Camshaft thrust plate : what do I need and where can I buy

Hi all.

Done a number of searches but have to many mixed results.

I did find one topic and everyone voted Brass fits all. And a US phone number but I am in Australia and normally buy from Summit simply because of freight charges, happy to buy from ebay or another a sponser seller but paying $50-70US UPS is not what i am after.

So.
Early 460 - 385'
Ford 460 Compcams Hyd flat tap cam (cast?)
New double row gears. I belive cam gear is iron (compcams)

Can I use normal cast plate?
Can I use steel plate ?
Looks like I can use Brass for anything that moves.
Can I buy a SMF 351C 400M plate? (Told by proflow reseller same?)
What is the spec / wear tollorance ? My current item may be fine.

And what is the end play tolerances spec once installed? I have s few books but dont recall it setting this. The old cam float movement appeared to be very generous.


Thanks in advanced
R

Cast gear, use a cast (stock) plate. DON'T use a steel plate with a cast gear. You can use brass, but why bother? No benefit.

A stock plate in good condition will work. Check for any wear grooves . Check camshaft endfloat will tell also

For a bronze plate I believe I've seen Lem Evans has them

Cam endfloat in my Ford book is listed as desirable .001"-.006" , max .009". Last few i've done have come in @ .004"

Hi,

Yes found it also ! thank you.... i need to dig out my clearance details.. will try contact Lem ?




Looks like its a steel unit.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AEROFLOW-STEEL-CAMSHAFT-THRUST-PLATE-FORD-CLEVELAND-302-351-AF463-00-/182074685081?hash=item2a647f3699:g:eQsAAOSwbwlW~c7l

Found some pics.... actually looks brass on one side... doubt it thou.

Will need to wait to check the end play when the gear is on... but as is, the gap float is massive ...

wonder if I need one ?




thanks.
R

Hmmm ,can't see the pics , just wondering if you have a lot of endfloat , some gears have a brass/bronze washer between cam gear and retainer plate , a chance that is missing ??

The back of the gear has a step built into it and goes into the recess, taking up most of the "loose" endplay

You need to check endplay with the cam gear installed and torqued to spec.

To keep it simple - Cast cam core = cast plate and cast gear........ Steel cam core = bronze plate and steel gear... This is what I've learned over the years.