The Ford Barn

1946 · 10-04-2022, 01:23 AM

A question re camshafts: I have a five bearing camshaft and the motor only has the normal three bearing camshaft housing in the block, Can I use this in my rebuild, or is it better to seek out the standard three bearing shaft. Is there a difference in the grinds on the shafts, and am I correct in thinking the five bearing shaft is a very early one. The car is only used for general club outings.

Synchro909 · 10-04-2022, 04:25 AM

There is no problem using a 5 bearing cam in a 3 bearing block.

Jim Brierley · 10-04-2022, 11:40 AM

There were 3 different 5-brg. cams made, all 3 with the same lobe profile. The first had all 5 brgs. ground to the same size, and were designed for the 5 brg. block. The second batch had all brgs. ground but #2 & 4 were of a smaller diameter, this allowed that cam to be installed quicker during production. The third batch #2 & 4 were merely rough-turned on a lathe. The first batch cams are desirable as they can be used in the new Burtz engine. Most will likely need to be re-ground because of wear, easy to do.

ursus · 10-04-2022, 12:42 PM

The 5-bearing cams that were turned down for use in 3-bearing blocks have shorter bearings so there is less meat on the stick at the journals. I have to wonder how well these hold up to wear as compared to the 3-bearing cams. Ford apparently thought it was OK to recycle them into new blocks but was Henry just being cheap?

1946 · 10-04-2022, 05:16 PM

Thanks all, according to Jim's note the cam I have is in the last batch, as it has rough turned #'S 2 and 4 bearing and these are both smaller than the #'s 1,3,and5 on the shaft. I have a 3 bearing shaft and will use that. Thanks again for the comments.

Gene F · 10-04-2022, 05:29 PM

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If you ever take it to an A shop, they will try to give you a 3 journal. Generaly speaking I guess old timers want the 5 journal can.

10-04-2022, 01:23 AM	#1
1946 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tasmania Australia Posts: 81	Five bearing camshaft A question re camshafts: I have a five bearing camshaft and the motor only has the normal three bearing camshaft housing in the block, Can I use this in my rebuild, or is it better to seek out the standard three bearing shaft. Is there a difference in the grinds on the shafts, and am I correct in thinking the five bearing shaft is a very early one. The car is only used for general club outings. __________________ Tassie Devil

10-04-2022, 11:40 AM	#3
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,091	Re: Five bearing camshaft There were 3 different 5-brg. cams made, all 3 with the same lobe profile. The first had all 5 brgs. ground to the same size, and were designed for the 5 brg. block. The second batch had all brgs. ground but #2 & 4 were of a smaller diameter, this allowed that cam to be installed quicker during production. The third batch #2 & 4 were merely rough-turned on a lathe. The first batch cams are desirable as they can be used in the new Burtz engine. Most will likely need to be re-ground because of wear, easy to do.

10-04-2022, 12:42 PM	#4
ursus Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,375	Re: Five bearing camshaft The 5-bearing cams that were turned down for use in 3-bearing blocks have shorter bearings so there is less meat on the stick at the journals. I have to wonder how well these hold up to wear as compared to the 3-bearing cams. Ford apparently thought it was OK to recycle them into new blocks but was Henry just being cheap?

10-04-2022, 05:16 PM	#5
1946 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tasmania Australia Posts: 81	Re: Five bearing camshaft Thanks all, according to Jim's note the cam I have is in the last batch, as it has rough turned #'S 2 and 4 bearing and these are both smaller than the #'s 1,3,and5 on the shaft. I have a 3 bearing shaft and will use that. Thanks again for the comments. __________________ Tassie Devil

10-04-2022, 05:29 PM	#6
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,973	Re: Five bearing camshaft Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If you ever take it to an A shop, they will try to give you a 3 journal. Generaly speaking I guess old timers want the 5 journal can.

10-04-2022, 04:25 AM	#2
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Five bearing camshaft There is no problem using a 5 bearing cam in a 3 bearing block. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.