So you're trying to put a step nosed cam in an old block?
The newer blocks use a cam retainer similar to a Ford.

 

If you don't use a retaining plate like in the later blocks you will need to use a button. Also keep in mind the timing cover you are using as well. Some of the factory stamped ones were flimsy and would allow alot of flex. Depending on what year of block you are using you can get the retainer plate and drill and tap the cam boss to use the plate. You have several options

 

Thanks guys. Yes I’m going to use a step nose in an old block. A little mis communication between myself and the machine shop. The cam is a custom grind from bullet so I’m stuck with it now. No biggie I’ll machine a button and tig a piece of stainless inside the cover to help with the flimsiness. Thanks again guys.

 

You can easily drill and tap the boss for the remaining plate. Also make sure the rear cam plug is installed with enough clearance but also not too much.

 

I’ll indicate the movement once I get the button machined. Apparently you can’t get a button for a step nose.

 

Which brings to mind. How tight should a button fit the cam gear?

 

That's not the right question.
You want around .007-.012" clearance between the button and contact surface on the backside of the timing chain cover. Since you have a pre '87 block, check out Cloyes timing gear cover with the built-in button.

 

A baller like you should use that cam as a mail box stand and buy a new one.

 

Hey dude!! I thought about dropping the entire hyd roller deal but I’m not. A little extra work and it’ll go together.

 

Someone makes a button for the step nose . I was going to use it , but decided to drill and tap the block for the retainer plate instead .

Cant seem to find it now . Fuck

 

Mark at Bullet told me no one makes a button for a step nose. I looked briefly myself with no luck. I’ll machine one. Not a big deal.

 

Scratch this Fkn mess. I picked up a retainer plate for the cam. It doesn’t fit the cam snout very well and I don’t think I want it bouncing around on the end of the cam. So I’ll just order a cam that fits the old style block.

 

It doesn’t fit the cam snout very well and I don’t think I want it bouncing around on the end of the cam.

Are you saying the end play was excessive ?

I dont understand . How would it be bouncing around ?

 

Mail box post ftw 🤟🏻😎🤟🏻

 

You drill and tap the block .
I also run a retainer plate on a world block that has no provisions for the plate . Had to drill and tap .

 

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachments/028-jpg.1765145/

Maybe this pic will help, there is no material to attach a retainer plate

 

Here's a dude that got creative.

 

Another option

 

This is kinda how mine was done .

 

Buying a new cam is the easiest at this point. The rotating assembly is already in the block and I’m not going to mess with drilling the front of the block because there’s nothing to drill. Just some miscommunication between me and the machine shop when the cam was bought 2 years ago.

 

Rock on !!