PI Cam Swap Without Timing Wedge?

Ruffellbaker · December 21st, 2011, 12:37 PM

Im pretty sure that tons of people have posted about this topic but Im horrible at searching

Im installing my PI cams next week and wanted to know if anyone has swapped their cams without using the timing wedge. Ill buy it if I have to but I dont want to spend $30 on something just to use it once. I think I saw someone post a pic on here once before with a pair of vice grips and a pry bar or something to hold the cam gear in place?

Any input is appreciated, Ill buy the tool if its the only way to go about this job without removing the timing cover, Im way to lazy to go through all of that for 10 hp

BigSmith · December 21st, 2011, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by Ruffellbaker

Im pretty sure that tons of people have posted about this topic but Im horrible at searching

Im installing my PI cams next week and wanted to know if anyone has swapped their cams without using the timing wedge. Ill buy it if I have to but I dont want to spend $30 on something just to use it once. I think I saw someone post a pic on here once before with a pair of vice grips and a pry bar or something to hold the cam gear in place?

Any input is appreciated, Ill buy the tool if its the only way to go about this job without removing the timing cover, Im way to lazy to go through all of that for 10 hp

Haha the 10hp is the reason i decided to just do the manifold and call it a day. I think 3:73's was a better investment. But as far as i know. The wedge can be a huge time saver. However if the timing moves on you when you aren't looking.... well im sure you know what will happen. Apparently they tend to be tricky to use. I decided not to do the cam swap because i didn't think 10hp was worth messing up my engine if i did make a mistake. Which is inevitable. If you are going to do it without taking off the cover the tool is your best bet rather than some Jerry rigged system. You dont want to cut corners with this.

number1gt · December 21st, 2011, 07:16 PM

You should do the full pi swap

Ruffellbaker · December 21st, 2011, 08:22 PM

I have the intake also, but Im not doing the heads. I plan to get a supercharger eventually.
Ill just use the tool and if it slips the worst thing Ill have to do is just end up taking off the timing cover anyway.

number1gt · December 22nd, 2011, 12:21 AM

I don't know about the npi engines but the passenger side cam gear has holes in it so I used screw drivers to ensure it falling, and the driver side didn't but it almost seems like there isn't enough room for the gear to fall down there, a pi head swap would be sweet, bump your compression up some to

zdkel · December 22nd, 2011, 02:40 AM

my 2 cents - it does not take much cam sprocket movement before you get slack in the chain and possibly skip a tooth on the crank sprocket. If you decide to not remove the front cover, I think the most important thing will be to verify chain did not jump a tooth before starting the engine.

Ruffellbaker · December 22nd, 2011, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by zdkel

my 2 cents - it does not take much cam sprocket movement before you get slack in the chain and possibly skip a tooth on the crank sprocket. If you decide to not remove the front cover, I think the most important thing will be to verify chain did not jump a tooth before starting the engine.

Yea Im going to be marking the hell out of everything. Also Im going to turn the engine over several times by hand before I start it.

p4ndiamond · December 31st, 2011, 01:54 AM

In all honesty after having spent time on it . Take the cover off. its worth it.
Watch out for the ps pump its a bitch. dont put the bolt that sits behind the line back in. Its really easy taking the cover off and it was my first time ever.

Ruffellbaker · January 1st, 2012, 09:53 PM

I bled the lash adjusters in a vice and I still cant get the followers to go back in, any of them. Should I try removing the cam and putting all of them in and then putting the cam on top?

p4ndiamond · January 1st, 2012, 11:51 PM

i put my cam on top them. turned the cam in the perfect position (make sure motor is in safe mode which is 12 o clock on the keyway. Then i WALKED the 10mm cam cap bolts down with it all together and it went perfect... 15k beat on everyday miles later its still together.

Ruffellbaker · January 1st, 2012, 11:54 PM

Yea I tried that but I cant even get the cam gear on the passenger side at all. Of course I didnt have it at 12oclock, Ill try that tomorrow.

WickedSnake00 · January 2nd, 2012, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Ruffellbaker

I bled the lash adjusters in a vice and I still cant get the followers to go back in, any of them. Should I try removing the cam and putting all of them in and then putting the cam on top?

What are you using to install them? You can get the spring compressor tool for about $20 new, and it makes it a breeze. I didn't even bleed my lash adjusters.

Originally Posted by p4ndiamond

i put my cam on top them. turned the cam in the perfect position (make sure motor is in safe mode which is 12 o clock on the keyway. Then i WALKED the 10mm cam cap bolts down with it all together and it went perfect... 15k beat on everyday miles later its still together.

