I am planning to install a camshaft into a rebuilt engine and I would like to go through the steps I have to do before making anything wrong. Some advice and/or correction on my thoughts would be good from experienced members.

The camshaft I am going to install is a brand new Comp Cams roller one and the engine block is a '92 305 SBC.

#1: Lubricate the cam with engine oil and start to push it into the engine. As far as I know for roller camshafts it is enough to lubricate it with only engine oil and special assembly lubricant is not needed.

#2: Install the cam retainer plate with the two torx bolts. What is the required torque on these bolts? Do I have to use Loctite on them?

#3: Put the crank sprocket of the timing set into the crankshaft. This should go back until it touches the crankshaft if I know it right.

#4: Rotate the crank to move the dot on the sprocket into 12 o'clock and rotate the cam to have the dot at 6 o'clock.

#5: Install the cam sprocket and the timing chain. Torque the cam bolts with 20 ft-lbs. Do I have to use Loctite here as well? How should I lock the cam not to rotate it until I torque down its bolts?

After having these steps done I would think that the cam is properly installed into the engine.

Any comment or advice?

 

Use thread locker or a locking plate on the cam sprocket bolts if you like. The bolts need less torque to tighten than it takes to rotate the crank against compression so you don't need to lock anything.

 

The only problem is that the cylinder heads are not yet on the engine, so it does not take too much force to rotate the crank.