Getting Started in 2013, Part #3, The Camshaft Group (1100)
Builders,
Now that you have had an introduction to the numbering system, here is the second group. Keeping in mind that we are moving toward having the parts to close the case, this is the next group to collect all the elements of and check off as done.
Notice that the same list and the same numbers serves different builders with different budgets and goals. Builder ‘A’ may be on a budget, His cam is going to be a reground OT-10 from Clarks, P/N 8800R and a stock replacement gear. He is also going to get the lifters by shopping around for the best price on a set of sealed power HT-817’s. The 1105 lube comes with the cam, but make sure you get the 1106 additive from Clarks or another source. If he takes it apart carefully, the stock GM thrust washer can be used again. He can assemble it at home, but for heaven’s sake don’t follow the part of the assembly directions that tell people to hit it with a hammer.
Builder ‘B’ may have a different budget. He can call Clarks and buy a brand new OT-10, and get it with a billet fail safe gear already assembled with the 1101 and 1102 washer and key already mounted. This is much more money, but it is for each guy to decide. But notice the number system works for everyone.
To illustrate the flexibility of the system, consider this: I have given some thought to having the cam that Harvey Crane designed for us in 1997 put back in production, because I have found a giant national manufacturer who can make them in the US on new blanks. This part would still be numbered 1100. If I end up doing it, I think the best way of providing them is with a new fail safe made in the US gear already installed and part numbers 1104, 1105 and 1106 all wrapped up in one box that a builder can buy, and then just check “Camshaft Group 1100” off his list. Before anyone asks, I am not going to do this before the next two colleges, so don’t sit on your tail and wait. I mention this because I want to illustrate that having the know how to do something in this business is only half the battle. If builders are not clear on what exactly you’re talking about offering and what part of their build its going to cover, they will be slow to buy such a kit, and if you have a back porch full of them, you will find that you can’t BBQ them for lunch nor send them in as a mortgage payment. Having the numbering system does many things, not just organize builds that will be tackled at CC#25, but it also allows us to consider bringing things to the market without as much worry about how they taste on the grill.-ww