Umm, isn't safe mode 9 o'clock?

Also I wouldn't use bolts to force something into place, especially on a torque sensitive application with bearings. That might just be me.

Ruffellbaker · January 2nd, 2012, 09:26 AM

Are you talking about the spring compressor tool that kinda looks like a power steering pump pulley puller? I have one of those but I dont see how I could get it in there with the cam overtop.

WickedSnake00 · January 2nd, 2012, 09:42 AM

It should look something like this: (not sure if this is the 2V or 4V one)

They're pretty easy. Insert your ratchet or breaker in the square hole, put the feet on the valve retainer, and the claws on the camshaft. Press down on your ratchet/breaker, and it compresses the spring, leveraging against the cam. Then your followers go in easy as can be.

Ruffellbaker · January 2nd, 2012, 09:45 AM

Sweet. Did you get that from Ford or somewhere else, I kinda need one today : /

WickedSnake00 · January 2nd, 2012, 09:59 AM

I think I ended up getting mine through Tousley Ford. They saved me quite a bit on it, but it was the hard to find OTC 4v tool.

You should be able to pick up the 2v one cheap, and I know TFS sells them.

Not sure if you'll be able to get your hands on it fast. It's a toss up.

Ruffellbaker · January 2nd, 2012, 10:21 AM

Im gonna try to use the one that I have since I kinda need to have it finished today. Advance also sells a tool that is basically a metal bar with the feet at the end to go around the retainer. Hopefully something works.

Ford told me they wouldnt be able to get the tool in for a few weeks, which is rediculous

Ruffellbaker · January 3rd, 2012, 12:44 AM

I got everything together and the car runs. Only thing is that the very last valve cover bolt on the drivers side closest to the firewall would NOT go in straight nomatter what I did. So I have to find a tap for it : / Other than having to find a tap now everything turned out fine.

yamanx · January 3rd, 2012, 02:17 AM

I always used a flat head screw driver and popped them in...

How to easily install & remove 4.6L DOHC rocker arms - YouTube

p4ndiamond · January 3rd, 2012, 03:41 AM

Yeah i heard about that method i passed on doing that lol.

December 21st, 2011, 12:37 PM	#1
Ruffellbaker Regular 1997 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 264 iTrader: 0 reviews	PI Cam Swap Without Timing Wedge? Im pretty sure that tons of people have posted about this topic but Im horrible at searching Im installing my PI cams next week and wanted to know if anyone has swapped their cams without using the timing wedge. Ill buy it if I have to but I dont want to spend $30 on something just to use it once. I think I saw someone post a pic on here once before with a pair of vice grips and a pry bar or something to hold the cam gear in place? Any input is appreciated, Ill buy the tool if its the only way to go about this job without removing the timing cover, Im way to lazy to go through all of that for 10 hp __________________ PI Cam Swap, MAC C/A intake, BBK 70mm TB, C&L Plenum, Ford 24lb injectors, March UD, 160 T Stat, MSD ignition, 3.73 gears, Stage 2 Clutch, Steeda Short Shifter, O/R X, Flow 40s, SCT Race Tune.

December 21st, 2011, 07:16 PM	#3
number1gt Hardcore Enthusiast 2002 mustang gt Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,896 iTrader: 1 reviews	You should do the full pi swap __________________ Rock stock

December 21st, 2011, 08:22 PM	#4
Ruffellbaker Regular 1997 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 264 iTrader: 0 reviews	I have the intake also, but Im not doing the heads. I plan to get a supercharger eventually. Ill just use the tool and if it slips the worst thing Ill have to do is just end up taking off the timing cover anyway. __________________ PI Cam Swap, MAC C/A intake, BBK 70mm TB, C&L Plenum, Ford 24lb injectors, March UD, 160 T Stat, MSD ignition, 3.73 gears, Stage 2 Clutch, Steeda Short Shifter, O/R X, Flow 40s, SCT Race Tune.

