Hi
I am assembling the parts to build my own 390 stroker for my truck..... When I get the block checked (magna fluxed... Line honed if needed, overboring etc)
Should I have machine shop install cam bearings or is it really that tricky? Watching you tube it appears proper tool and being CAREFUL that I should be able to do

This one looks OK from carshop Inc on Moline IL.

Anyone use this?
Any advice?


https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F39 1534494822

 

We've got the same cam bearing installation tool as the machine shop so we do our own, but they do it for $40.00, $8.00 each, how much will the tool cost you?

 

$100 on eBay... See link in post

 

TTP..... Bump

 

Saw the link in the post, it didn't come up, and I didn't want to type in all that mumbo jumbo.

 

Have the shop install them AND test fit the cam.

 

The tricky part is getting the oiling holes aligned with the block. And installing them in the correct location. There were different bearing sets for the center oiler and side oiler. The side oiler bearings as I recall worked in a center oiler block, but not vice-versa.

 

This. FE blocks tend to move around, especially after machine work is done. It is no surprise to find the cam tight in the new bearings. There's various ways to resolve this issue, so it's best to leave it to the shop and make sure they fit the cam.

 

I seem to remember reading that, from the factory, the bearings were installed in the bores and THEN cut straight. Maybe I'm thinking of something else, though.

 

If you read that entire listing I think you will find that you will have to purchase 4 extra mandrels for it since Ford uses a different OD bearing in each bore. Way cheaper to get the machine shop to put them in. And as Prostock mentioned there is a good chance that one or two of them will have to be scraped before the cam will go in and turn freely.

I take back the extra mandrels part. Been fooling with Clevelands too long.

 

Unless your planning to build a number of engines the tools cost isn't justifiable.