This is probably one of those dumb questions, but its been 14 years since I last had a SBC apart. I just got a ZZ4 short block and there is a oval plate over the cam journal with a "star" bolt on each side at 3 and 9 oclock. The plate has a hole in it, is this plate used to keep the cam from sliding in and out once installed, or is it just the protect the outside journal during shipping and should be removed and discarded?
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If it is to be discarded, what holds the cam in place to keep it from sliding in and out?
(The only motor I've had apart in recent memory was my turbo6 and it has a cam buttom which is spring loaded between the cam and front cover)
Thanks

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Rob
High Performance & Party page
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89 TTA #426 20th Anniversary turbo 3.8 bone stock
79 TA 6.6l - all original stock
94 Silverado Tuned Port Injected
87 Grand National- lil' ole V6, 12.40 @ 108 w/1.79 60'
95 Trans Am Conv.- LT1

 

Its supposed to be there, part of the factory roller cam setup.

 

Yes, thats the cam retainer plate.

You need it

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ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...

R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"

 

I see after I looked at the cam closer, there is a recess in the front and the timing chain gear has a bearing plate on the back side which will glide up against it.
Thanks ya'll, I knew it was a pretty dumb question but wanted to make sure. I guess the non-rollers don't have this? as I sure can't remember ever seeing it before. This is my first roller setup install. Probably have a few questions about the lifter/rocker arm install/adjustments later.
Thanks again...