December 22nd, 2011, 12:21 AM	#5
number1gt Hardcore Enthusiast 2002 mustang gt Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,896 iTrader: 1 reviews	I don't know about the npi engines but the passenger side cam gear has holes in it so I used screw drivers to ensure it falling, and the driver side didn't but it almost seems like there isn't enough room for the gear to fall down there, a pi head swap would be sweet, bump your compression up some to __________________ Rock stock

December 22nd, 2011, 02:40 AM	#6
zdkel Regular 1996 Mustang GT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Riverview, Fl Posts: 372 Blog Entries: 2 iTrader: 0 reviews	my 2 cents - it does not take much cam sprocket movement before you get slack in the chain and possibly skip a tooth on the crank sprocket. If you decide to not remove the front cover, I think the most important thing will be to verify chain did not jump a tooth before starting the engine. __________________ 96 GT - PI Intake & cams, O/R h-pipe, Flowmasters - 40s, Short Throw Shifter, 3.73 FRPP gears.

December 31st, 2011, 01:54 AM	#8
p4ndiamond Hardcore Enthusiast 1997 Pacific Green Cobra 14.80 No traction Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Orleans Posts: 1,216 iTrader: 0 reviews	In all honesty after having spent time on it . Take the cover off. its worth it. Watch out for the ps pump its a bitch. dont put the bolt that sits behind the line back in. Its really easy taking the cover off and it was my first time ever. __________________ GT ENGINE (temporary) 4.30 Gears , 31 spline Moser axles , Detroit tru Trac diff, Jmod 4r70w , Pi intake Hitech stage 2 cam, Vortech V2 3.33 pulley. Alum drive shaft. Lowering kit x2 ball joints ,screamin demon coils, LCA "

January 1st, 2012, 09:53 PM	#9
Ruffellbaker Regular 1997 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 264 iTrader: 0 reviews	Pi Swap Cam Followers wont go back in I bled the lash adjusters in a vice and I still cant get the followers to go back in, any of them. Should I try removing the cam and putting all of them in and then putting the cam on top? __________________ PI Cam Swap, MAC C/A intake, BBK 70mm TB, C&L Plenum, Ford 24lb injectors, March UD, 160 T Stat, MSD ignition, 3.73 gears, Stage 2 Clutch, Steeda Short Shifter, O/R X, Flow 40s, SCT Race Tune.

January 1st, 2012, 11:51 PM	#10
p4ndiamond Hardcore Enthusiast 1997 Pacific Green Cobra 14.80 No traction Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Orleans Posts: 1,216 iTrader: 0 reviews	i put my cam on top them. turned the cam in the perfect position (make sure motor is in safe mode which is 12 o clock on the keyway. Then i WALKED the 10mm cam cap bolts down with it all together and it went perfect... 15k beat on everyday miles later its still together. __________________ GT ENGINE (temporary) 4.30 Gears , 31 spline Moser axles , Detroit tru Trac diff, Jmod 4r70w , Pi intake Hitech stage 2 cam, Vortech V2 3.33 pulley. Alum drive shaft. Lowering kit x2 ball joints ,screamin demon coils, LCA "

January 1st, 2012, 11:54 PM	#11
Ruffellbaker Regular 1997 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 264 iTrader: 0 reviews	Yea I tried that but I cant even get the cam gear on the passenger side at all. Of course I didnt have it at 12oclock, Ill try that tomorrow. __________________ PI Cam Swap, MAC C/A intake, BBK 70mm TB, C&L Plenum, Ford 24lb injectors, March UD, 160 T Stat, MSD ignition, 3.73 gears, Stage 2 Clutch, Steeda Short Shifter, O/R X, Flow 40s, SCT Race Tune.

January 2nd, 2012, 09:26 AM	#13
Ruffellbaker Regular 1997 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 264 iTrader: 0 reviews	Are you talking about the spring compressor tool that kinda looks like a power steering pump pulley puller? I have one of those but I dont see how I could get it in there with the cam overtop. __________________ PI Cam Swap, MAC C/A intake, BBK 70mm TB, C&L Plenum, Ford 24lb injectors, March UD, 160 T Stat, MSD ignition, 3.73 gears, Stage 2 Clutch, Steeda Short Shifter, O/R X, Flow 40s, SCT Race Tune.

January 2nd, 2012, 09:42 AM	#14
WickedSnake00 MM's king of Neon's 404 - car not found 17.81@87 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Diesel Engine Capital of the World, Columbus, IN Posts: 7,373 iTrader: 0 reviews	It should look something like this: (not sure if this is the 2V or 4V one) They're pretty easy. Insert your ratchet or breaker in the square hole, put the feet on the valve retainer, and the claws on the camshaft. Press down on your ratchet/breaker, and it compresses the spring, leveraging against the cam. Then your followers go in easy as can be. __________________ Official Secondhand Snake Build Thread Here Looks Like a Cobra, Sounds Like a Cobra, Tastes Like a Cobra, Not a Cobra. For Sale: P71 Interceptor motor

January 2nd, 2012, 09:45 AM	#15
Ruffellbaker Regular 1997 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 264 iTrader: 0 reviews	Sweet. Did you get that from Ford or somewhere else, I kinda need one today : / __________________ PI Cam Swap, MAC C/A intake, BBK 70mm TB, C&L Plenum, Ford 24lb injectors, March UD, 160 T Stat, MSD ignition, 3.73 gears, Stage 2 Clutch, Steeda Short Shifter, O/R X, Flow 40s, SCT Race Tune.

