cam install- is this normal?
 

Okay I just put in my e-303 cam, but I've got a few questions. When I put the cam in and put on the retainer plate it had a ton of endplay and I mean a TON like more than 1/8 inch. Then when I put on the timing chain and sprocket and torqued it down I've got .000 endplay, as if the sprocket is jamed up against the retainer.....I thought there was supposed to be a little clearance there, or is this how it should be?? Also my timing chain is very very tight like I can't hardly move the chain, is that normal for a new chain? It's a Comp magnum double roller if that matters. I'm 17 and this is my first cam swap so go easy on me if I'm doing something stupid! Thanks for any help! -Mark

My dad and i also put the e cam in my 85 GT. sorry i cant help you about the endplay but the timing chain is supose to be tight like that, like if you try to move the chain with your finger, you can hardly move it or if you can at all.
its all good man.

End play is only a factor with the crank shaft,if you've got the cam spocket on and torqued down and it rotates freely with out hitting the bolts on the retaining plate then all is well,and like Tony said,the chain should be tight.

Okay I took off the timing chain and just bolted on the new sprocket, and as soon as I tighten it up at all the cam wants to lock up... Sooo I put on the original sprocket, and when I thighten it up there is a little resistance but it's not locked up or anything. So I guess I need a little shim behind the sprocket or maybe I can take a little material off of the retainer plate? What options do I have here? Thanks guys! -Mark

Please guys help me out here!!! I've got to figure out how to get this thing buttoned up...so if you've got any ideas let me know...I'm geetting worried about this:confused:

dude im not too sure what to tell ya, i dont have my car here at school and i dont have any of my notes or documents.....sorry man.

You should have .0005 to .0055 end play with the timing gear on. It shouldn't lock up with it on.

Are you sure you put the gear on correctly (didn't put it on backwards)? if so, you need a thinner thrust plate.

Take care,
-Chris

Okay I'm going to mic everything and take a couple thousandths off of the thrust plate I guess it's called:cool: that should fix it! Thanks!