ls2 cam bearings, replacements?

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Jan 23, 2018 | 08:04 AM

Boosted LS1

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From: Nottingham, Notts, England, UK

ls2 cam bearings, replacements?

Hi, I'm looking for some help with an ls2 I'm building. It had worn cam bearings, GM items. I have two sets of the large journal replacements from Clevite and Durabond. They're both to big on the o/d and will have almost .010" interference fit. So I can't use those.

What am I missing here? Is there a third bearing option that I've not spotted? I've trawled all over the Summit site but not found the set I need.

Housing o/d's are appx:

1. 2.345"
2. 2.325"
3. 2.307"
4. 2.326"
5. 2.348"

Thanks

Jan 23, 2018 | 09:15 AM

KCS

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What part numbers do you have already?

Jan 23, 2018 | 09:45 AM

Boosted LS1

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Hi,

I have clevite SH1814S which I think are pre-changeover. I have clevite SH2125S which I thought would be correct (after changeover) and also durabond CHP-23.

I wonder if there was an intermediate size?

Last edited by Boosted LS1; Jan 23, 2018 at 10:05 AM.

Jan 23, 2018 | 10:28 AM

KCS

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Boosted LS1

Those are the correct part numbers. I've always used the Durabond brand and never had any issues. It's been awhile since I measured the press fit though. Are you sure .010" won't work?

Jan 23, 2018 | 11:04 AM

Boosted LS1

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Thanks. I tried the clevites but they're so tight the bearings compressed and the cam really doesn't want to rotate. I've removed them now. The durabonds seem better quality but have the same o/d's as the clevites. I'm reluctant to fit them, hence my research here. The o/e bearings seemed to have .002 - 005" max interference. I did find housings specs somewhere for 05/07 engines which matched my housing measurements but I can't find shells that look correct. I wonder if anybody else has had this issue?

Jan 23, 2018 | 04:00 PM

KCS

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Boosted LS1

The measurements you posed matched what my Clevite bearing catalog say they should be. Being an aluminum block, .002-.005" press is probably pretty light. Having more press fit is probably a good idea anyways. It was common to have very little cam bearing clearance after swapping the cam bearings; back then I would measure and take my cam to the local grinder or order the cam and ask for them to grind the journals to a specific OD.

Jan 23, 2018 | 04:18 PM

Boosted LS1

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Thanks KCS. I'm beginning to agree with you. These ls2's seem well known for issues. I'll try the durabonds in a day or 2 and let you know how I get on :-) I've had to have a cam ground once in the past.

It would have been interesting to find interference specs. If I come a cross any I'll let you now. Fingers crossed that I can spin this cam. Watch this space!