well im sure i already know the answer to this but,,,since i have my 350 motor on the stand i am debating whether to upgrade the cam. but i know if i change it, it'd be a good idea to also do bearings. but for that i would most likely have to send the block out (dont have the tool or the knowledge/confidence to do it myself). anyone here change cam with old bearings without problems? i just dont wanna have to send the block out since i dont plan on taking apart the rest of the bottom end. i also dunno if its even a good idea to swap cams, since this motor was running perfect before i pulled it out. and i dont really plan on making this motor a beast. i jus figure its out so why not add a few more ponies by doing a simple cam swap. but as of right now im still undecided. thanks.

edit: i was checking out some old threads and few people say its not really necessary to change 'em out with a new cam as long as they look OK. so what i'll probably end up doing if i decide to go that route is pull the old cam out and do a visual inspection. and post pics so i can get some opinions.

 

Yup, if they look all right, don't bother changing them. The cam bearings don't take anywhere near the same stress as the mains.

At the same time, if you do want to change them, a set of cam bearings only costs something like $15. It's just a matter of getting someone to put them in for you then.

 

i don't think there's any way in hell you could change cam bearings without starting with a bare block.

 

thanx guys. well i might go ahead and leave the old cam alone. puttin in a new one will most likely require me to do other followup things.

 

 

Tough to get them things in and orientaed correctly in the car, let alone get them out...I know I wouldn't try it.

 

He said the motor is on a stand. Once you get the cam out all you've got to do is knock them out. Put the new ones in and replace the freeze plug in the back of the block.

 

Easier said than done when the rods and crank are in your way.

 

Then by golly I "stand" corrected.

 

bet you've not done the first one this way have you, damn near bet you've not done any cam bearings

 

nope. never done any cam bearings.

 

Then why offer advice about "all you have to do..."?

 

sarcasm there Corky.

 

Sorry Cranky, I left the little off the end.