[Fot] Trick for installing Spitfire cam bearings?

[Joe Guinan]

Just a note to say "thank you" to all the FOT members who wrote with advice
- too many to mention by name!  Lots of good advice was given, and offers of
help were extended.  All was appreciated.  This advice from Mr. Kastner was
all I needed to hear - as it said it all.

"No matter what advice you get do not install a large bearing cam that is a
race grind.  The valve spring pressure required for the cam will tear up the
block as the block will not withstand the revs and pressure with cast iron
on cast iron. Have the machine shop install the bearings to fit to the race
cam bearing diameter. Way way cheaper in the long run or even the short run
:-) By the way, that is a very good cam and better than most even now."

I'll be having a tool machined for me, or will have a machine shop install
the cam bearings.  I'll chalk up the cost and lost time as payment for the
knowledge I've gained.  One bit of knowledge that I'm sure everyone on the
list has learned is to stop working when you are tired.  I ruined a $45 set
of tri-metal main bearings for my street Spit one weekend, and a cheap set
of cam bearings on the race Spit on another weekend.  Both mistakes would
have been avoided if I wasn't rushing to get the jobs done and over tired
from trying to shoehorn wrench time into my schedule.  I knew better, but
not having even ONE Spitfire for the "Airport Speed Run" I'm running for our
local Brit car club this weekend has really hammered the lesson home.

If I keep learning these lessons, someday I'm going to be REALLY smart.  Of
course, I'll have to live until I'm 200 years old...

Joe G