I went to the dealer to have them install my cams. I'm not a mechanic but i understand the basic concepts there are to it. What puzzled me was when the dealer rep asked me if i'm installing springs and retainers because they are more expensive to change then just cams themselves.

A few questions
I've been searching for months about cams and installation procedures, and the dealer said that i DONT have to change the headgasket if i ONLY do cams. True?

He said headgasket needs to be changed ONLY when i open the head to change springs and retainers. True?

From my months of searching why do i always read about people saying they MUST have new headgaskets to install cams.

Have i missed something from my searching? This might sound silly but i'm kind of puzzled.

Thanks !

 

I have been on here nearly 3 years and never read anybody saying you need to change the head gasket when doing cams.

Are you thinking of head studs?

Springs and retainers depend on what cams you are running so we need more info. But my guess is you are not running something super aggressive so I doubt you will need new springs and retainers.

 

I think i get what you are saying..

Are these different bolts that need to be opened if you decide to do springs and retainers?

I was under the impression that the head studs merely replace the old engine bolts..so instead of reusing the old ones just use the new head studs.

I am confused..let me get this straight..

Only cams install = no need for new headgasket
Cams + springs/retainers = new headgasket needed.

Is this because the headgasket bolts are not opened when only doing the cams? .. please explain...

to answer your question. I will be running the GSC S1's. I know springs and retainers are not needed for these cams, i found that out after i bought them. Might as well install them while i'm at it.

thanks

 

Honestly I would recommend only installing cams and maybe head studs at the same time. I do not think you need to mess with the head gasket in any way. And the only way you would need new springs and retainers is if you plan to rev the car to 8500+ RPM or so and this will avoid floating a valve.

I personally just did the cams, no studs or anything, as studs tend to lead to oil leaks if you do not actually take the head off and start from scratch IMO.

 

I would slap cams and head studs, thats all.

 

ok i think i'll forget about springs and retainers for now.. Just answer me this please..

If i only install cams and studs, will i need to change the headgasket? Or are the bolts that hold the headgasket different then those needed to change cams?

 

Another Question ..

Are the ARP head studs the ones that are holding down the head? I'm asking this because if i do decide to do cams only, i don't want to pull the head just for installing studs!

 

What they are saying is you do not need to do the head gasket if you only change the head studs & cams....no springs or retainers needed.

If you ever remove the head from the block....you will then replace your head gasket with a new one.

 

Correct....head studs hole down the head to the block. There are two ways I have read to change out your head studs

1 - Remove head and replace accordingly..replace with new head gasket.

2 - Replace each head stud one at a time.......no need to replace head gasket.

I would ask your dealership which method they will employ if you decide to let them do the work. You will read differences in opinions from other members and vendors on this site regarding these two methods. Ask around as I have not had my head studs replaced. Still stock with HKS 264in/272ex cams.

 

SilverShadow03

Thanks for detailed answer. I don't want to risk having a leaking h/g because i've already spent the money on springs/retainers/H/g.

As long as the head is not pulled and the h/g is not affected when ONLY doing cams..then i'll only do cams.

thanks again