65-66 BBC 396 Cam groove question

[nbkk43f]

Hi - I have a 65-66 396 that I'm building for my 78 C10 SWB. The motor came to be as a short block with a comp xtreme energy cam (11-234-3) in it, very little wear on the lobes (IMO). "Supposedly" the motor came to the previous owner as a fresh rebuild and he decided to go with a 454 - not sure what he did with the heads etc. Motor had zero ring ridge, no honing marks left and some light vertical scarring on 2 of the cylinder walls so I sent it out to the machine shop.

I just got it back and had intended on reusing the existing cam/lifters. As I was getting my parts together and noticed the cam did NOT have the required groove in the last journal of the cam - my machinist DID install a grooved cam bearing for the corresponding lobe. As a note, the old bearing he pulled out did have the groove cut as well.

I decided I would just buy a new camshaft with the groove cut and called Summit to see what my options are - their guy said that I'd have to get the groove cut by my machinist.

I called up my machinist and asked him about it and he said that he thought that if the cam bearing had the groove then it's not required to have the groove in the cam - but he would do some research.

I've read online that it's required for both (camshaft and bearing) to have the groove - and I've also read that if the bearing has the groove, the cam doesn't need to have the groove.

If you look up the specs on my existing comp cam it specifically says:

"BBC - 1965-66 396 c.i.d. models have an oiling groove in the rear journal. The listed part numbered cams will not fit these models, so if you require a Camshaft with the oiling groove, please call us at 1-800-999-0853 or contact us, and we will assist you with placing an order."

Sooooo - does any one have experience with this and can provide some guidance?

Many thanks in advance for any information!

 

[nbkk43f]

Just a quick note, the motor is stamped as 3855961 - confirming the year range of 65-66.

 

[idahovette]

My machinist grooved the Comp Cam I am putting in the .030 396 that I am installing in my son's 68 ChevyII. He told me that cam was harder than anything he's machined in a long time.

 

[nbkk43f]

Awesome, thanks for the info! Just curious, which cam did you go with?

 

[idahovette]

Don't remember. Looked at one that was kinda lumpy and then picked the next one down......bigger! He's got a Muncie m21, so all he has to do in put the clutch in and let it rumble........pedal cars rule!!!!

 

[nbkk43f]

Following up on this - I tried calling the edelbrock-comp-lunati "conglomerate", waited on hold for over 30 mins twice and gave up...also emailed support over a week ago with no response. I was able to talk with a gentleman at Howard's, with no wait, that said a groove in the bearing AND cam are recommended (they charge $60 bucks to do it when you order the cam through them). I also spoke to two other machine shops in my area and they also confirmed that it's required.

My cam is currently at the machine shop getting grooved!

 

[bucket]

Sounds like Howard's deserves a little more business. I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for the update!

 

[xm20k]

Sounds like Howard's deserves a little more business. I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for the update!

I run a bunch of their valve train parts for that very reason they answer the phone and respond very quickly if messaged. They even sent me an extra pair of retro roller lifters when I ordered my set right then from them because they were the only ones to answer their phone.

 

[nbkk43f]

Sounds like Howard's deserves a little more business. I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for the update!

Agreed - I'll be going with them next time!

 

[nbkk43f]

I run a bunch of their valve train parts for that very reason they answer the phone and respond very quickly if messaged. They even sent me an extra pair of retro roller lifters when I ordered my set right then from them because they were the only ones to answer their phone.

Wow - that's awesome, they're not cheap!

 

[68post]

You want both, please make sure the rear bearing has three holes, just about all shops forget about '65 - '66 blocks, guess they need someone over sixty!

 

[Turbo4whl]

I thought lower model Buick was a 3 holer, but what do I know? I'm over sixty, well over!

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[68post]

Very good lead -in, but too many good quips to choose from!