Five bearing camshaft

1946

1946

Member
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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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