drilling holes for thrust plate in '60 352

[NewFalconOwner]

I removed my timing cover and chain, button and spring,etc.. Im switching to a "newer" cam in my motor, and have the related parts to switch to a thrust plate, button head screws.. there are plugs in the holes I think I drill and tap, but do I need to drill them out or just run a 7-1/6 -14 tap in? Is there suppose to be a big washer between cam and plate as well or just the plate. And what way does the plate go,, the slit on one side goes in or out?



I

[jayb]

I haven't done one of those but I think all you have to do is tap the holes.  There is no spacer between the cam and a modern timing gear; the spacer is machined into the timing gear.  And you will find when you line up the thrust plate that it will only go on correctly one way; if you have it on backwards the big hole in the thrust plate will not be concentric with the cam.

[NewFalconOwner]

I managed to put my parka on and go in the garage and tap the hole, and fit the plate on. Now to find a single 4 intake so I can put this cam in and break the motor in.. I really don't want to break the solid cam with the tunnel ram.

thanx

[Faron]

Rick please tell me your NOT going to attempt to use the engine after tapping the block without a complete disassemble of it  , you WILL have a failure if you assume you did NOT contaminate the oil passages , Its your money of course

[NewFalconOwner]

yes I did. I do this on diesel engines for a living, so I do have some experience at this, but thanx.

[Faron]

Ok Brother Best of Luck

[NewFalconOwner]

thanx a lot for your concern. hope all is well with you