The Crower cam does not have the capability of retaining the thrust plate.

The guy I bought the cam from says not to worry.

My engine machinist says to get the right camshaft.

AFIRover has run his for better than a year without one.

Anybody got any insight?

PT

http://www.v8engines.com/engine-4.htm#thrustplate
Cam locating device on more modern Rover V8 engines
This is no more than a plate that bolts to the block and prevents the cam from sliding forwards (due to rotation of the chain).

Is it needed?
Basically the early engines pre-'94(ish) relied on correct camshaft location because they had the taut timing chain running around it.
This relies on centrifugal alignment (like a giroscope), however the early engines did have better cam-nose to timing-cover clearance (this is between the end of the cam and the inner surface of the timing cover) indeed, the timing cover has a pad on it which acts like a stop.

can you install the 3.9 button as a fix? If it goes out it makes this annoying ticking sound.

Discussions with the guy at D&D indicate that it won't be an issue.

I'm gonna give it a shot-if it becomes an issue, I'll trash him everywhere:grin:

I just machine the end of the cam to fit the retainer.

It's sorta anal I think though..

Keith

According to Crower, the slight taper they intentionally grind on the bearing jouranls acts to pull the cam back into the block.

Misplaced anxiety...

Keith:
What kinda big-ass lathe you got with a big enough spindle bore to accept a camshaft, or do you turn it between centers? Shopboy two wants to use a submerged grinder.

3" Bore 16X42 in one shop or use the 12x36 at home between centers, just turn it at a reasonable speed, and use sharp carbide.. Seems to work well... Funny thing I have noticed that the little keepers don't seem to have the u shape on centerline to the cam!? So rather than machine to fit the U keeper I machine to match a Gems cam.. Wierd.. The next trick will be to put a Buick cam in a Gems motor.. Cam Sensor? What Cam Sensor?

Keith

3" Bore 16X42 in one shop or use the 12x36 at home between centers, just turn it at a reasonable speed, and use sharp carbide.. Seems to work well... Funny thing I have noticed that the little keepers don't seem to have the u shape on centerline to the cam!? So rather than machine to fit the U keeper I machine to match a Gems cam.. Wierd.. The next trick will be to put a Buick cam in a Gems motor.. Cam Sensor? What Cam Sensor?

Keith

My 14* 48 only has a 1-3/4" spindle bore-if AFIRovers ever gets his shit together, maybe we can get the damned thing moved tothe shop and a fancy variable frequency drive to control speed instead of the non-functioning hydraulic setup. Gotta love carbide cutters.

Without the cam position sensor, the engine will run, but will it run as efficiently? Why run without the cam position sensor when it can be added easily enough? The cam I'm putting into Discochef's truck (put into, just not finished yet) is for a Buick.