FLcracker9

Looking for advice. I finally got around to installing my cam (bought it 15 months ago). It's a custom cam, and instructions were to install it using the "lift at TDC method". I have the cam installed and timed, but the question is regarding the proper installation of the cam gear on the cam. I'm using a Jegs brand, 9 way timing chain set. The set came with a brass washer/bushing, that appears to fit on the back side of the cam gear, where it will ride up against the cam thrust plate (nothing in the cam kit shows where this bushing goes). The stock gear has no such bushing?. The other issue I may or may not have, is that the kit's instructions say for small block Fords, the cam thrust plate holes must be counter sunk, and the supplied counter sink screws (2) must be used to fasten the thrust plate to the block. I used the factory thrust plate bolts for initial set-up, and they don't seem to be in conflict with anything. The cam turns over with the crankshaft, with no apparent clearance issues. Has anyone installed this type of setup and had to counersink the holes?, how about the brass bushing?

FLcracker9

Bump - Nobody?

94StinkinLincoln

i have the torrington bearing setup and had to counter sink the thrust plate holes.
i will see if i can help you out some more later.

FLcracker9

Thanks, but I figured it out. I removed the cam completely, and installed the gear on the cam while it was out. The gear wasn't seating all the way when I torqued the cam bolt to spec. It took some emory cloth, and lightly sanded the inside of the cam gear, until it would seat under the proper torque (it still wouldn't seat by hand). I went ahead and counter sunk the holes in the thrust plate, and used the counter sink allen head screws provided with the kit (I put them on with locktite). I re-assembled everything, and I now read .009. This is just a hair out of spec (.004-.008), but close enough for my 166k short block. I also checked the cam timing again (using the lift at TDC as recommended by the cam grinder), and I measured .0528 at TDC, vs the cam card's .0531,which is actually closer than my initial set up. I'm good to go now.
Thanks