Avoiding Machine Shop

[rdubb17]

I just picked up a 5.0 project and decided to tear down the engine. I noticed the front cam bearing to have a couple nicks or so in it. However, the nicks have been worn down so they are not fresh.

The person who had it before me put a new cam in it so I don't have any evidence from the previous cam. When this cam was installed, it spun freely and didn't feel any grinding nor did I see any evidence on the cam journal itself. I can't really get a good look at the other bearings so I couldn't see if its like this throughout. Is this a typical problem people have when installing another cam? Should I be concerned to the point of replacing them? I do have the engine out. Here are the best pictures I could get.

 

[jake2582]

yes but...the brass you see on the bottom of the bearing is because the bearing is worn. dont be a cheap ass!!! most shops install cam bearings for $40 and the bearings are $20=$60 to do it the right way! if the motor is coming out and the bottom end is coming apart then put some in it.
if its just a cam swap and the motor is in the car then dont worry about it.

 

[rdubb17]

I see your point. However (always one of those), I know what I should do and what I want to do and they conflict one another. For what I am going to use this for, I think it should be fine. The idea if for it to last maybe a year or so. I think it should be able to handle that task. I know what will happen if I bring it to the machine shop - won't be getting out of there without 500 bucks. Ultimately what I want to avoid is putting this all together and going to start it up and realizing somethings F$cked. If this engine can do that much for me, I'm happy If not - its not like there aren't 10 million other 5.0's out there.

All that being said, any objections to my rationality?

 

[jake2582]

if u put rod and main bearings in it i would put cam bearings in it.
will the motor blow if you dont...i doubt it. oil pressure will run a little bit lower.
whats it used for? if it aint gota go a million miles then just let it ride...

 

[408gt91]

if you tell a machine shop to just do cam bearings ,thats what the'll do.100$ total for bearings and install now or hundreds later to rebuild.i just makes more sence to do it right.

 

[rdubb17]

Nah, no rod or main bearings. It was a running shortblock before it was pulled. I checked out the main bearings and they are completely fine. To coinside with that comment and I almost definately know the answer to this question - I took off the main caps to glance at the bearings. Should replacement of the bolts be absolutely manditory? I'm assuming they are strech bolts and I'm assuming yes.

 

[jake2582]

i dont think they are streach bolts. im pretty sure the head bolts are the only streach bolts.