January 2nd, 2012, 09:59 AM	#16
WickedSnake00 MM's king of Neon's 404 - car not found 17.81@87 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Diesel Engine Capital of the World, Columbus, IN Posts: 7,373 iTrader: 0 reviews	I think I ended up getting mine through Tousley Ford. They saved me quite a bit on it, but it was the hard to find OTC 4v tool. You should be able to pick up the 2v one cheap, and I know TFS sells them. Not sure if you'll be able to get your hands on it fast. It's a toss up. __________________ Official Secondhand Snake Build Thread Here Looks Like a Cobra, Sounds Like a Cobra, Tastes Like a Cobra, Not a Cobra. For Sale: P71 Interceptor motor

January 2nd, 2012, 10:21 AM	#17
Ruffellbaker Regular 1997 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 264 iTrader: 0 reviews	Im gonna try to use the one that I have since I kinda need to have it finished today. Advance also sells a tool that is basically a metal bar with the feet at the end to go around the retainer. Hopefully something works. Ford told me they wouldnt be able to get the tool in for a few weeks, which is rediculous __________________ PI Cam Swap, MAC C/A intake, BBK 70mm TB, C&L Plenum, Ford 24lb injectors, March UD, 160 T Stat, MSD ignition, 3.73 gears, Stage 2 Clutch, Steeda Short Shifter, O/R X, Flow 40s, SCT Race Tune.

January 3rd, 2012, 12:44 AM	#18
Ruffellbaker Regular 1997 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hagerstown, MD Posts: 264 iTrader: 0 reviews	I got everything together and the car runs. Only thing is that the very last valve cover bolt on the drivers side closest to the firewall would NOT go in straight nomatter what I did. So I have to find a tap for it : / Other than having to find a tap now everything turned out fine. __________________ PI Cam Swap, MAC C/A intake, BBK 70mm TB, C&L Plenum, Ford 24lb injectors, March UD, 160 T Stat, MSD ignition, 3.73 gears, Stage 2 Clutch, Steeda Short Shifter, O/R X, Flow 40s, SCT Race Tune.

January 3rd, 2012, 03:41 AM	#20
p4ndiamond Hardcore Enthusiast 1997 Pacific Green Cobra 14.80 No traction Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Orleans Posts: 1,216 iTrader: 0 reviews	Yeah i heard about that method i passed on doing that lol. __________________ GT ENGINE (temporary) 4.30 Gears , 31 spline Moser axles , Detroit tru Trac diff, Jmod 4r70w , Pi intake Hitech stage 2 cam, Vortech V2 3.33 pulley. Alum drive shaft. Lowering kit x2 ball joints ,screamin demon coils, LCA "

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Ford Mustang Forum Advertisement

Threads Similar to: PI Cam Swap Without Timing Wedge?
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Timing chain wedge	mach1gt	4V / SVT	10	May 7th, 2011 11:54 PM
Bought the Cams...Need Timing Chain Wedge	Monochrome '05	2005 - 2010	5	July 12th, 2010 11:35 AM
Timing Chain Wedge Dementions	CandyredGT	2005 - 2010	8	March 14th, 2010 09:56 PM
WTF timing chain wedge?	kotten148	2005 - 2010	7	March 5th, 2010 12:06 PM
Anybody got a Timing Wedge?	trill gear head	2005 - 2010	7	October 12th, 2009 08:10 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:02 AM.
Contact Us - Modded Mustangs : Ford Mustang Forums - Privacy Statement - Top
Modded Mustangs is ©2005-2008, All Rights Reserved, And is Not Affiliated with Ford Motor Company. Forum is powered by vBulletin ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Ent. Ltd. & SEO by vBSEO 3.3.2 ©2009, Crawlability, Inc.

PI Cam Swap Without Timing Wedge?

PI Cam Swap Without Timing Wedge?

Pi Swap Cam Followers wont go back in