Jerry, the last one I checked (#4 I believe) only interfered with the cam every other revolution of the crank so the cam is presenting a little bit higher in that revolution (cam isn't completely round between the lobes - higher forging marks are evident.) Numbers 3 and 5 I think interfere every revolution as there's a band around the cam there that's higher than rest of the cam.
It's hard to see exactly whether it's the rod itself (not the cap as the rod is closer to the cam) or the bolt head (which is ground to help miss the cam) is hitting, but I believe it's the rod.
Grinding flats on the cam would be an option, but I'd need to reinstall the cam (already removed it) and mark where the clearance is needed, then remove it (again) to do the grinding. And not knowing just how much to grind off might make that a long process. I think it might be easier to just turn the cam surfaces between the lobes just a bit.
[on edit] Your idea of helicoils in the rods would get the bolt head on the cap end and out of the way of the camshaft.
Last edited by klhansen; 06/29/2025 7:23 PM.
