Just had an "Oh Sh!t" moment...Was freshening a late 60's 327 and when I removed the cam, started wondering about the roller cam in a 1987-ish small block that I just finished. This is the first roller factory roller SBC I've ever built. When I installed the cam, I installed a GM camshaft retainer plate (sheet metal donut with 2 bolt hole flanges) on the block - I ***umed that this was to stop the cam from walking forward. When was shopping summit racing for a timing cover for the 327, I noticed a specific timing cover for cam ****ons. This is when I got that "Oh-no" feeling...The only thing in there stopping cam end play is that retainer plate. Should I have a cam ****on in my 1987-ish roller SBC ?
No, the retainer plate on the later blocks retains the cam. The old ****on-style relied on the thin tin timing covers to keep the cam in place, which could be problematic.
If you're sure about that, then WHEW...my anxiety was working overtime - thanks! So what SBC engines use a cam ****on? my late 60's 327 didn't have one when I dis***embled it.
That's because it had flat tappets. If you wanted to retro-fit that block to a roller setup, you'd use a cam ****on. Your later block is tapped to accept the plate because some of those came equipped with roller lifters.
The Jalopy Journal
