Are vortec 5.7 cam bearings different than non-vortec sbc350 cam bearings? Bought a summit 8802 to put into a roller vortec. Machine shop installed cam bearings and they are WAY too tight. Cam won't even go in. maybe the machine shop installed them in the wrong order idk.

 

Small block cam bearings are the same from 262-400, all years that I'm aware of. Sounds like there was a problem on installation or the block is distorted.

 

did you call the shop first and ask them
or come in here to ask us first?
im curious to know what the shop said

 

They said grab your bfh and hit the cam in place 😝

 

The 90s era introduced more "hone in place' manufacturing practices. Whether that carried over to the L3x engines before end of Gen I production, I don't know.

But yes, if they mic right, a slight out of round is corrected by lubing appropriately, tapping it in and running it. I had a customer steal a bushing driver from me because he was quite certain I was wrong about this.

But, when stuff is done the same for decades, discomfort happens when new methods roll in.

 

Great way to punch the bearings right out of their bores.

 

More room for oil

 

Yes I called the shop first. Shop used clevite factory replacements. But they didn't have the cam to check the bearings before install. They've offered to replace them and me drop off the cam so they can check them with the cam.