dman0712

I was going to install a torrington bearing on my 403 to keep the new hydraulic roller cam from walking. My engine is already together so id rather not take it apart to machine the block for the bearing or do you not have to take the engine apart to do this? I dont know how the machine shops go about this. My other question is if i can just remove the camshaft and machine a step in the end of the cam for the bearing to fit in?

cutlassefi

Why are you going thru the trouble to do this after the fact?

dman0712

because i bought the brass spacer and thrust button from mondello but its is currently making the lifters ride closer to the edge of the cam lobe.

cutlassefi

O.K. if I get you right, you're going to replace the brass spacer with the torrington? What will that accomplish? Just let the cam ride on the block, then set your endplay with the button.

dman0712

wont the cam eat into the block?

cutlassefi

No, you have to remember a roller will do so even less. The lobes aren't ground to make the cam push rearward like on a flat tappet. Plus you should have plenty of oil coming out if the front cam bearing to lube the area.

Normally I drill a .030 hole thru the oil galley in the face of the thrust surface for the cam if it's a flat tappet. That'll help but it's really not necessary, especially on a roller.

dman0712

ok i took the spacer off the cam and put the cam back in to see how the rollers were lined up with the lobe centerline. Its a little better. Does it have to be exactly in the middle? Id say judging by looking that the the lifter is about 1/16 of an inch from being center.

cutlassefi

No it doesn't. Just make sure you don't have excessive end play and you'll be fine.

dman0712

ok. i have the brass thrust bearing. should i use that or should i get the torrington one with the bearings?

cutlassefi

Based on the info given it seems the block surface is o.k. cuz it's making the cam off center. So why are you using any spacer?

dman0712

im not using a spacer its the thrust bearing that goes on the end of the cam bolt to prevent cam walk. Right now there is nothing between the cam and block

dman0712

my problem is with no spacer the cam is still slightly off the lobe centerline. Wont that effect my timing? I dont know what to do here