Camshaft change

Please can you tell me how to change the camshaft on my 1993 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SRI 8v for an uprated Kent cam? J Bennett

First, the engine timing belt covers must be detached and the timing set to 90° before TDC. This will position all the pistons at the mid-way point and prevent contact with the valves as they are depressed. The timing belt can then be removed, along with the distributor and cam top cover. The air filter housing assembly will also need to be extracted.

Having disturbed the timing belt, if it has not been replaced for some time, it would be a good idea to replace it during this procedure. The camshaft can now be held at the lug between cylinders number one and two and the pulley removed. The valves now need to be depressed, to allow the followers to slide out of position. I have achieved this using a screwdriver, but it is far easier using a tool such as the Laser 2097 unit available for less than £19. Once the followers are out of the way, the thrust plate securing the camshaft can be detached, allowing the camshaft to slide out of position.

Refitting is a reverse of the above procedure, but special attention should be paid to the location of the cam followers and the timing of the camshaft drivebelt. The new camshaft should have been supplied with a lubricant that will protect the camshaft and followers during the initial start-up.