Thread: L88 gear drive cam

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Originally Posted by RobLS7

Hi guys! Thanks for the input. I do have the cam retainer plate, timing gears are still available from Cloyes--- part #2532S. This is the same timing set as used on older 366/427 truck engines. According to older (no disrespect intended) GM guys, the cam is supposed to be ground so as to use standard 18436572 firing order, and the distributor still turns in clockwise direction. Engine is standard rotation, also. You just have to use the correct distributor gear. My question is, why did Chevrolet reccomend the ball bearing distributor? Was it for continuous high RPM use, or did the distributor shaft try to walk up the housing? I am pretty sure that with a factory marine gear drive (2 gear) set-up, and CCW rotation engine, the cam gear is cut the same as a chain driven cam. Wouldn't there have to be a special oil pump if it were the other way around?

i pulled the rev bbc cam off the shelf for marine use the dist gear is cut the same as a std rot so the oil pump will pump .over 20 years ago a guy had some still new in the GM tubes .we did talk about this he wanted to sell me one . you say the dist it will turn the right way then your set. i was not thinking very good yes it still need to turn the right way as a STD direction so i was wrong on that .i would worry more about the thrust end play on the dist then the ball bearings in the dist i think that was for HI rpm use that the L88 cam likes. stock dist would not do.that cam was copied by many cam grinders every one put there spin on it .it in the day was just plane BAD in a good way

Hi Pat. The cam I have, #3925533, has the distributor gear cut opposite that of a chain driven cam, so the distributor should still turn in a normal rotation with the correct gear, no? I appreciate the input, especially about the distributor. Rob. P.S. Here is a lesson in Scottish Diplomacy--- The ability for a man to wear a kilt, and not be called a pussy, or scare any sheep.