Seems like that would make the bearing weaker or something related, guess not though.
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after modifying hundreds of blocks with front cam bearing modified this way, "not one" has had a problem, just the opposite occurs=>thrust and cam bearings look brand new !

no oil leaks, chain tightness seems to last longer.

anyone can mess up anything at any time !
so=> not recommended for inexperienced or casual engine builder

 

Yeah plus...Have you ever seen how much oil comes out of there unaltered? Plenty IMO
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What about the great success with "needle" cam bearings in Professional ranks of MotorSports ???

i don't have any oil leaks with needle cam bearing applications !

if you think that one little cam bearing slot is a problem

what about all those needle bearing passages formed when the cam journal is in place ?

its no problem..it works..and it works great .

 

Would a gear drive setup work on these blocks ?

I know there isn't one available for them, but I thought a later gear drive set would work so long as the crank sensor trigger wasn't installed. An early timing cover from a'93-94 would have to be used as well.

 

Actually a 95up timing cover would need to be used, as well as an electric waterpump. The vented covers are deeper, and you cant run an unvented opti off anything but the stock timing set, or the HD. Other than that, I believe you can use gear drives made for regular SBCs, since nothing really is different in that area except for the top hole where the water pump drive bearing was. Probably some grinding would need to be done on the TC as well.

Gear drive= "You got a supercharger in there?"

 

That's what I thought. Wasn't sure about the year of the timing cover though. I've always had to do a little machine work on the timing covers before the gear drives would work correctly. It will be easier on a plastic cover this time

Excellent thanks for the input, now it is time to order up the Pete Jackson noisy gear drive set.

 

OK guys. let's take it back a notch. You mean if you use an aftermarket timing chain vs the stock chain, you need to drill a vent hole?

Please........ tell me a bit more about the vent hole. I have a EP and was planning on running a different timing chain. Now what do I have to do?

 

i'm sure someone has a link they can post for visual info on how to drill hole if you want

supposedly the hole also helps with quicker prime up of regular hydraulic lifters , especially in cold climates

you don't actually have to do this,

but if you use a roller cam button tight against cover, the load can be rough on surfaces

tight enough to start eating the block in this area without the extra oil and brass shim stopping it