Oh, crap. Im so sorry to hear about this!

If the '54 vette engine is like the one in my '54 Bel-Air, the main bearing clearance is set with shimstock between block and caps. If the clearance isnt set right with these shims, the bearings will be too loose or too tight.

What was your oil pressure before this happened? What weight oil are you running?

My bet is bearing failure. If the oil pump was new, and the lines installed right, Im sure it is OK. It is very unusual for a cam bearing to spin or fail, if it was installed properly. A rod would have started to knock like crazy if a rod insert was the culprit.

I'm going to bet that either your #2 or #3 main bearing insert has failed due to improper installation. Drain the oil into a clean pan for inspection. Bearing failure will show up as chips, chunks and ribbons of metal in the drained oil.

Please let us know what happened!!

Chip

Preaching the Hot Rod Gospel according to the 4-stroke apostles:

Suck, Squish, Fire and Fumes