Chevy Dave Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 Can you replace a big block cam without removing the radiator and AC condinser? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC1of80 Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 Sorry, you can not. You will need to remove the radiator at least on a big block. You can just barely remove the camshaft without removing the radiator on a small block. The big block chevy is 2 inches longer than a small block and the length is in the front of the engine. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 That's what I was thinking too but not real familiar with the big blocks. Think I'd pull radiator for small block just to be safe. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chevy Dave Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 I don't so much mind removing the radiator, but don't want to have to loose my refrigerent charge. Has anyone done it without removing the condenser? The 70 454 I just purchased has a rough idle and 18.5 inches at idle in park. I can't find any vacuum leaks and am afraid that some installed a hot rod cam when they rebuilt the engine. I would just like to install the correct cam (3883986). I had this cam in two 350 hp 396 Chevelles and the idle was only slightly rougher than a truck cam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC1of80 Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 With 18.5 in of vacuum I would look elsewhere, not the cam. A radical cam will not have that high of a vacuum reading. Check the plugs and wires, cap, rotor. Make sure the weights are "free" in the distributor. What is the timing at? What carb is on it? Is it adjusted correctly? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DragCat Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 As far as your other question, you can pull the whole engine out and not remove the a/c or p/s if you so desire 🤣 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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