unusual 33-34 block
 

I've been stripping an early block; 33-34. It has the early valve set up; big dia springs, different split valve guides with the appropriate bottom keepers, also has the forged steel crank.....early right? I've never seen this before; it has replaceable cam bearings. I always thought replaceable cam bearings first came in 1935. I was of the assumption that pre 35 blocks had the camshaft running directly in the block.
Ok, engine has been bored .030, it is conceivable that it was set up and line bored for replaceable cam bearings at the same time, but really?
Has anyone else ever encountered an early block with cam bearings installed?

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

Does the block have Babbitt mains?....

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

Yes.

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

Actually, I am only stripping it for the steel forged cam...I use these cams in all my builds, either stock or reground, depending on intended purpose of engine...just one of my 'things', I like steel cams. I'd really like to utilise one of those forged cranks, but the 2" dia mains create a bit of a problem

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

There is thoose large insert bearings that lets you put a babbit crank in a later block if you really want to go that route.

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

Yeah Murre, I've seen them from time to time listed on eBay...

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

It likely would be a '33 block with those valve components, etc., as the revised valve guides, springs, and keepers are '34 items. I've encountered a few '32 blocks with cam bearings, but clearly they were added in a previous rebuild. What is the location of the petcocks on the sides of the block near the front and are there cavities on either side of the timing gear cover?

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

I have a 32 block and a 32/33 transition block that both have cam bearings. Aftermarket or maybe a Canadian production practice?

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

Are the camshafts billet steel or cast iron?

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

Camshaft and crankshaft are both steel, block has angled petcocks and recesses at front; 33 block.
Just that I've never seen one of these early motors fitted with cam bearings.....so the consensus is that the block was line bored and these things fitted post production?

Re: unusual 33-34 block
 

The 32 block came to me without the cam, only the crank.
The 32/33 transition engine was complete, came out of a 33 car and had been rebuilt in Winnipeg in the forties. It had a steel cam in it.