Topic: I'm Stuck with Cam Removal
in Forum: C3 Engines
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The manual I have says that I need to lossen the motor mounts and slightly raise the engine to clear the radiator brackets to remove the cam. This insn't going to work with my 76.
The air confditioning condensor is in the way (pretty sure that is what it is called...the cooler in front of the radiator). So I know I will need to remove or at least slide the condensor up to gain enough clearance to get the cam out. What do I need to do to get the condensor loose? Looks like two small bolts are holding the condensor to the bottom of the radiator bracket. I can't figure out how to get to them?
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You will need to unfasten the A/C condenser, and move it around a bit while pulling the cam out. You can slide the bottom of the condenser forward enough to clear the cam.
The condenser is held onto the rad support with two bolts on the top and the bottom/sides...if I remember correctly. You can go up under the front of the car and get to the bottom ones.
If you're careful, you can do all of this and not disturb the hard lines to the condenser, creating a possible leak in the A/C.
The condenser is held onto the rad support with two bolts on the top and the bottom/sides...if I remember correctly. You can go up under the front of the car and get to the bottom ones.
If you're careful, you can do all of this and not disturb the hard lines to the condenser, creating a possible leak in the A/C.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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I do not believe you have to remove the bottom bolts. I replaced my condenser last spring. The bottom bolts hold rubber bushings that the condencer slips on to from the top. Just remove the top two bolts and pull up on the condencer and it should come free.
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Thanx for the info Brian! It's been a few years since I've done it. We used to swap the cams in the '72 racer almost every weekend, but that's been....oh, let's see...aboot 25-30 years ago! 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I have not been able to look at it since I posted this message (the Vette is at the lake place...heading out there tonight). I tried moving the condensor and it sure seemed like it was attached by two bolts that I can barely see at the bottom of the bracket. They are obstructed by the round tubing going across the front of the frame. Just can't get my hands to them and having trouble figuring out what kind of tool could get there (even a swivel).
Thanks, Mark
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Baldwinsville, NY - USA
Joined: 1/15/2007
Posts: 19
Vette(s): 78 Silver L48 4Spd, dual exhaust, GM vortec head, Edelbrock intake, Crane 210/216 degree x .420/.454 lift, 180 thermostat, MSD street fire
I just finished a Vortec Head, Intake and Cam.
I had to remove the two lower bolts holding the condensor and have a bud lift and rotate the condensor that was still hooked to the hoses. The cam was 1" too long and the condensor had to move.
What cam are you putting in?
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Thanks for posting guys. I was curious about doing a cam change without pulling the motor, too.
some buddies of mine told me it wasn't possible.
some buddies of mine told me it wasn't possible. Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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I am almost there. I was able to slide the condensor up but realized I had to remove the hood to gain the clearance to do so. I finally had a few extra hands and with the hood removed it was actually easy. Tonight I plan on putting the radiator and fan back in along with the new hoses and will be ready for break-in. I went with the 268 cam from Eckler's and am axious to see how we go. The old cam wasn't in terrible shape but definitely had some rounding going on.
Former Member
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Baldwinsville, NY - USA
Joined: 1/15/2007
Posts: 19
Vette(s): 78 Silver L48 4Spd, dual exhaust, GM vortec head, Edelbrock intake, Crane 210/216 degree x .420/.454 lift, 180 thermostat, MSD street fire
I forgot to mention:
Had to remove the coolant radiator and the hood.
Taking the hood off and on was the only help I got on this project.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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