Does anyone know whether or not you can pull the cam out on a 358 with HP500's without pulling the motors?? My boat is in storage and I'm trying to get this material ordered but don't know whether or not it can be done. I need approx 24" from the timing cover to the front - does anyone know this measurement? Thanks

splashandburn,
Our 2001 358 didn't have 24" in front of the engines. I could just get my legs in front of them.We had 500 efi's.Our new 368 has and extra 1 1/2 feet in the engine compartment.

NJSONIC,
Thanks - I know I can get barely get in front of the engines but I'm not sure just how much room there is once you remove all the pulleys from the front. I really wish I could get to the boat to measure it but it's just not possible.

splashandburn,
I think it would be too tight to get them out with out damaging the cams or the bearing surfaces. Call Mindi Doller I'm sure she can get you a firm idea of whether or not you can do it without pulling the engines.

I'll give her a call tomorrow. I called Sonic and asked for Bruce but he was out. I was put on hold for a minute or so and was transferred to Richard. He was as helpful as he could be but said honestly that Bruce was the guy to talk to. I was surprised that he was so accessible after all the "rumors" that have been floating around. Thought you guys might be interested.

here's a thought i've done before,where the cam would slide out and hit the back of seat,hole saw a hole through then slide the cam out,once all back together nobody will ever notice or wonder why you have a 3" whole in your seat bottom.dave

I don't think that would work here. Right in front of the motors is a bulkhead. I think that the fuel tanks are directly in front of that. A good thought though - thanks.

I have seen the hole-saw trick work a few times. Perhaps by the time you pull the cam out, it will move upward a few inches above the floor bulkhead, and can pass into the under-rear-seat compartment. You may have to make an oblong hole to pass the cam out sideways a bit.

I can go out with a tape and get you what you are looking for next week . I think its to tight though.
RR

Make sure the cam comes out of the engine straight,if you
wiggle it out or pull it out sideways you will scratch the cam bearings.