Comp Cams 68-231-4 install issue

[UncleWally]

Hey all,

I know it's been awhile, but we're making progress....

I got a call from the machinist today. He doesn't think the Comp Cams 68-231-4 Cam will work in my stroker. It started as a 99 Wrangler 4.0L.

Here are the issues he states he is having:

The cam retainer plate (prevents cam walk) isn't the same between a 258 and 4.0L.

Once the cam is in, cam lobes do not line up with the lifter bores.

Anyone have any guidance? I am going to stop by the machine shop on my way home tonight to see if we can get it straightened out.

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[SilverXJ]

This really has nothing to do with 4.2L vs 4.0L cam.

99+ (iirc, could be a year earlier) uses the retaining plate, a different timing set, and a cam for that timing set. None of these parts will work on the earlier cam.

Earlier blocks had no retaining plate. The cam was secured in the block by a pin and spring in the cam bolt. This pin and spring pushed up agains the timing cover. The cam, timing set, and cam bolt setup is different from the later years.

You can run the CC 231 and other earlier design cams in a later block. In addition to the cam you will need an earlier timing set and the cam bolt setup (bolt, washer, pin ans spring).

I would also recommend replacing the spring and pin with a solid pin and set the cam end play manually.

I hope that machinist knows the rest of his job better.

[Cheromaniac]

x2 on what Chris said.

[UncleWally]

Thanks for the replies.

We have it all set up now. I've known this guy for years, so I don't question his machining abilities. He's just never done a 4.0L stroker engine. I've been supplying the knowledge how it's done via here and other forums. Once I got there and looked at what he was talking about, it was easy to figure out. I was just very confused when he called and said the cam wouldn't work. He was thinking this was going to be a simple rebuild with bolt on parts.

[jbxx]

Please explain the part about the cam lobes not lining up with the lifter bores.
Tnx.
J.B.

[SilverXJ]

Sounds like he had the cam plate installed with the earlier cam and sprocket.