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I’m going to re-install the OEM bearings and camshaft to check the fitting of some parts (I will not reuse it when the engine is machined and assembled.)
I know there is a ‘right rotation’ of the bearings themself, but…
Does the bearing itself has a front and backside? Or is that not important?
A Pro KNOWS the answers to such orientation questions and so many more. So do many books on subject (which was also suggested). You're welcome.
Well if you don’t know the answer or don’t want to give some advice besides ‘ask a pro’ (on almost all of my threads from the last year). It seems that:
- You’re not so professional at all.
- You’re just here to tear people down who just want to DIY, or trying to do as much as possible.
Well if you don’t know the answer or don’t want to give some advice besides ‘ask a pro’ (on almost all of my threads from the last year). It seems that:
- You’re not so professional at all.
- You’re just here to tear people down who just want to DIY, or trying to do as much as possible.
That’s very unfortunate.
You're mistaken; again. I offer specific help to most; most who seem equipped to use it. You're welcome.
A excerpt from the FSM which contains information on camshafts bearing orientation. Hope this helps, it worked for me.
I read the steps and also checked my own Factory Service Manual.
It states the alignment of the oil holes in bearings and block very clearly, but it does not say anything about the front and back-side of a bearing itself.
Which side of the bearing itself goes in first? The side with the cutout/slot as seen in my first picture or the plain side?
Mister misguided, here's your last gimme:
If your sbc block has an annular groove in each bearing web (it likely does); then position cam bearing oil holes
Between THREE and FOUR O'Clock
that cutout or slot is likely used to index the bearing onto the automated tooling used at GM as bearing is pushed into blocks' front.
There really isn't a front or back side of sbc cam bearing inserts. These are bits of info a Pro knows. That Pro you'd otherwise have to pay.
Most of this info is easily obtained online; it simply takes a little effort and time and expense.
Last edited by Rebelyell; May 9, 2026 at 07:12 PM.
Each bearing will have a number telling you which of the 5 positions it fits into. They are a set that comes in 3 different OD's. The box should have a printed information on the flaps telling you where each bearing goes.
As for the clocking of the holes, you can download the advice from the Durabond web site. Better than having someone give advice. There are different opinions out there, but you can trust the bearing manufacturer 100%.
EDIT : Because you are only doing a mock-up with used parts and not reusing the bearings, the holes do not matter here. You would still want to put the right bearings in the right holes. They are not all the same outside diameter.
Last edited by stingr69; May 10, 2026 at 05:31 PM.
Cam bearings are not designed to be installed and uninstalled and uninstalled again.
There is strictly a One-Shot deal and yes once they've been used they are directional and guessing which way that thing was turning is going to be pretty tough.
My suggestion is take it to a machine shop and have the bearings properly installed and leave them there You may not like hearing that, but you will thank us later.
To answer the question...no...they are not directional. The oil hole is centered and they are usually slightly chamfered on each side to help installation. So there is no front/rear orientation to worry about...just location.
Depending on engine design...some have a groove in the block and some don't. Some used a bearing with a groove on the backside.
If you really want to have fun...in heavy duty/racing applications there are concepts of oil hole orientation to help create a slight wedge...
To answer the question...no...they are not directional. The oil hole is centered and they are usually slightly chamfered on each side to help installation. So there is no front/rear orientation to worry about...just location.
Depending on engine design...some have a groove in the block and some don't. Some used a bearing with a groove on the backside.
If you really want to have fun...in heavy duty/racing applications there are concepts of oil hole orientation to help create a slight wedge...
Cam bearings are not designed to be installed and uninstalled and uninstalled again.
There is strictly a One-Shot deal and yes once they've been used they are directional and guessing which way that thing was turning is going to be pretty tough.
My suggestion is take it to a machine shop and have the bearings properly installed and leave them there You may not like hearing that, but you will thank us later.
for what has become apparent in this individual engine overhaul, I had suggested just that
Regarding the statement of ‘bringing it to the machine shop and let them do it’:
I live in Belgium. Labour costs are one the highest in the world. VAT is also very high here.
I got all my parts in the USA when I was on a trip.
I saved thousands of dollars doing that, and I also can save thousands more when trying to do as much as possible.
The block bore and deck job at the machine shop will cost me €980. I guess you guys know what I mean. It would be just too expensive to let everything be done by the shop.
So again. If I can do it myself (with patience and care) I will do that. If I can’t I’ll pay the shop.
Also: Buying a new engine is out of the question.
I’ll want to try my best and get this engine project done. I got time, parts and motivation.
One more piece of advice. Use the short leg of a hex key to verify that the bearing is installed to the correct depth in the bores. The groove in the block needs to feed the hole in the bearing. Use the short leg of the hex key to "feel" when the bearing is pressed into the block at the right depth. If the key does not go in easy, you need to drive the bearing into position where it passes thru to the groove easily.
OEM camshaft bearing orientation
