdener1727]

THEY DO THAT

[@johnpittman7928]

Is that plug in the timing cover a makeshift provision for a cam sensor? Ik the gen 4 ls had the cam sensor on the front cover

[@richardholdener1727]

TURBO DRAIN

[@benjaminholt4292]

Quick question? Is returning the pushrods to their original location important? I’m installing the truck norris nsr cam today and re-using stock lifters, springs , & pushrods.

[@toastythemarshmallow5212]

They should all be the same length so it shouldn’t matter. All of the variables are the same

[@richardfluty3215]

So how does the new cams not come with the needed push rods? Or even tell you what length that needs to be used ?

[@g35zkyline]

I’d love to know the answer to this question as well. How do you determine the length of the pushrods?

[@kevinc9934]

When you do all your tests, do you tune each individual set up or is the holley terminator just setting its parameters and self tuning?

[@richardholdener1727]

I tune for max power with each combo