How to weld cams?

[Stanislao]

Looking at a '99, no indication that the cams have been welded. I know a number of fabricators in town, but they've almost certainly never done this before. What is the correct method of welding the sprocket to the shaft?

Only information I have so far is from a YouTube video in which the guy tack welds the cams while they're still in the block, turning the engine to get to each point on the cams. That idea scares the crap out of me, as I've seen electronics release the mysterious blue smoke while someone welds on the other end of the weld table. Told him not to leave that motor controller there....

While I'm ripping apart the engine, what else should I deal with? Plugs and injectors come to mind, MAF sensor could probably be cleaned, air filter would get a K&N.

 

[sperold]

In the early years, it was considered mandatory to remove the cams and weld them.
They also suggested installing roll pins in the cams, again while it was off the car. Some said just the pins, others said pins and weld.

Almost every V8 SHO engine in existence had been welded with the cams in the car, and the supposed problems of warping never materialized.
There are many threads on this forum on how to do this, and even one with an emphasis on an often overlooked part that needs a weld (can't remember what it was), so there are a lot of how-tos.

There is a V8SHO section on the internet as well as the V6SHO section.

 

[snowwind1990]

In the early years, it was considered mandatory to remove the cams and weld them.
They also suggested installing roll pins in the cams, again while it was off the car. Some said just the pins, others said pins and weld.

Almost every V8 SHO engine in existence had been welded with the cams in the car, and the supposed problems of warping never materialized.
There are many threads on this forum on how to do this, and even one with an emphasis on an often overlooked part that needs a weld (can't remember what it was), so there are a lot of how-tos.

There is a V8SHO section on the internet as well as the V6SHO section.

Contact Kirk Doucette.

 

[gamefanatic]

My bro and I welded the CAMs on my SHO while they were still in the car about 4 years ago. This is not a new problems to CAM's / engines as GM's had similar problems back in the 90's. Some older techs may be more familiar with this due to those problems. Welding is the best solution, if done right.

The main thing to remember, and to ensure the welder is aware, is the CAM shaft tube is hollow. Knowing that most welders would know not to burn too much as opposed to a solid shaft. While it may only need a single weld spot to hold, its recommended to weld in at least 2 spots on opposing sides to balance the additional material on the shaft.
If welding on the car be sure to use shop rags all over to protect all the other engine parts from the expelled metal sparks. It's safer to take them off, but you will need to ensure you put the timing chain back on properly, which may lead to more work...



While in there you may want to take a moment to measure the valve clearance and for any damage to the shims.
Intake 0.006-0.010 in [1]
Exhaust 0.010-0.014 in [1]
[1] Cold engine