[rwet1]

Hello again to all members. I am new to the site and have a concern on the Gen V 454 Big Block motor that I have built. Purchased a block from a junk yard 15+ years ago and built the motor up with 10 to 1 compression pistons, .520 lift cam, roller rockers, etc. Not planning on racing, just a fun street rod when we get it complete.

I have a concern on the cam and how it stays in position. When we assembled the engine back together, on the timing chain side of the motor, there is no cover plate to keep the cam in position. Does the timing gear and/or the distributor gear keep the cam in position? It seems like the cam can free float around and possibly not stay in position.

Looking for anyone's experience with my cam concern.

Thanks in advance.

Randy
St. Louis, MO

 

[LevonH]

This may help. Roller or flat tappet makes the difference.

Big block cam retaining plate? - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

C3 Tech/Performance - Big block cam retaining plate? - Can anyone confirm that the 427 used a cam thrust plate on the front of the engine behind the cam sprocket. I have to admit that I didn't document this part of the teardown very well, and I can't find anything in the books. The block has the...

www.corvetteforum.com

 

[mr 4 speed]

Randy, if its a flat tappet/conventional lifter cam there will not be any kind of retainer.

 

[rwet1]

The cam I bought is a hydraulic flat tappet lifter kit. In reading Levon's link, it states that the flat tappet cam is pushed backward by the lifters (I guess). Anyway, sounds like no retainer is needed.

Thank you for your responses.

 

[68Chevele]

I just sold my Gen V short block today. When I had the cam cover off there was no retainer plate because my 454 had a flat tappet cam. The roller cam 454's used the cam retainer plate. You'll be fine with a flat tappet cam if you run one without a plate, just use a cam button if you like.

 

[rwet1]

OK. Thank you 68Chevelle.

 

[68Chevele]

OK. Thank you 68Chevelle.

You are welcome.