Quick question on 308 cam bearings...

GrimGreaser

Do the new cam bearings available now need to be line bored or are they sized accordingly?

Thanks!

Park_W

Greaser, I'm not sure what you mean by "accordingly." In any case, bearings in the "big sixes (e.g., stepdowns) don't require line boring because those blocks don't have a problem with warping over time, the problem that line boring is intended to correct.

GrimGreaser

Reading the manually, it states cam bearings were available 'finished reamed' for the proper size after being pressed in - and unfinished, needing reaming after installation. Just looking to see how the new ones today come.

Park_W

OK, you meant reaming rather than line-boring. Best answer for your question woulfd probably come from supplier Dale Cooper. I've gotten "finish-reamed" cam bearings from Dale; don't know about semi-finished ones.

GrimGreaser

Yeah, Dale, Egge, and Kantor list cam bearings but non specify how they come so I assume finished bore. Just curious, because I'm trying to get this block done on a budget. Would like to hot-tank it, but if there is additional machining to do to the cam bearings, I'd like to avoid it.

[Deleted User]

Knock the old one out--hot tank--and have new one installed. I also have them in stock.

Randy Maas

GrimGreaser

Thanks!

Uncle Josh

I found that a good way to press the cam bearings out and in, is use a length of stainless threaded rod with the appropriate nuts and washers. Also works for guides if you hate banging on cold cast iron like me. Non-stainless won't hold up.

Remember to remove and replace the keepers that intersect the bearing from the side of the block.