3 bolt vs. 1 bolt cam

[yeahitsgotahemi!]

I ordered a new cam for a 512 stroker, comp cams xs290, and by default it is a 1 bolt cam. I didn't pay attention and ordered the 1 bolt version. Should I send it back and get the three bolt, or is this not that big an issue?


MS

[Fred]

If it was me, I'd definitely send it back and get the 3 bolt cam.   

[FLG]

3 bolt, much better insurance..especially for a hot motor like that

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,55374.0.html

[GPULLER]

Long ago the bolt came loose on the single bolt cam in my 440.  I came to a curve, let off the throttle the car died and the  interior filled with smoke.  Pulled to the side of the road and the air filter was on fire!
Got the filter pulled without catching the car or myself on fire.  After getting the motor tore down I found that some of the pistons had "eyebrows" on faces.  Luckily none of the valves were bent.  As I remember the pin was wiped off and got another out of an old cam and stuck it in the existing cam.  Used some lock tite on the cam bolt when the motor was reassembled.

[gtx6970]

I ordered a new cam for a 512 stroker, comp cams xs290, and by default it is a 1 bolt cam. I didn't pay attention and ordered the 1 bolt version. Should I send it back and get the three bolt, or is this not that big an issue?


MS

or locktight the bolt and call it good , how many cars are on the road today with a single bolt !!!!!!!

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I ordered a new cam for a 512 stroker, comp cams xs290, and by default it is a 1 bolt cam. I didn't pay attention and ordered the 1 bolt version. Should I send it back and get the three bolt, or is this not that big an issue?


MS

or locktight the bolt and call it good , how many cars are on the road today with a single bolt !!!!!!!

Thats what I did.....

[Nacho-RT74]

specially being not a racing car

[Fred]

For peace of mind, what would you do? 
install the one with one bolt or install the one with three bolts. 
I rest my case.

[justcruisin]

I presume you are fitting a new timing chain and gears, cost is around the same for a 3 bolt, you were concerned enough to ask, it will probably be fine, single bolt has been used for years but it will be forever on your mind now, change it for peace of mind.

[John_Kunkel]

The camshaft won't know if it's a 383 or a 683...only the resistance to turning (rpm and valve train pressure) determines the need for a 3-bolt.

[J-440]

 Using loc-tite is a must but also I recall putting a spacer with 3 bendable tabs that go over each bolthead so they won't back out also.  This was on a roller cam so I don't know if it is standard on mechanical/hydraulic cams.

[firefighter3931]

I wouldn't worry about the single bolt cam. I've used many over the years without issue....just install the proper convex washer, torque to spec with loctite and forget about it. 

I've seen some improperly installed 3 bolt cams have the bolts back off. A member here sent me a message about his new stroker making some weird noise from the timing cover. It turns out that the 3 bolts did not have washers installed and probably weren't torqued to spec. The noise he was hearing was the 3 bolts digging a groove in his timing cover 


Ron

[yeahitsgotahemi!]

Thanks all. I refused the shipment and the single bolt is on its way back to comp cams. I'm not in a rush so a few extras days wont kill me to get the three bolt. I'll make sure to get ARP bolts and washers for it.