Cam installation questions (searched)

[281pony]

im installing a cam into my new shortblock tomorrow. its my first time installing one. i know its pretty straight forward but ive got a couple simple questions.

first, its a comp cams 274hr cam going into a 331 shortblock.

the peg on the front of the cam. i pulled it out of another comp cam my old sb had, and it fits almost perfect in the 274 but can slide in and out easily. the 274 came with two pegs. one is the same length and another shorter. it is a press fit i believe, ive tried tapping it gently a few times, it is straight but wont go. my question is, can i use the one that fits good but moves back and forth easily or try getting this other one in? there is no movement in the one that fits, perfect fit but it slides easily in and out.

second is, comp cams says you must install new hydraulic lifters. i still have the rollers i took out of my original 302 with unknown miles. they have NO wear pattern and are like brand new. is this really necessary? they have no damage, no wear pattern or anything like that. my pushrods are new hardened stock length comp cams.

i have assembly lube also. is there anything else key or any tips?

 

[FiveLtrRiceEatr]

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second is, comp cams says you must install new hydraulic lifters. i still have the rollers i took out of my original 302 with unknown miles. they have NO wear pattern and are like brand new. is this really necessary? they have no damage, no wear pattern or anything like that. my pushrods are new hardened stock length comp cams.

you shouldn't use your old rollers from your 302, Its not the best idea IMO you should do it right the first time. The rollers aren't that much money from comp. When me and my dad did his 351w we got new ones, and whenever your rebuilding an engine you should know you are going to have to pay some more $$ so you wont have to tear it down to fix the stock parts you put in with a new cam that could damage the cam.

 

[281pony]

i havent gone exactly cheap with what ive bought. i never thought much about the rollers. tomorrow my shortblock is here and im looking to get as much done as i can before my headgaskets show.

a few people i had asked in the process of this before said they were ok to use. just looking over my comp cams sheet i saw this.

its more of a time thing then a money thing.

 

[oz]

IMO you should pony up for new lifters. They may be fine but it's such a small amount of money compared to the rest of the engine that it's good insurance.

I have the Comp 270HR cam in my 302. I remember having difficulty with it as well. I think the longer stud sticks out too far through the timing gear to allow the bolt and washer that holds on the timing set to seat (I think that was the reason). Anyway I tried pulling it out with a vice grip - no luck. I ended up cutting the very tip off with a dremmel. Luckily the vice grip did not booger it up too bad. Most of the marked up part extended through the timing gear. I have had no problems. I honeslty don't know if the short one will work though. I seem to remember it being too short.... and besides, if it slides around, what is to keep it from sliding out to the rear when the cam is in the car?

You could always try heating up the cam a little to get the stud to move if you reall have to... and then put the stud in the freezer for awhile before installing it again.

One more thing, it's tempting to hurry to get the job done but if you don't want to have to do the job over in the near future, take the time to do it right the first time... Go to your local speed shop and pick up a set of lifters. They are very common - hell, I bet the local Ford dealer would have a set.

 

[Michael Yount]

Get the lifters - you know the saying - penny wise - pound foolish.

Follow Oz advice - use some thermal persuasion to get the new cam pin in. Usually what happens is air gets trapped BEHIND the pin keeping it from sliding in easily. I've found with lube, twisting/rocking and gentle pressure the pin usually slids right in (don't take that last phrase out of context).

Be sure to degree the cam and check p to v.

 

[281pony]

ill try to get the pin slid in again later tonight.

just drove through 3 hours of seattle traffic to get my shortblock was worth it though.

ill call around and see if anyone has a set of lifters. they are about 100 bucks for a new set right?

 

[281pony]

wow.. shucks, cutrate and napa want 400 dollars a set. 20 a piece plus tax. im not paying 432 dollars for new lifters.

 

[Rick 91GT]

FORD/CRANE OEM lifters $118 from Summit

Use the long pin, they are usually a hair to long, I grind them done or mill them.If you don't have a installation handle, you will need a long threaded bolt it makes it much easier. Use a lot of lube and install it slowly to avoid chipping the cam or new bearings.

 

[281pony]

i guess ill have to next day a set of those since my shortblocks here today and my head gaskets arrive tomorrow. planning to build the remainder minus the cam and oilpan tomorrow.

i was planning to use the timing chain gear as a handle like comp cams suggests then removing it once the cams installed.

damn this car is killing me

 

[Rick 91GT]

Never tried the timing gear method...if you try it let me know how it works. I made a Billet handle that threads in, works awesome give you a lot of leverage and support.

 

[Michael Yount]

I have always used the timing gear as a 'handle' - found it gives me more leverage and control than a long bolt as you can get both hands on it. Gloves are recommended.....