ripleydale Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Wondering why my "how to rebuild your big block chevy" book wants to start with the camshaft. Seems like it could go in later (after crank and pistons) so curious if anyone knows why they approach it that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chevyss Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 The cam is the heart of the engine and you build around that. At least that's what they tell me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike 57 Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Cam bearings are the hardest to get to. Most people do not even do their own cam bearing installation. It would be nice to know if the cam bearing fit is good before setting the crank. I think it is easier to put the cam in when you can reach up in the block and help it along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winston Wolf Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Have your machine shop press in the cam bearings. I put the camshaft in after the piston/crank, but before the heads. You need to find TDC with the heads off. Just be gentle with it as you work it into the block so you don't nick up the bearings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Yes you do have to be very carefull putting the cam in as to not damage the bearings but when I went through the chevy engine assembly plant in 1972 while in gm school the guy on the assembly line would tap them in with a hammer if they didnt slide in easly that was kinda scary. Well at least mine was built in 71 maybe that guy wasnt there then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ripleydale Posted December 20, 2010 Author Share Posted December 20, 2010 Thanks guys. Cam bearings were done by the machine shop. Since it can slide around so easily before the timing chain goes on, I was wondering if it made more sense to put the crank and pistons in first. Probably a little easier sliding in the cam with nothing else around it as Mike mentions. I won't use the hammer method. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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