What's wrong with this cam bearing?
 

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of doing my first heads and cam upgrade on my 2005 LS6 CTS-V. When I pulled the cam, I noticed the front bearing looked like the picture below. What's this condition called & is it bad enough to replace the bearing? Can I replace this bearing w/o pulling the engine? The other bearings, deeper in the engine, do not look like this.

(Before I pulled everything apart, I didn't have any indications of anything wrong and the cam itself looks un-scored/good. )

Attachment 726530

Pic is blurry, is that surface rust or is material missing from it?

looks like it's material missing to me

Better change that one, Its toast.

Either way, that bearing needs to come out and be replaced. I personally wouldn't run it like that.

better pic - how tough is this to change?

Attachment 726529

Time for new cam bearings...:nod:

Yea, that's really bad...

Can I do it with the engine (and crank) in the car?

If you don't have the right install tool, you can't do it at all. If you have a friend with a cam bearing tool, they might be able to change it with the motor still in the car.

Make sure you get the holes lined up

I'm willing to buy the right tool - Lisle 18000 looks like it would work.

from what I'm reading, to install the #1 bearing, I've got to put the guide cone in through the rear of the engine to make sure everything goes in straight. Not sure if that'll happen http://www.lislecorp.com/uploads/ins...6DD9726DB5.pdf