loosing cam wieght

[Mekanix]

Hi,

I'm in the process of rebuilding an 81 400 motor and I have several cam's that i can try things with.

My question is :

Since the cam's are solid chunks of steal that weight 5 pounds each, Could I drill out the center (leaving enough for good strength)

Would this be worth it ? I mean less rotating mass and less load on the engine means more power is available..


Or another question,

Since the cams are just running on aluminum bearings, would it help if i ground down the ends of the cam's and fitted them with bearings instead?


The reason for the questions is that I've noticed how heavy and over engineered and how strong everything in this motor actually is. and I'd like to save a little weight where there is no need for so much extra engineering. And with so much strength designed into the engine, why use aluminum bearings when ball bearings are available.

Thanks

[Nessism]

Running the cams on the aluminum of the head works pretty well. As long as the oil is in good shape the parts are good for 100,000+ miles without worry so I don't understand what you hope to gain. As for drilling out the cams, I suspect you could but you won't be able to feel any change from the saddle so I don't see the point in that either.

[blowerbike]

post a picture of you and your long drill bit while drilling through these hardened camshafts.
i say 50% gain in HP...
any others?

[SqDancerLynn1]

It would be VERY expensive !!!! and No gain