<VV> re: installing a cam

[Ray Rodriguez]

     Thanks for the detailed reply Barry... maybe I'll just let the engine be.. maybe I won't. I'm not really interested in doing that much work to an engine I believe is sound.  I'll definitely deflash the jugs, and I'm planning to buy a set of rebuilt carbs in the very near future.

 The car in question is a 65 corsa 140/4 that seems to have been autocrossed pretty seriously by its previous owner (it was set up to be towed to the track), but I have never met the owner as I bought the car from a liquidator.  It has KYB's all around, the shrouds were painted blue, the carbs wore four chrome tophats, it has offenhauser aluminum valve covers and a clarks aluminum oil pan... I'm really wondering what may have already been done to this engine.. and hoping maybe it already has a mild cam.  I had asked about this a long while back and was told about "degreeing" the cam to check it... but that sounds a bit too technical and troublesome to me...  when I pull the oil pan to regasket it will I be able to see the cam and if so is there any way to identify it as stock or not stock?




Ray Rodriguez
forgot to erase my business sig last time, sorry!
65' Corsa 140/4 under construction


Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2007 06:04:29 -0400
From: "D. Barry Ellison" <bars84crx at hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: <VV> installing a cam?
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Message-ID: <BAY117-F36728C741C7809A9D438FAA85D0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

.... not for the faint of heart... not intended as textbook/recipe...

I, like you, did not grow up a motor head.  I have a brother that did 
though.  I've learned most everything through either reading or actually 
turning the wrenches.  A little bit through asking questions... which would 
be like asking for directions.  :)

>      I have been considering a moderate performance cam for a while now, ( 
>I want a little of a lopey idle) and was wondering how much work I would 
>have to do to install it.  I have no intention

Check Clark's web site.  They have cams in the 260, 270, and 280 duration 
range.  The 280 is as much as you want for the street.  I've got the 280 and 
am very happy with it.  It it was just a daily driver, I'd probably go with 
less, the 270 probably.  Similar cams at other vendors.

>of a full rebuild... and want to minimize disassembly.  Is there any 
>shortcut for installing a cam or is >pretty much full disassembly?  I'm not 
>a mechanic so dont assume I know anything!  I just know the

Since you're removing the heads which takes the lifters off the cam, it can 
be done by leaving one side of the piston/jug assemblies on.  One side has 
to come off.  Remove the rods, pistons, jugs as an assy.  Keep it all mated 
up, especially the bearings.  Also keep track of everything that comes from 
where... keeping all the mated surfaces together is important from a wear 
perspective.  Keep everything from the cam log to the valve stem in the same 
place for reassy.  I make holders out of wood to keep track of parts, some 
with holes for the push rods, some with dowels for the rocker arm sets.  A 
paddle bit works well for lifters.  Label your wood so you know which side 
is which.

It really doesn't save much work, just 6 nuts and a little table space and a 
little work.
>
>      While I'm at it, is there anything else I should be sure to do while 
>I have the engine out and its easy to get to?  I'm already replacing the 
>fan bearing, what am I missing?
>

Buy a full engine seal kit from a vendor.  Use everything you can.

There are a lot of things you can do to the inside to make the oil flow 
better (but would require the removal of the crank - remember those 6 nuts? 
).  Get a copy of Bob Helt's book, The Classic Corvair... read it... then 
read it again.  Lots of great hints in there.  If I can follow it, you can, 
too.

Imperative - De-flash the heads as discussed in Bob's book.

Replacing the front tranny mounts is a good idea, while it's out.  Not 
cheap! The rubber hose at fire wall is though.

Did I mention that you need to get Bob Helt's book?  ;)  He's got a carb 
book out that would tell you more than you want to know.  It's good enough 
to get you through your carbs, if you're brave enough.  (Just about got all 
my problems figured out, too.)  If your carbs work, then I'd probably leave 
them alone.  Some of those screws/jets get tight, strip, and have to be 
drilled out.  Not for the faint of heart.  If you go into one with just the 
idea of cleaning it up, clearing the passages, etc, you might be okay.  I 
wouldn't suggest going into one w/o someone beside you (or available) to 
show/ask questions.

YMMV of course, and I'm sure you'll get a bunch of other stuff and opinions 
on this list.

Let us know how it goes.

Barry in SC
2 lates, 2 earlies... something's gotta go!
Professional Geek